“Abstract Odyssey”—new works by Patricia Burns
By Melanie Harris de Maycotte, June 29, 2007

Art opening “Abstract Odyssey” by Patricia Burns Sun, June 30, 6–8pm Galería/Atelier Fábrica la Aurora Calzada de la Aurora

Motions and emotions in two dimensions emerge on the canvases by Patricia Burns. A sense of searching, destination and arrival are portrayed in her vivid tones and textures that whisper of an amazing journey through a sometimes challenging, but mostly blessed world. Burns’ work is a first-world odyssey: a life full of opportunity sought, taken and then celebrated on the canvas. Burns’ work resonates with a contagious joy for all of life’s ups and downs that can only be appreciated when one takes the time to meditate upon these gifts.

Meeting Patricia Burns is a rare treat. Her eyes sparkle and her smile is contagious. Burns is a woman who has always willingly and unapologetically put herself out to the world through her many different roles in life: as a mother, wife, filmmaker, executive and most recently as an abstract painter.

For almost 20 years Patricia has immersed herself in her work and has achieved the delicate balance that it takes to truly be an abstract painter. Through careful studied preparation with master painters like Tom Gaughan, Roger Chavez and Kasseem Amoud, coupled with her gift of prose and storytelling, Burns has put together a masterful one-woman show entitled “Abstract Odyssey.”

Burns believes San Miguel is the ideal setting for this show as it is a town of kindred souls who themselves are on an odyssey into a foreign land. Many people here have walked many shores in many different shoes and now have the peace and state of mind to reflect. A walk into Patricia Burns’s world requires a moment to be absorbed by her pure colors and to clear one’s mind, allowing the colors to take you away to the moment the colors first touched the canvas. Patricia’s images are powerful, evocative and are a true odyssey for all to take.

Zimmerman’s annual art show

Jess Izak Zimmerman invites you to his annual summer art show on July 5 at Cuna de Allende 15. Zimmerman, who studied at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, ventured down to Mexico four years ago. Since then he has been traveling through Mexico, selling his work and experiencing this wonderful country.

He will donate a percentage of the proceeds to one of his favorite organizations, Kids First. Kids First is a group of 20 doctors who have been together for 20 years, traveling Central and South America. 

For the past few years, the doctors have worked in San Miguel with children up to the age of 18. Predominantly orthopedic surgeons, they have done amazing work helping the local youth.

Zimmerman would also like to thank Joanie Barcall for the use of her beautiful space.


Length of exhibition: July 1-30 : Hours 11-2am.
Opening reception: Sat., July 7, 2-4pm

Paintings for the spirit
By Laksmi Devi

Nancy Nugent is the featured artist for the month of July at St. Paul’s Church Hall, showing a new series of figurative oils called “Water: The Sacred Connection” as well as other recent oils featuring the water element.

Nugent studied drawing and indirect oil painting for five years at New York’s Art Student’s League, and has painted for over 30 years in several media, exhibiting both in her native California and in Mexico. In San Miguel she has shown at the Instituto Allende and Galerías San Miguel and Ra Luz in group shows, as well as one-woman shows in other venues. Her colorist paintings are vibrant and beautiful, often dramatizing a deep love for nature and the human form.

Nancy says “Since our bodies are over 80 percent water, and since water represents the changeable female principle, yielding, yet infinitely powerful, and since it is totally necessary for the continuation of the species, we cannot ignore its importance or take it for granted. As a symbol for the sacred, it was equated with “Eternal Truth” in some esoteric ancient Greek and Aramaic Bible texts. 

So while contemplating important decisions, one could experience appreciation for its’ healing properties, at least pausing to drink a glass before picking up the cell-phone!”

“The Sacred Connection” expands on the theme Nugent began in “The Four Elements,” inviting us to be responsive to our relationship with the planet Earth. It contrasts the enduring majesty of stone with the transforming, adapting power of water. In this series, however, the human form is reduced in size, and Mother Nature is the star. Nancy concludes;“It is my desire that these works act as a visual meditation, instilling or restoring in the viewer a sense of awe and respect, of peace, equilibrium and harmony, our connection to the infinite and to the timeless.”

Meet the artist

Rubén Chuela
Friday, July 6
12-4pm
Museo Histórico 
Cuna de Allende 
Cocktail Reception
Galeria 7 Flor
6-10pm
Sollano 15