The Recess Gallery is excited to welcome new work from our dear friend Ray Martinez and his new series of portraits "Artist Statement," for the month of August. Please join us for an opening reception for Ray's new work.

All work from Ray's show is available to view and purchase in The Studio & Online Shop in in person through August 31.

A bit about the work from Ray:
"Art allows me to come out of my shell. To overcome the anxiety I feel when speaking with others. Because the feeling in my heART when creating is greater than the fear I often feel when interacting with others."

There are many elements that contribute to a great portrait: composition, posing, light and shadow are just a few of many considerations. Any combination of these can be part of a great portrait. The one element that cannot be missing is a connection between the photographer and the subject. I believe this is essential to a great portrait.

The connection in these portraits centered around the idea of what art means to these artists.

The Recess Gallery features small works (no larger than 5"x7") created by a different artist from around the region. Measuring at just over 8 cubic feet, The Recess gallery is Durango's smallest art gallery and rotates new exhibits every month. The Recess Gallery is nestled in the back of Studio & Gallery.