More than 40 works of art by painter Chris Morel and sculptor Ed Smida will complement one another during a new exhibition hosted by Nedra Matteucci Galleries in Santa Fe. “We’re so proud to exhibit the works of these two amazing artists with our first show of the year,” says gallery director Dustin Belyeu. “Their career paths have been unique, but they’re united by a love for art and the Southwest, and we can’t wait to see them come together.”
Chris Morel, San Luis Valley, oil on canvas, 12 x 22 in.
A Lifetime of Learning: Two Artistic Journeys focuses on each individuals’ journey to becoming artists, showcasing important works indicative of those experiences. The exhibition begins June 21 and runs through July 12.
A number of Smida’s bronze busts and figurative works will be featured, including Taos Man, depicting a strong and formidable Native American man. Originally in the field of engineering, Smida first began working with clay in 2012 at the age of 51, immediately demonstrating an innate connection to the medium. The artist is a member of the National Sculpture Society, and his work has been featured in their 85th, 86th and 88th Annual Awards Exhibition as well as in shows from Taos, New Mexico, to London. He has permanent works at the Couse-Sharp Historic Site and has shown at both the Albuquerque Museum and the Harwood Museum. Other works in the show by Smida include the 2017 bronze Grandma and the 2022 bronze The Seeker.
Ed Smida, Taos Man, bronze, ed. of 11, 18 x 12 x 10 in.
After receiving his fine art degree from Towson University, Morel first began his professional life working as an art director in Washington, D.C., and later as a staff illustrator for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Upon moving to Taos, Morel finally took the plunge and dove into painting full time, blossoming into the skillful landscape painter he is today.
Ed Smida, Grandma, bronze, ed. of 11, 17 x 10 x 9 in.
“Most of my paintings feature what I consider to be my neighborhood,” says Morel, who lives in the mountains outside of Taos in an area just off the famed High Road to Taos. “[My] work focuses on the mountains, streams, adobe villages and dramatic landscape of Northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.” One of his pieces in the upcoming exhibition, Early Spring Creek, depicts a scene marking the transition from one season to the next. “Early Spring Creek was a painting of the ‘Rio Pueblo de Picuris’ in late March, just a few miles upstream from my home and studio,” he reflects. “The creek was starting to open up with the warmer days while still holding on to its deep snow banks and rich winter colors. This particular area, which is close to 9,000 feet above sea level, is rich in subject matter and always delivers wonderful ideas for my paintings.”
Chris Morel, Early Spring Creek, oil on canvas, 18 x 24 in.
Another painting in the show, San Luis Valley, came from a recent trip Morel took to San Luis, the oldest town in Colorado, located just across New Mexico’s northern border. “This painting features the valley looking east toward the 14,000-foot peaks of the Sangre De Cristo range covered in fresh March snow,” he says. “While there painting along the road, I met a group of local Hispano ranchers who told me all about these beautiful mountains and their life and experiences exploring, hunting, gathering wood and grazing their cattle there.”
This is Nedra Matteucci Galleries’ first major show of the year. —
Nedra Matteucci Galleries
1075 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-4631, www.matteucci.com
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