February Visual Artists
35th Anniversary Season 2021—2022
The Placitas Artists Series is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
This project is made possible in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs,
Visual Artists Reception
February 20, 2022 at 2 p.m.
All artist images are copyright protected and may not be duplicated or shared
without the express consent of the artist. Click on any image to enlarge view.
Image Used with Permission
© Karl Hofmann- All Rights Reserved
The image of a window set within a frame, a view to another place,
another reality is a unifying theme in Contractor’s work. The colors
and the unique quality of light in the southwest make up a rich and
diverse palette that she naturally makes use of, and the diverse
forms of its land and sky-scapes find their way into the window
“views”. She tries to achieve a blend of the representational and the
abstract in the landscapes and to keep a geometrical contemporary
feel in the “frames” combined with a bold approach to color. Color is
a source of constant joy.
Donna says: “Color is a source of constant joy for me, from bold and
surprising, to subtle gradations. My earliest childhood memories
involved vivid color combinations and these continue to inspire me
today.”
Colleen Zacharias Gregoire grew up in the Midwest, and
studied drawing and painting privately before attaining her
BFA and MFA in painting from the University of Kansas
where, inspired by regional artist Robert Sudlow, she began
a life-long love for the local landscape. Her work also
focuses on architectural themes that reflect the intimacies
of daily life. Colleen has taught design, drawing, painting
and art history courses at the college level, and has
provided graphic design services for non-profits. She
relocated to Placitas in the fall of 2020, and has enjoyed
new-found inspiration for her oils and watercolor paintings.
P.K. Williams started her art career after retiring from teaching and
relocating from El Paso, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico. She
worked with Art in the School for six years and is a Master
Gardener and member of the New Mexico Watercolor Society and
the Rio Grande Art Association. She has shown her work in several
local exhibitions, including a solo exhibition at the Open Space
Visitor Center Gallery. She has also participated in group exhibitions
in other cities including Denver and San Diego. She’s won various
awards including first place for mixed media at the Texas &
Neighbors Regional Exhibition.
P. K. says: “I use mixed media to explore various subjects which
inspire a personal connection; abstracting that connection to create
a style quite the opposite of minimalism.”
Shomaker continues to study art since the 1950s, from
instructors and institutions in the US and Europe. Her style has
evolved from realistic to abstraction guided primarily by
intuition and currently using encaustic media.
Dianna says: “Welcome to my art world, one of exploration,
curiosity and intuition. I love a good puzzle. That’s what the
world of art offers. I’ve looked at technique and composition
from inside and out. Always seeking the path leading to
emotion and meaning of the art. What I hope to achieve are
answers to my curiosity, greater awareness of materials and
substrates, and a sense of satisfaction. “
Christiane Couvert was born into a family of artists; father a
wood craftsman, brother a sculptor and painter, sister an art
scholar. Her world travels contributed to her artistic nature.
Teaching yoga, healing with physical therapy and practicing
martial arts gave her centeredness and discipline. She believes
creating artwork is a process that creates two stories: the
making, combining feelings and inspirations; the feel, through
touching and the piece’s use in everyday life.
Christiane says: “My artwork becomes part of my story. It takes
on the patina of my expression. I wish for my patrons’
happiness using my ceramic art pieces every day.”
