Unique vision: After 26 years, MasterWorks of New Mexico continues its curation of NM talent

Twenty-six years ago, MasterWorks of New Mexico was founded by Barbara Lohbeck.

The event began with a unique vision, that of combining the talents and experiences of existing fine arts organizations, each representing artists throughout New Mexico.

The charter board of representatives consisted of the Rio Grande Art Association, Pastel Society of New Mexico, the New Mexico Watercolor Society and Miniature Arts Bardean.

Unique vision: After 26 years, MasterWorks of New Mexico continues it curation of NM talent

“All four groups are still thriving and still coming together for one purpose, that is to bring the excellence of art from around New Mexico in celebration of its supreme talents,” Lohbeck says. “We realize the importance of our community arts and strive to come together as a team of all ages and various interests. This is the first time organizations such as these have collaborated and now recognize its merits.”

This year’s MasterWorks of New Mexico will open with a reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 22, at the Hispanic Arts Building at Expo New Mexico. The show will run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through April 14. It is closed on Monday and Easter.

Lohbeck says the show will have 141 standard-size paintings – 47 in each of the three media, watercolor, pastel and oil/acrylic.

“We will also hang 190 miniatures in seven different divisions,” she says. “Our judges and jurors through the years have remained well qualified and are enthused arts related men and women, who have helped build what is now regarded as one of the best shows in New Mexico. They have all been from New Mexico, as have been our artists.”

Lohbeck says MasterWorks has maintained a large number of participants in the yearlong planning stages, as well as executing all that’s necessary to produce another premier show. “Though many of us are growing a little older, we remain committed to this family which we call MasterWorks,” she says. “Expo New Mexico has also remained supportive of MasterWorks all 26 years, as have our many award sponsors.”

Lohbeck says MasterWorks also conducts workshops, artist demos, and this year a paint-in for artists.

“In past years, we have held special events for young aspiring artists, keeping education a part of our mission,” she says.