Blue Rain Gallery Podcast

Presented in partnership with Glass Alliance–New Mexico, this special bonus episode is part of Blue Rain Gallery’s ongoing lecture series in Santa Fe, celebrating the voices, stories, and creative practices of leading contemporary glass artists.In this engaging presentation, acclaimed glass artist Spooner Marcus (Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) reflects on his artistic journey, tracing the influences of family, culture, history, and community that have shaped his work. Through personal stories, archival photographs, and insights into his creative process, Marcus explores the legacy of his great-grandmother Regina Nakai Alvarado, the traditions of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, and his path from a young apprentice glassblower in Northern New Mexico to one of the most innovative Indigenous artists working in glass today.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Marcus’ distinctive approach to glassmaking, his ongoing dialogue with Pueblo pottery traditions, and the ways cultural heritage continues to inform and inspire his evolving artistic practice.Recorded live at Blue Rain Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. View artwork by Spooner Marcus: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/spooner-marcus/view-all

In this 100th episode of the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast, host Leroy Garcia welcomes acclaimed Santero Andrew Montoya, a master of devotional art rooted in New Mexico’s rich cultural traditions. Join us for an intimate conversation that explores Montoya’s deep familial ties to Santa Fe, his creative evolution from reluctant student to prolific carver and painter, and his unique blend of traditional Spanish Colonial imagery with contemporary technique.Montoya shares how a childhood spent painting under the guidance of his aunt blossomed into a lifelong devotion to sacred art—especially the three-dimensional form of the bulto. He discusses his inspirations, from Baroque sculptor Bernini to Native American design motifs, and gives insight into the process behind his vibrant, gravity-defying sculptures of saints, archangels, and biblical figures.Listeners will hear stories behind specific works, including a shadowbox Noah’s Ark, a radiant San Rafael honoring healthcare workers, and a colorful interpretation of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Montoya also reflects on his dual calling as a full-time nurse and artist, and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of santeros through youth mentorship.Whether you’re an art collector, culture enthusiast, or simply inspired by the enduring spirit of devotional art, this episode celebrates the passion, precision, and heritage that define Andrew Montoya’s growing legacy.View Andrew's work at Blue Rain Gallery: https://blueraingallery.com/ar...This episode was hosted by gallery owner and founder Leroy Garcia, produced and edited by Leah Garcia, with original music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.Discover curated home goods and fine art prints by Blue Rain Gallery artists — only at BlueRainPrintShop.com. Bring the art you love into your everyday life.

Join gallery owner Leroy Garcia as he takes you on an immersive ride-along with renowned artist Erin Currier through Santa Fe, New Mexico. This lively and heartfelt video explores three of Erin’s public art installations in beloved local restaurants: Escondido, Café Piazza, and Cafecito. Along the way, Erin shares the inspiring stories behind each piece—highlighting themes of redemption, cultural fusion, and community resilience.From a portrait honoring chef Fernando Ruiz, to a mid-century Italian-inspired mural, and a spiritual collage of tango legend Carlos Gardel, each stop reveals Erin’s deep passion for art, activism, and human connection. The journey is also a celebration of Santa Fe’s rich intersection of art, food, music, and dance, featuring guest appearances by restaurant owners, chefs, and even a visiting Italian culinary expert.Whether you’re a local, a collector, or a first-time visitor to Santa Fe, this behind-the-scenes look at Erin Currier’s public art offers a unique and uplifting perspective on the power of creativity in everyday spaces.Join us for Erin Currier's upcoming exhibition at Blue Rain Gallery opening June 27th from 5 - 7pmERIN CURRIERFrom Santa Fe to São Paulo to Sicily ~ The SublimeNew mixed media paintingsJune 27 – July 8, 2025 — Santa FeArtist Reception: Friday, June 27th from 5 - 7pmView original artwork by Erin Currier: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/erin-currierThis episode was hosted by gallery owner and founder Leroy Garcia, produced and edited by Leah Garcia, with original music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

In this insightful episode, Blue Rain Gallery founder Leroy Garcia walks the gallery floor with artist Eunika Rogers to explore her innovative process of painting with natural clays. Eunika shares how her large-scale works are created through an intricate blend of fine drawing, mindful layering, and the delicate balancing act of achieving the right clay consistency. The conversation highlights the labor-intensive nature of her work, the tactile quality of natural materials, and the meditative attention to detail that defines her style.As Leroy and Eunika discuss the nuances of scale, technique, and material, listeners get a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship and environmental connection that drive her practice. Whether working with bold colors or subtle monochromes, Eunika’s work is a poetic collaboration between hand, earth, and canvas.

In this episode of the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast, host Leroy Garcia welcomes glass artist Spooner Marcus to the studio. Spooner, a new addition to the Blue Rain Gallery artist roster, shares his journey as a glass artist, beginning with a serendipitous discovery of glassblowing after high school in his hometown of Española, New Mexico. He discusses his early experiences working in a makeshift hot shop and how his passion for the craft grew over the years. Spooner reflects on pivotal moments in his career, including collaborations with notable artists like Tony Jojola and Ira Lujan, and encounters with renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. Now working at Prairie Dog Glass in Santa Fe, Spooner has honed his craft for over two decades, evolving his style and refining his techniques. This insightful conversation is accompanied by a showcase of Spooner’s intricate glassworks, demonstrating his creativity and dedication to the art form. Tune in to explore the vibrant world of Native glass art and the journey of an artist keeping the movement alive. https://blueraingallery.com/artists/spooner-marcus The Blue Rain Gallery Podcast is hosted by Leroy Garcia, produced by Leah Garcia, and edited by Brandon Nelson, with music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

In today’s episode of the Blue Rain Gallery podcast, host Leroy Garcia discusses the inspiration behind climate activist and artist Robin Jones’ new solo exhibition The Mother Tree. Inspired by the writings of Dr. Suzanne Smart, Jones’ paintings dive headfirst into a celebration of interconnectedness with the natural world. Join us as we explore the stories behind her newest body of work. Learn more about Robin Jones and her artwork here: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/robin-jones/view-all Please like, comment, and subscribe for more Blue Rain Gallery Podcast art insights and inspiring stories! The Blue Rain Gallery Podcast is hosted by Leroy Garcia, produced by Leah Garcia, and edited by Brandon Nelson, with music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

​​In this episode, host Leroy Garcia joins Blue Rain Gallery-represented painter Helen K. Tindel at the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe. Together they explore “Pablita’s Wardrobe”, an exhibition Tindel curated to celebrate three generations of remarkable artistry within her family, beginning with her great-grandmother, renowned artist Pablita Velarde (1918–2006). Tindel delves into the history and inspiration behind Velarde’s paintings and handmade dolls, before introducing the exhibition’s centerpieces: six distinct outfits crafted from organic fabrics, shawls, sashes, moccasins, and Native jewelry—each piece reflecting the iconic style that defines Velarde’s legacy. This captivating conversation reveals how Pablita Velarde's profound impact on art and culture continues to pave the way for generations of women forging their own creative paths. To learn more about “Pablita’s Wardrobe,” read the Blue Rain Gallery blog post here: https://blueraingallery.com/blog/pablita-s-wardrobe To learn more about Helen K. Tindel, visit her artist page here: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/helen-k-tindel Please like, comment, and subscribe for more Blue Rain Gallery Podcast art insights! The Blue Rain Gallery Podcast is hosted by Leroy Garcia, produced by Leah Garcia, and edited by Brandon Nelson, with music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

Join Blue Rain Gallery owner and podcast host Leroy Garcia in the home of famed Western painter Billy Schenck as they delve into Schenck’s 400+ page book, Women Artists of the Ancient Southwest. As they tour Schenck’s extensive personal collection of prehistoric pottery, they share insights into the book’s contents, revealing the untold stories of the ancient women who created these magnificent works. Their engaging discussion reveals how Schenck identifies individual artists through their signature styles and highlights the recognition they earned in their time and today. Don’t miss this fascinating episode that celebrates the legacy of these extraordinary women and their lasting impact on the Southwest’s cultural history! Buy the book here: https://bluerainprintshop.com/collections/new-in/products/women-artists-of-the-ancient-southwest Purchase "Ancient Women of the Southwest" book here: https://bluerainprintshop.com/products/women-artists-of-the-ancient-southwest​ Please like, comment, and subscribe for more Blue Rain Gallery Podcast art insights and inspiring stories! The Blue Rain Gallery Podcast is hosted by Leroy Garcia, produced by Leah Garcia, and edited by Brandon Nelson, with music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.