If you already have your tickets, check out a sneak preview of the artwork here.

Still haven’t bought your tickets? Call 480-833-5875 or email info@xicoinc.org

La Catrina by Zarco Guerrero with artist Martin Moreno

Here’s a sneak preview of the artwork that will be featured in the live art auction:

Self Portrait by Gloria Casillas

We had a great reception last night for our “Reach Within” exhibit, but if you missed it, the art is up through March 10 and we have an interview today with one of the featured artists. Gloria Casillas creates amazing works of art by using beadwork to blend traditional techniques with contemporary themes.

How do you feel about creating small pieces vs. large pieces?

Working with small pieces takes a lot of patience. For me working with beads becomes a trance because I become so concentrated on my work. It takes me a long time to complete what I consider my “big” pieces even though they measure less than 1′X 1′. When people see my work they tell me I must have a lot of patience to work with such small beads but I am very impatient in real life, working with beads challenges me and I love it!

Where does your creative urge come from?

My creative urge comes from everything and everyone. An image sparks up an idea and I create. My favorite thing to do is to freestyle, I just start doing, I don’t know how my project will end up but I continue moving and follow my instinct.

Do you remember when you first identified yourself as an artist?

I think the first time I identified myself as an artist was when I was asked to write my artist bio. For me it was scary to put myself out there with such a prestigious title and falling short from it. Now I know I am an artist because I create and there is no other like me who can create like me.

What do you have coming up next as an artist?

 Last year I became a member of the fabulous artist collective The Phoenix Fridas, we will have a show in June at Vision Gallery.

Give It Away by Rachel Hernandez

Artist interview time! Today we’re talking to Rachel Hernandez, a local artist in the “Reach Within” exhibition of small artwork at Xico. You can see Rachel and her art tomorrow (Friday Feb 10th) at Xico (44 S. San Marcos Pl Chandler, AZ) from 5:30 to 8:30 during an opening reception. The exhibit will be up through March 10.

How do you feel about creating small pieces vs. large pieces?

I haven’t done any large pieces…yet. I’m looking forward to it since it just gives me more field to play in.

Where does your creative urge come from?

Mostly all of the jumbled up things that go on in my head. They have to have a place to go and painting has been a fantastic place to put them. I also have very saturated dream images that contribute to my creativity.

Do you remember when you first identified yourself as an artist?

Yes, a very good friend and fellow artist introduced me as an “artist” and that’s when it hit me. Before then I had just started painting a bit and didn’t feel I had earned the title yet, I’m not sure how that made sense then but now I feel it.

What do you have coming up next as an artist?

Besides the Xico show, which I’m absolutely thrilled about, I don’t have anything set up yet. I will be working on some pieces to donate for fund raisers so those will fun.

Happiness by Bertica Garcia Dubus

Our artist interview today is with Bertica Garcia Dubus, a talented artist originally from the Dominican Republic who has exhibited often in that country and in the United States. Her work is currently on display at Xico as part of the “Reach Within” exhibition of small artworks through March 10.

How do you feel about creating small pieces vs. large pieces?

I enjoy both. For me, it depends on the subject matter. I chose to use color pencils for the pieces on this show and enjoyed it. Although I feel I have more control over color when using oil paints, the pencils gave me the control needed for the details.

Where does your creative urge come from?

Many places. I am fascinated by nature and all that happens before us when the light shines on everyday objects. My goal is to bring attention to these “simple” things through my work and help other people become aware of them.

Do you remember when you first identified yourself as an artist?

Although I had been creating art since I was a child, I believe it was in college, when one of my pieces received high marks and many applauses. That day I felt like an artist.

What do you have coming up next as an artist?

I will be the featured artist at “Art in the Garden” on April 21st. This is a yearly exhibition presented by Berridge Nurseries, in Phoenix. Although the date has not been set, I have been invited to present an individual show at Arte San Ramon, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Next year (January 2013), I am scheduled to show at Northern Trust, in Scottsdale. This will also be an individual exhibition.

My Definition by Damian Jim

Today’s Artist Interview is with Damian Jim, a Dine’ (Navajo) artist in Phoenix, AZ. You can see Damian’s work at the Xico gallery through March 10 at Xico as part of the “Reach Within” exhibition of small artworks.

How do you feel about creating small pieces vs. large pieces?

I like working with small pieces, the scale allows you to become more intimate with your audience.  I approach my work as being scalable from any idea and it’s only your ultimate statement which differentiates impact.  The “ultimate statement” is the voice of your painting, no matter the scale, and the result can speak volumes with your audience.

Where does your creative urge come from?

I have always been highly creative from a young age, and I’ve always used art as an outlet for my voice while I was growing up. I’m always sketching ideas out as quickly as I get them, and frequently use current art related media and events, advertising, and experiences, to create visual snapshots for sketches. 

Do you remember when you first identified yourself as an artist?

I started becoming involved in art contests in high school and my art teacher certainly helped me to start looking at art as a career after high school.  He even took the time to create an artist award for me at the end of the year, and it made a huge difference in defining my life as an artist.

What do you have coming up next as an artist?

Better visualizations, my next sketch list of paintings will utilize a return to old painting techniques on a large scale, while continuing to create pieces using different methods and media.

Flor de Fuego by Michelle Ponce

Welcome to the first artist interview for Xico’s “Reach Within” exhibit, an entire show of small artworks at Xico through March 10. Today we’re talking to Michelle I. Ponce, a Caribbean artist currently living and working in Phoenix, Arizona.

How do you feel about creating small pieces vs. large pieces?

It’s a lot of fun to create small pieces and large pieces, they are both so different.  With small pieces I have to be very careful with my hand movements.  Large pieces also require careful attention; sincre they’re bigger, the viewer can see more of it!

Where does your creative urge come from?

My creative urge comes from a mixture of emotion, thought, and an urge to act, to create.  An idea comes to me that I feel I must share, and I pay heed to that urge.  The more I exercise that urge, the more it flows.

Do you remember when you first identified yourself as an artist?

Yes, it was in high school and I had a wonderful art teacher that supported my identifying as an artist.  I think I knew since I was younger, but it took years to actually feel comfortable calling myself an artist!

What do you have coming up next as an artist?

 I look forward to continued growth and a deeper understanding and appreciation of the process of creating.  There is much work to do!

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