Las Vegas artist Leota Brigida Harriman will be among several New Mexico artists showcased in a new fine arts exhibition at the Circa Gallery in Santa Rosa. The exhibition opens with a reception on November 7 from 5 to 6 p.m. and will remain on display through early January 2026.
Circa Gallery serves as the home for Santa Rosa Community Arts, a newly established nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the community's access to art, showcasing local artists, teaching art workshops, and providing creative opportunities. Located at 400 Corona Street, Circa Gallery is the only art gallery in Santa Rosa and officially opened its doors in July 2025.
The Fine Arts Exhibit will feature diverse artistic mediums and styles from several accomplished artists. Santa Rosa artist and Circa Gallery founder and director Lydia Phillips will display her acrylic works, while fellow Santa Rosa resident Evangeline Sanford will showcase her stained glass creations. According to Phillips, "This is the first show of this caliber at Circa Gallery. We are thrilled to be bringing together such a talented group of individuals in our brand new space."
Harriman, the featured Las Vegas artist, will present mixed media works including a special collection called "Tiny Jewels." This unique series consists of very small original artworks housed in refurbished frames, specifically designed to keep prices as affordable as possible. "I do my best to make these small pieces accessible to as many people as I can, so that more people can own original art," Harriman explained. She recently began teaching as a fine art instructor at Luna Community College and serves on the board of the Las Vegas Arts Council, among other nonprofit organizations.
The exhibition will also feature works from several other New Mexico artists, each bringing their distinctive style to the gallery. Carolyn Lindsey of Cuervo will display oil paintings characterized by thick impasto technique, which Phillips describes as "a tasty and tactile experience, even when touched only with the eyes." Shirley DeMaio of Clovis will also contribute oil paintings to the exhibition, while Wayne Davies, also from Clovis, will showcase his mixed media sculptures.
The opening reception, scheduled for the First Friday in November, will feature live music entertainment from 5 to 6 p.m. Phillips emphasized her passion for bringing art to Santa Rosa, stating, "We believe that a community thrives when it has access to art. We also believe that opportunities to be entertained, to network and to socialize should not always come with a price tag."
Santa Rosa Community Arts extends its mission beyond exhibitions by offering art classes and workshops for both children and adults. Those interested in learning more about the organization and its programs can find additional information online at santarosacommunityarts.com. The gallery continues to work toward its goal of making art more accessible and fostering creative opportunities within the Santa Rosa community.
