Artists, galleries come together for five shows Friday night

Downtown transforms into one giant art gallery Friday as five art shows bring the creative works of Yuma's best artists to Main Street.

The North End Artists Co-op unveils its winter art show at the Yuma Art Center, where Yuma Fine Arts will also host the opening of three new shows. Lastly, the Village Art Gallery, operated a few doors down by Desert Artists of Yuma, will host its own art opening that night.

“It's going to be a whole block celebrating the arts!” said Judy Phillips with North End Artists Co-op. “We did this on purpose, to make it a fun evening for Yuma. We're expecting a huge crowd.”

The co-op's art show takes place inside the United Building, the portion of the Yuma Art Center on the south side of the Historic Yuma Theatre. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and will feature the creations of 14 local artists.

“This is our annual winter reception,” Phillips explained. “The whole purpose of our winter reception is to encourage all of our artists to produce new works for this show. Everyone has been busy all winter coming up with some great new pieces.”

In addition to the visual art, some musical art will be performed by a group of artists led by North End artist Larry Yanez.

Artist Ann Walker said that members of the co-op are always thrilled to share their work with the public — and to meet the public.

“It's always fun to welcome people into our gallery-for-the-night in the United Building's general purpose room and to show off more work from all our talented members than will fit into the display windows that are our ‘dedicated' space.”

Walker's muses have been busy inspiring jewelry that incorporates raku pendants and beads. To make these new designs, she enlisted the help of fellow co-op member Holly Hendrick-Jones.

“I was inspired by a photo I saw in a magazine and asked Holly if she would make me some ceramic pendants like those in the photo. Of course, being a good teacher, she said ‘no' — but she would teach me to make them myself. That kind of collaboration is one of the great things about the co-op: You have a chance to work with really talented artists and you can't help but be inspired in your own work.”

Hendrick-Jones is also pioneering into new artistic fields. The veteran ceramics artist will be exhibiting a painting at Friday's show. “It's certainly a new twist for her,” Phillips said.

Art lovers can also experience the co-op's work every Saturday, when the United Building is manned by artists from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Co-op members meet on the first Wednesday of each month at the Yuma Art Center. For more information, go to www.NorthEndArtists.com.

Phillips said she can't wait to see a big crowd at Friday's event, adding that art openings are a treat for art lovers and artists alike.

“It's always fun to see new art and get to meet the artists. But it's also fun to mingle and see people you haven't seen for a while. It should be a great time for everyone.”

Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.