Wild Hearts Gallery Features Laura Robbins: Toward Water in September

Toward Water is an exploration of water imagery in mosaic, using hand-formed ceramics along with fused, cast and cut glass. The works in the exhibit are visual metaphors that explore what water holds and supports -- above and below the surface, most created before and after a recent visit to the Big Island of Hawaii. They range in size from seven inches to a large, free-standing sculpture.

Robbins is co-founder of Mosaic New Mexico and co-author of the 40-page booklet Mosaics of Central New Mexico. She has been commissioned to create many large-scale mosaics (ranging from six to 70 feet long). Her public works include murals for the Albuquerque Zoo and Botanic Gardens and five local Range Cafes. She was one of the creative forces behind the 70-foot-long Placitas Community Mosaic project entitled Protect Our Wildlife Corridors which involved hundreds of community members and sought to raise awareness of New Mexico's indigenous animals and their need to travel to maintain genetic viability.

“From the high desert of New Mexico to the Pacific Ocean—all of my artwork is about connectivity. I depict parts of nature to say “Look, See! What an amazing life we live together on this planet! I had focused on my relations with desert animals, plants, rocks, mountains and sky of endless changes until visiting the homes and neighborhoods of the reef. There, just inches under the surface, are worlds gently exploding with colors and patterns and sea life that I had never imagined I’d be able to share. I also explore vessel/boat imagery as a metaphor of holding life through internal and external journeys.”

The reception will be celebrated with fellowship and refreshments on Saturday, September 9 from 1-4 pm. A percentage of sales by the artist during the exhibit will be donated to Hawaii Community Foundation: Maui Strong.

Wild Hearts Gallery is an artists’ collective, supported by 16 local artists. Located at 221-B State Highway 165, The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a. to 4:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. You can also take a virtual tour of the gallery by visiting wildheartsgallery.com.