Barraza – A Sense of Something

Paintings, sculpture, graphics and drawing by M. Fred Barraza

Western New Mexico University

Frances McCray Art Gallery

505-538-6517

mccray@wnmu.edu

 

The community is invited to attend “Barraza – A Sense of Something” an exhibit showing the paintings, sculpture, graphics and drawings of Fred Barraza at the WNMU McCray Gallery on January 26 through March 3, 2006.  The opening reception will be from 4:30 pm to 6:30 on Friday, January 27.  The gallery is open weekdays 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Admission is free.

Mr. Barraza will also give an artist lecture in the WNMU Besse Forward Auditorium in the Global Resources Center on Thursday, January 26 at 6:30 pm.  This lecture is part of an Artist Lecture Series sponsored by the Mimbres Region Arts Council and WNMU Expressive Arts Department.

 

Manuel Fred Barraza was born in Silver City, New Mexico and grew up in the Grant County area.  He works in a multitude of art forms and media which include printmaking, painting, illustrating and sculpture.  Barraza is also an accomplished illustrator; along with the creation of numerous book covers he has illustrated a children’s book.

While in the Marine Corps on float in the Pacific, Barraza visited Japan, Hong Kong, Philippine Islands as well as other port duties.  The landscapes and culture left an impression on him and has influenced his art work.  Barraza returned to Silver City after the Marine Corps and attended WNMU receiving a BAS degree, concentrating his academics in art.

Upon completion of his degree, he took on a day job with the New Mexico State Library’s Rural Bookmobile Southwest which provides library services to rural communities in a six county area. Much of Barraza’s art depicts scenes from his experiences with patrons of the bookmobile and the landscapes he viewed during his travels.