Yay! Open Studio is Back!
Wednesday, noon to 3 pm, Limit 5 people 
(More hours and space coming soon)
There's a lot going on this year at OC!
Window exhibitions...more programs...more evolving artists...return of workshops...new and returning board members...March First Friday...and more! Read on for all the news.

AND Save the Date: Zoom Community Celebration, Wednesday, March 24, 5:30 to 6:30.  Join the board and staff to talk about what we've been doing, where we're going (with your help) and have some fun. Poetry. Puppets. Art...(I may even wear a silly puppet hat - Mary S., ED) We'll send out an invitation soon with a complete agenda. 


We'll be open for Abq Artwalk March First Friday. Phil's work is currently one of our window exhibitions and all is for sale. You can park in our lot and walk to all the great venues. Food, Music, Art! Great way to end a week.
Welcome New Board Member Bob LaVallee (He/Him)

Bob, an associate minister at First Unitarian Church, recently joined our board. Before coming to First U, Bob served as a chaplain and as Interim Minister at South Valley UU Society in Salt Lake City, UT. Bob's first career was in non-profit management, so he brings a wonderful combination of business and spirit to our board. (We also enjoy his elderly dachshund particpating in our zoom meeting. Woof!)  
 
Also, a big welcome back to Christi Rein. Christi had to take a sabbatical last year and we're so glad she's back!
News Bits & Bytes

Print Shop Coming Soon. Thanks to a grant from the city, Two Way Street was able to purchase our frame shop materials and equipment. They're creating more jobs for their clients and we look forward to working more with them, including sending folks their way for framing. We'll use the space for a new print shop, planned by program manager Asenath Lizarraga. (Two Way Street is a community-based publication providing job opportunities for Albuquerque's low-income and homeless communities. Thanks to the grant, they can do more now.)

Thanks, KRQE! Program manager Ashley Kincaide was recently interviewed on This Morning about our 20th anniversary and programs, with a teaser or two about what's to come this year. Check it out.

ICYMI: Asenath's recent KRQE interview re art kits.

The Return of the Folk Art Festival. Due to COVID (and funding needs), we're not able to do the BIG event we've done in years past but we are going to have a festival this summer, and we're inviting partners to join us for more inclusion, more fun and more economic opportunities for artists. (And here's a teaser for you. Stay tuned for 2022 news.) Yes, there will be puppets; was there any doubt?

New Website Coming in March.  Thanks to a pricing break from super pro web developer Don Dale, we're able to bring you a new site. Easier to use and we'll be adding a gallery sales feature soon so our artists can sell online.

ICYMI. Our evolving artists now get 100% of sales from their exhibitions. And, as COVID allows, we hope to re-open our full on site gallery soon.

A Note re Supply Donations. We always appreciate your support but we no longer have a thrift store and we have limited storage space. As much as we love discovering hidden treasure, feeding our thrifter joy...we need the space for other programs. Groups such as Goodwill and Salvation Army can use the frames, small appliances, electronics, books, jewelry, clothing, toys and such.

We can always use acrylic and watercolor paints, artist brushes and pencils, canvas, drawing pads, crayon packs, pastels, and small glue sticks. We update our needs regularly on Facebook. Questions, email us.

You can drop off donations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays noon to 3 pm (barring bad weather) and by appointment on Thursdays (asenath.lizarraga@offcenterarts.org) and Saturdays (ashley.kincaide@offcenterarts.org.)

Want Free Art Boxes or Kits for Your Group?
We're offering for group homes and shelters; drop a line to:
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OFFCenter Community Arts Project is a 501(c)3 organization.
Your contributions are tax deductible as according to law.
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