A glimpse back
Insights from past Harwood artists
“I remember when the Harwood was a big empty building and Friedje had recruited a few people from the community to brainstorm about what it might become. The art community was large; studio and gallery spaces were limited. A match was made, and as the space filled up, the vision evolved. Albuquerque United Artists had an office, and held exhibitions during the 1990s. In 2000, I collected burned relics from the Cerro Grande fire. The Harwood had a space available, and though I have always had my own studio (OK, those burned things were sooty), I rented a studio there while I worked on some ideas. Eventually I had two shows about the fire. The Harwood also awarded me an exhibition in 2005. That was a true honor. The place has been part of my life for the entire time it has existed as a “home for art and artists.” Congratulations! Twenty years is an incredible accomplishment.” - Barbara Grothus
I was at Harwood almost at the beginning. I remember being able to walk down the hall and pick out the room I wanted. Richard Goulis was director then. I was a mask maker and still am. Harwood was my home for 9 years. I spent all day everyday there. I can remember walking there in snow since I lived only a few blocks away. When it first started it was a community and we had great potlucks. Harwood gave me a great start in my life as a artist. I miss having all the creative people around me. - Judith Rauchfuss
“In 2001 I was unable to find work in architecture so I turned to my lifelong love of collage and painting and rented a studio. The work shown at the Harwood galleries was always stimulating but also inspired me to develop a body of collages to exhibit. The then current art director Buffy, was always encouraging me as well. I was privileged to have a Harwood exhibit of my collages in 2006. I loved open studio as a chance to get feedback and talk personally about your work and techniques. Now, both my kids, Rae and Bryce, have amazing talent in art and music and have had a Harwood studio together for years, now used by Bryce as a painting studio. Rae is currently involved in printmaking at Bard College. They both took Harwood summer art classes as young artists. I’ve continued to be involved in architecture, graphic design, fine arts and exhibit design. The studio was always a refuge, a personal space where I could open to my own creative ‘voice’.” - Krystine Graziano