Artists show personal views

by Armando Martinez

Daily Lobo

Three years ago, Rocky Norwell was walking Downtown when he stumbled upon the vacant building that would later become the Trillion Space.

The multi-purpose gallery and studio located Downtown has provided many local artists with a place to create and showcase their work.

"There's just nothing like it," said Norwell, founder of the Trillion Space. "It's not your average, Downtown art space."

In the past, the Trillion Space has hosted a variety of events including everything from hip-hop concerts and skateboarding shows to photography and painting exhibits.

"I don't take any credit for it." Norwell said. "It comes through me - not from me."

It's been several months since the Trillion Space had a public exhibit. This Friday marks the grand reopening of the new gallery area. The exhibit will feature drawings, paintings and photography from five Albuquerque artists, including Norwell.

Norwell said the Trillion Space's past shows have been successful and profitable for the artists.

"The community has responded well to what we've done," he said. "People will respond to things if you give it to them without a pretense. We let anyone interested in using the space do whatever they want, and it always works out."

Miguel Arzabe is one of the five artists whose work will be on display Friday.

"This show is about all of us coming together from different places with different ideas," he said. "The Trillion Space is a laboratory for experimenting with visual ideas."

Before coming to the Trillion Space, Arzabe said he had trouble expressing himself artistically in other traditional studios Downtown.

"The art world can be kind of suffocating and elitist," he said. "Here, we are more free to express our vision."

Laila Weeks, an art studio major at UNM featured in Friday's show, agrees.

"It's nice that there's a place for artists to be so involved with their work." Weeks said.

Weeks said the Trillion Space has become a second home to her, as it has for other artists.

"I've recently made a decision in my life that I really want to explore what I can learn as an artist. That includes gaining a new perspective on my work. Trillion Space has definitely made this a possibility," Weeks said. "I'm working in ways that I haven't before."

Dan Garcia, another artist featured in the show, said it's a nice space, and enough people are interested and serious.

Garcia has been involved with the Trillion Space since it started three years ago.

"We've always been about showing art in a way that brings people together. It's called the Trillion Space because there's a trillion ideas. It's not just a bunch of paintings on the walls for people to look at," Garcia said. "It's a place where people with ideas can come do something."

Norwell said he wants Friday's show to inspire people from the community to get involved.

"Friday's show is a symbol for the refining of the space," he said. "We're just excited about keeping the space going and making it its full potential."

Event Information:

Friday, Aug. 25

6 p.m.

510 Second St. NW (across from the Doubletree Hotel)

Free

Featured Artists:

Miguel Arzabe

Laila Weeks

Rocky Norton

Dan Garcia

Jess LaCasse