This weekend has two unique events at Tortuga

“Creativity with Purpose” was held over from March and Friday April 14 is the last chance to see this Milagro Artist Show.

Hours on Friday are 12-5pm.

Saturday, Tortuga hosts local author Cynthia Sylvester with her book launch for “The Half White Album”. Music of the Half White Band will accompany readings by Cynthia. Bookworks will be on hand with her new book for sale.

Starts at 6pm on Saturday April 15, 2023.

April 2023 Popup show and events

Max Woltman’s pop up show, “What we See” will open on Saturday April 22- 4:30 to 9:30pm.

More events in April:

  • Thursday April 13 starting at 6:30pm Dimestories special edition honoring Jennifer Simpson who hosted Dimestories for many years.

  • Saturday April 15 doors open at 6pm- Book launch for “Half White Album” by Cynthia Sylvester with live music by the Half White Band including Nicole Cajori, Pax Garcia, Pepper Joy, Rev PJ and William Writt

  • Wednesday April 19 starting at 6:30pm Poetry open mic hosted by Holly Wilson. suggested donation $5

  • Friday April 21 starting at 6:30pm Works in Progress presented by the UNM Fine Arts Department.

  • Saturday April 22 starting at 4:30pm “What we See” by Max Woltman

  • Tuesday April 25 from 7-9pm “What we See” open hours and talk by Dr PJ Sedillo

  • Thursday April 27 Closing Celebration 5-8pm

Review of March 2023: Milagro Artist Group, Music: Blue Midnight plus Kaleidoscope, Poetry open mic

It’s been a great month at Tortuga

Many old and new friends came out for open mic poetry with Holly Wilson, there was a great crowd for the Blue Midnight? Kaleidoscope concert and a lucky group took the opportunity to hear from the artists from the Milagro Artist Group at the artist talk.

Here’s what’s next:

A few more times to view the “Creativity with Purpose” show. March 24, 25 from 11am until 5pm and the closing celebration on March 31. from 5-8pm.

Ongoing…..

Open call for the community art show “Circles: Nothing is Lost” continues until April 25, 2023.

Application is online through this link: Circles: Nothing is Lost

Next up: Creativity with Purpose plus Call for art: "Circles- Nothing is Lost"

March 3 is the opening for the Milagro Artist Group’s show, “Creativity with Purpose”.

There is no concert on February 25 as the Heart Collectors have had a change in schedule. We hope to connect with them the next time around.

Always check the events tab for updated information.

The Call for art for the community show in June, “Circles- Nothing is Lost” is up on the website. More information HERE

See you at Tortuga!

February events and looking toward March

There are two more events that celebrate the “Beauty of the Warrior”

Friday at 5pm is an open reception to meet the artists.Tatulli Komogorova & Adriana Maresma.

Saturday at 4pm is a Flamenco show matinee. Tickets available on the event page

MARCH 2023

The Milagro Artist Group present “Creativity with Purpose”

Opening celebration is Friday March 3, 2023 beginning at 5pm

Many more events are on the March calendar including Dimestories, Open mic poetry., Meet the artists and a special music event on March 18 TBA- check out the events tab on the website for more info.

An Overview of February Events

     Friday February 3, 2023 Opening for "All Mixed Up", a show presented by the Mixed Media Textile Artists of New Mexico. The show runs through February 11, 2023.


     Thursday February 9, 2023 "Dimestories" 7-9pm  All are welcome to come as readers or listeners.  Readers will present a 3 minute story of any genre. Hosted by Cindy Sylvester.


      Tuesday February 14, 2023 7pm "Beauty of the Warrior"     Valentine's Day Flamenco show with wine and tapas served. Tickets are $30 each or 2 for $50. Tickets available HERE


      Friday February 17, 2023 from 5:30-9:30pm  "Beauty of the Warrior" Meet the artists. Tatulli Komogorova & Adriana Maresma   

Saturday February 18, 2023 matinee starts at 4pm "Beauty of the Warrior" General admission is $20, students and children are $15. Tickets Available HERE
     Tuesday February 21, 2023 from 6-9pm "Game Night". Bring a game and a friend and a snack to share. Suggested donation $5.
     Saturday February 25, 2023. "Heart Collectors" A 60s and 70s inspired  Epic folk group from Australia. Doors at 7pm, concert at 7:30pm.  $16-20.

Coming up @ Tortuga

There is not a regular art show at Tortuga in January but there are some events that can light a spark and keep you warm.

Monday January 9, 2023 is Game Night starting at 6pm. Bring a game and a friend and a snack. Suggested donation $5.

Thursday January 12, 2023 “Dimestories” @ 7pm. Three minute stories to delight and contemplate. Suggested donation $3.

Saturday January 28, 2023 @ 7pm until 10:30pm Let it Grow performs for a family dance party. Grateful Dead Tribute Band with Lonn Calanca.

Looking into February, there are two popup shows:

All Mixed Up from February 3-11, 2023

Art & Flamenco from February 14-19, 2023

Hope to see you at Tortuga!

Interested in showing at Tortuga?

It’s a quiet time right now as Tortuga plans for 2023.

The art show calendar is beginning to fill in for 2023. If you are interested in hosting your own show at Tortuga, take a look at available dates. A ten-day popup show is only $525. Perhaps you want to gather some friends and put together a show of art and performance. When you sign up for a popup show, you have use of the space for ten days.

Just imagine the possibilities: music, spoken word, visual arts, interactive art. You are really only limited by your imagination.

There were many creative shows hosted in 2022. Some were installations that included sounds like “Soft as Ash”. Some were a collective of artists like the Libros show and “All Mixed Up” a show put together by the Mixed Media and Textile Artists of New Mexico. “Faces and Hands” was presented by a group of artists as well. “Time to Listen” was a collective of artists including three-d and experiential art. Is was like a small Meow Wolf.

Single artist shows are also quite successful like “Magical Realism & Performance Art”, by Bradley Samuel aka Bard.

Please consider this an invitation to join the Tortuga Family and show your creativity!

A Portrait and Figure Painting Intensive Workshop

In Albuquerque! 

Dates: Tues. Wed. Thurs. / October 25th - 27th / 10 - 4:00PM 

Location: TORTUGA GALLERY,    901 Edith Blvd SE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102

Workshop Fee: $475 (includes models)

Instructor: Randall Sexton, California-based Fine Artist, and Instructor

www.rcsexton.com 

    Join Randall for a uniquely fun and rewarding three-day painting workshop experience focused on figure and portrait studies. This powerful and popular format uses a series of exercises to challenge artists at all levels but especially for intermediate to advanced painters. 

   Students will work with wonderful models directly from life. Yay!  Demonstrations will be in oil but other mediums are welcome. Light refreshments and coffee will be provided - (1hr break for a lunch hour midday)

   Class size is limited to 10 so that all have plenty of room to view demonstrations and receive individual feedback. Register early to reserve a spot. Students will need to bring their own supplies and equipment (a compact plein air setup is ideal).  A confirmation and  "Suggested Supply" list will be forwarded upon registration.

   DAY ONE: QUICK STUDIES >NUDE SHORT POSES (25-40 MINUTE)

 After morning demonstrations students will paint a series of short poses in an "aerobic" workout :)...learning how to see gesture, proportion, and the basic forms of the human form while addressing value/color relationships.

  DAY TWO: SLOWING DOWN > 

AM > FIGURE, PM PORTRAIT 

Our morning starts with some warm-ups followed by Long(ish) Costumed figure poses until we break for lunch. 

PM > PORTRAIT 

Afternoon demonstration followed by practice. Longer poses. 

  DAY THREE: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

AM Long Pose

PM Long Pose / Final Critique

To Register:

Contact Randall directly at rcsextonstudio@gmail.com with your complete contact information. 

Forward a $475  by Venmo, PayPal, or check (confirmation and "Suggested Supply" list to follow.  

"Let's Get Metaphysical!" opens on Friday October 7, 2022

Friday October 7 from 5-8pm is the opening for “Let’s Get Metaphysical!” See events tab for more events throughout the month.

Tortuga Gallery presents “Let’s Get Metaphysical!” opening on Friday, October 7 from 5-8pm. This provocative show features work by nine Albuquerque artists whose work is grounded in metaphysical explorations from the microscopic to the metagalactic, and from the soma to the psyche. Historically, humans have explored the nature of existence and expressed their limited understanding of it through philosophical, mathematical, and creative arts. Metaphysics, as a branch of philosophy, attempts to explain that which is unseen yet impacts the physical world.

In this show, each of the following visual artists presents works that makes the invisible, visible:

Caitlin Padilla creates Spiritual Surrealist paintings using cosmic imagery, anatomy, and the feminine form to open a dialogue about universal connection. Focusing on authenticity through the juxtaposition of power and vulnerability, she combines raw emotion and complex detail to bring intention and depth to her work. caitlinpadilla.com

Carol Roullard creates stunning award-winning micro-crystal art that has been shown in multiple galleries and written up in publications both nationally and around the world. Her recent micro-crystal jewelry gives the wearer the opportunity to take her incredible art with them wherever they go. carolroullardart.com

Denise Weaver Ross explores her understanding of the world through images richly layered with mythological, natural, cultural, and historical references. An award-winning artist and poet, Denise will be presenting work from her I Ching series, based on the 64 hexagrams (made up of six yin and yang lines) of the 2000-year-old Chinese divination system. deniseweaverross.com

Diane Arthur, aka Cosmic Bird, is a multi-disciplinary artist whose rich tapestry of spiritual beliefs and experiences serves as the foundation for all her creations. Her work is the representation of her soul's magical experiences and the love that has grown inside her as a result. cosmicbirdart.com

Jenn DeSantis, aka LadyJennD, is a visual DJ who combines samplings of imagery and text to create her unique visions. Her cerebral mixed media collages, filled with healing intent, are in collections worldwide. linktr.ee/LadyJennD

Jona Lou Batt credits the Japanese concept of Yugen as the inspiration behind the intuitive applications of vibrant color that create her cosmic imagery. A NM State Fair Blue Ribbon winner in the Oils and Acrylics division, Jona hopes her work will continue to inspire a renewed sense of awe and wonder about our shared existence. artbyjonalou.com

KD Neeley is volunteering at Heroes Walk Among Us, a nonprofit organization that helps get homeless vets off the streets, with transportation, helps them find jobs, and apply for their benefits.  She is a Marine Corps Veteran recovering from severe PTSD and uses artwork as a vehicle toward recovery from trauma. kdneeley.com

Roe LiBretto creates internationally collected allegorical paintings that use an obtuse visual conglomerate of cross-cultural metaphysical and mythological symbolism. As a visionary artist, Roe is a conduit for visual representations of experiences stored in what Carl Jung refers to as the universal unconscious.roelibrettofineart.com

Sonia Luévano Campbell is inspired by Pope John Paull II's Letter to Artists which guides her to express beauty in what might otherwise be darkness. Sonia reaches beyond her formal training in liturgical art to create unique, visually powerful, narrative works. sonialuevano.com

Lesley Long memorial show and retrospective

Our good friend, Lesley Long passed away in May of this year. She was a prolific artist, using animals to point out the whimsical nature of all.

This Saturday September 24, 2022 we will be open from 3-6 for those who want to have a look at her collected works before the memorial on Sunday September 25.

Lesley has expressed her desire to have her art go out to folks who have an appreciation of her sly sense of humor. To the end, all art is for sale at accessible prices.

Proceeds of art sales will go to local animal rescue.

"Time to Listen" opens this Friday at Tortuga

An Art exhibit celebrating the force of nature and reminding us to stop and listen.

Artists include:

Beth Kassay, Jan Beck, Marissa Aurora, Ruth Carraway & Susie Protiva.

Open hours:

Friday September 9 from 3-6pm

Saturday September 10 Open House form 5-8pm

Sunday September 11 from 12-5pm includes Wildlife Rescue presentation.

Thursday September 15 open from 12-5 including Collage Workshop

Friday September 16 open from 2-8pm

Saturday September 17 open from 2-7pm

Sunday September 18 open from 2-7pm

Son de Allá y Son de Acá coming to four Albuquerque Galleries August 5, 2022

Sixty artists from across New Mexico, California, Colorado, Arizona and Texas converge in Albuquerque for a four-venue exhibition and artist exchange. 

Four Albuquerque art galleries, including El Chante: Casa de Cultura, Exhibit/208, Tortuga Gallery, and South Broadway Cultural Center, will host Son de Allá y Son de Acá / They are from there, and they are from here the second phase of a two-part artist exchange facilitated by local Albuquerque artist Vicente Telles.

Tortuga will also feature the work of Santiago Perez and Derrick Montez.

The opening receptions of the first three exhibitions will be held on First Friday, August 5, 2022, starting at 4 PM at Tortuga Gallery and 5 PM at El Chante: Casa de Cultura and the South Broadway Cultural Center. A live performance by multidisciplinary artist Jose Villalobos will take place at 7 PM at South Broadway Cultural Center. The fourth and final exhibition will open on Friday, August 12, at Exhibit/208, starting at 5 PM.

Son de Allá y Son de Acá is organized and co-curated by Albuquerque, New Mexico artist Vicente Telles, San Diego, California artist Ricardo Islas, and Rigoberto Luna, Director and Curator at Presa House Gallery in San Antonio, Texas.

Participating Artists

Curated by: Vicente Telles

Andrew Sanchez - New Mexico, Audrey Montoya - New Mexico, Brandon Maldonado - New Mexico, Carlos Santistevan - Colorado, Daisy Quesada - New Mexico, Desire Beltran - New Mexico, Elena Baca - New Mexico, Eric J. Garcia - New Mexico, Eric Romero - New Mexico, Ernie Lucero - California, Frank Zamora - Colorado, Gabriela Campos - New Mexico, Gerald Lovato - New Mexico, Jason Garcia - New Mexico, Jerry Montoya - New Mexico, Karsten - New Mexico, Kevin Urban - New Mexico, Lorena Salaz - New Mexico, Marco Albarran - Arizona, Rachel Tapia - New Mexico, Reyes Padilla - New Mexico, Ruben Cantu - New Mexico, Sonia Romero - California, Tomas Bowers - New Mexico, Yvonne Vanesa Zamora-Vazquez - Colorado,

Curated by: Rigoberto Luna

Aaron Coleman - Arizona, Adrian Delgado - California, Albert Alvarez - Texas, Alejandro Macias - Arizona, Alexandria Canchola - Texas, Ari Brielle - Texas, Cande Aguilar - Texas, Emilia Cruz - California, Eva Marengo Sanchez - Texas, Evil Dave - Texas, GachoStyle - Texas, Gerardo Garcia - Texas, Gil Rocha - Texas, Guadalupe Hernandez - Texas, Jaylen Pigford - Texas, Jenelle Esparza - Texas, Jesus Trevino - Texas, John Guzman - Texas, Jose Villalobos - Texas, Josie Del Castillo - Texas, Laurie Garcia Jones - Texas, Marco Sanchez - Texas, Rosanna Romero - Texas, Sam Rawls - Texas, Veronica Gaona - Texas.

Curated by: Ricardo Islas

2Hermano - California, Bernice Badillo - California, Chikle - California, Hector Mexikota Villegas - California, Jasmine Puentes - California, Jessie Villa - California, Marino Gomez- California, Sal Gonzalez - California, Selina Calvo - California.

'as soft as ash' an exhibition by Erin Gould & Jessica Zeglin

This Saturday July 16, Tortuga will house ‘as soft as ash’ presented by two Albuquerque young artists.

This installation will pique your curiosity.

Open hours:

  • Saturday, July 16th: opening from 6-8 pm

  • Sunday, July 17th: open from 2-4 pm

  • Tuesday, July 19th: open from 6-8 pm

  • Thursday, July 21st: open from 6-8 pm

  • Friday, July 22nd: soft closing from 6-8 pm

"Imagine: An Art Show of Love & Hope" by the Nine by Nine Art Group

The new show, “Imagine: An Art show of Love & Hope” is presented by Santiago Perez along with the Nine by Nine Art Group.

Opening is Friday June 17 from 4-8pm and includes live music, light refreshments and a chance to meet the artists.

FEATURING: CHRIS BULL, CECILY COLBERT, LAURI DICKINSON, MARY DORNACKER, PETER FITZPATRICK, JOANI MURPHY, SANTIAGO PEREZ, LARRY SMITH, JEANNETTE WILLIAMS, AND GUEST ARTIST: MARY WOODWARD