Welcome to 516 ARTS

516 ARTS is an independent, nonprofit arts venue located at 516 Central Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets in the center of Downtown Albuquerque. The 5,500 square foot, two-story gallery is a unique, hybrid venue somewhere between a gallery and museum. 516 ARTS offers adventurous programs that address current issues in world culture, presenting innovative and interdisciplinary exhibitions, events and educational activities in a variety of art forms, including visual and literary arts, film/video and music.

Two new exhibitions open at 516 ARTS on Saturday, July 17, 6-8pm. In the downstairs gallery is Unraveling Tradition, featuring contemporary artists working with fiber media, focusing primarily on sculpture and installation. It showcases the work of artists from across the country who convey contemporary ideas and concerns using traditional handwork techniques such as weaving, sewing, embroidery, felting, knitting and crochet. In the upstairs gallery, Restoration features creative work by textile conservators and restorers. In their own artwork, these artists reference traditional textile materials and techniques, the practices and metaphors of restoration/conservation and the beauty and inspiration of the artifacts with which they work.

Both exhibitions run July 17 - September 11, 2010) and are in conjunction with Convergence: Albuquerque 2010, an International Fiber Arts Conference produced by the Handweavers Guild of America (July 18 - 24).

LAND/ART was a large-scale collaboration organized by 516 ARTS, exploring land-based art, involving over 25 organizations during 6 months during 2009 in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Mountainair. The project examined relationships of land, art and community through exhibitions, site-specific art works, lectures, performances, tours, excursions, films and a culminating book published by Radius Books. The book is due out in early 2010 and will be distributed internationally through DAP. Stay tuned for details on the book release party. LAND/ART was made possible in part by The FUND at Albuquerque Community Foundation. LAND/ART New Mexico book preview LAND/ART articles and media coverage LAND/ART 2009 web archive.

516 ARTS Summer Update for Supporters

For more information on the Downtown area arts scene along Albuquerque's Cultural Corridor from Old Town to Nob Hill, download and print the Downtown Arts Guide.

Follow us.