Van onze correspondent in de USA

ALBUQERQUE, NM - Yesterday I attended the opening ceremony the exhibition of Mark Chàvez' wood-carved sculptures. Till the 28th of June you can see the remarkable art of this former New Mexico fireman in the Open Space Visitor Center. For details, jus read the adjaent flyer.

More on: http://www.cab.gov/openspace

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Norita B., Albuquerque, NM

The flyer:

OPEN SPACE PRESENTS:

Chainsaw Carving Demonstration

May 25^th, 2008
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What: Mark Chávez, Chainsaw Sculptor, Art Show and Demonstration
Where: Open Space Visitor Center
6500 Coors Blvd., NW (Between Montaño & Paseo del Norte at Bosque Meadows Rd.)
505-897-8831
When: Demonstration May 25^th 9am - 4pm-- Free Admission
Contact: Joshua Willis, Parks & Recreation Dept., Open Space Division, 505-897-8831, jrwillis@cabq.gov file://www.cabq.gov/openspace

'I am so pleased to see Mark Chávez, first responder to the 2003 Bosque fire, return to this site in his retirement from the COA Fire Department to revive the Pueblo Montaño Open Space for all of our enjoyment.' Mayor Martin Chávez

Open Space visitors on the West Side have been enjoying the sculptures of local artist and retired City of Albuquerque fire fighter Mark Chávez for a few years now. Chávez has been busy converting Pueblo Montaño, an Open Space Bosque site located on the SE corner of Montaño and Coors, into a homage to the local flavors of the Southwest. The Bosque at the Pueblo Montaño site was overtaken by fire in 2003, but Chávez has done a remarkable job reviving the scorched Cottonwood trees and giving them a second life as sculptures. Chávez's sculptures depict native flora and fauna such as Prickly Pair Cactus and Great Horned Owls as well as folklore character, La Llarona (The Weeping Woman).

More recently Chávez's work can be seen at the Open Space Visitor Center (OSVC). Perhaps the most grand and detailed sculpture he has done can be seen at the OSVC. Mark named this piece 'Arbol De Vida' or Tree of Life. The Tree of Life renders the diverse collections of animals indigenous to New Mexico in a totem style wood carving. We are honored to host a collection of his remarkable works April 22^nd through June 28^th , 2008.

The public is invited on May 25^th, 9am- 4pm two witness a carving demonstration. The Open Space Division invites you to come and enjoy this unique opportunity at the Open Space Visitor Center located at 6500 Coors between Montaño and Paseo del Norte on Bosque Meadows Rd. Call 505-897-8831 or email jrwillis@cabq.gov for more information.