STEP UP GALLERY News:

Step Up Gallery at Mesa Public Library, 2400 Central Ave., announces the first ever Los Alamos County Employee Art Showcase, an exhibit of art and photography, opening at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Members of the community are invited to attend the Opening Reception 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday in the third-floor rotunda outside the Gallery. Light refreshments will be served. This showcase is open through Feb. 1.

Visit Step Up Gallery to discover carved and painted retablos, a carved wooden bowl and wooden bench by LAFD Capt. Raul Manzanares; painted and decorated Yak Skulls by Transit Dispatcher Ramon Trujillo; photographs and other mixed media art by Assistant Public Information Officer Leslie Bucklin and Parks and Trail Specialist Jessica Morgan; photographs by Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager Danielle Duran and Senior Office Specialist Darby Martinez; quilts and fiber collages by Library Associate Katy Korkos; yarn cardigan by Library Specialist Shannon Ferrell; crocheted skirts and a dress by Library Associate Geula Gross; mixed media art by Library Associate Rosalia Olivas and Library Associate Ken Nebel; oil paintings and a pastel painting by Library Associate Rachel Pearson; watercolors, a graphite drawing and ceramics by Planning Manager Sobia Sayeda; and pottery by Library Specialist Larissa Aguilar.

In addition to hosting this exhibit, the Los Alamos Public Library System plans to choose one two-dimensional work of art or photograph from the Showcase to purchase as an addition to Mesa Public Library’s circulating art collection. The chosen piece will be announced at Thursday’s Opening Reception.

Much of the art will be for sale by contacting the artist directly. All contact information will be provided at the Gallery. Step Up Gallery is open the same hours as Mesa Public Library.

For more information about the exhibits at Step Up Gallery, visit https://stepupgallery.org.