Art reception for a cause, supporting La Plata Family Coalition Center, with artists; Milt Beens, painter and Mariel Balbuena, jeweler. Refreshments provided!
No reservations or cost!
About Mariel, the artist behind Arte Mia
Mariel Balbuena is from Tucuman, Argentina. Although she studied linguistics and languages, and has worked as a medical interpreter, translator and has held different roles at several non-profits organizations for many years, something changed inside her when her daughter, Mia was born in 2008. The pregnancy and delivery were fraught with difficulty and fear, ending up in a Flight for Life helicopter headed for Denver. All has turned out well, Mia is a laughing, bright, energetic and loving young woman who shares the passion for art , music and tea!
Throughout Mia's healing journey, Mariel discovered her passion for understanding the essential healing properties of stones, their interactions and how they can support individuals during strains situations. This is what lead Mariel to creating one of the kind jewelry pieces.
Having been enrolled in art school by her aunt from a young age, she had relied on her artistic expression to create unique pieces that bring joy, peace and comfort. Jewelry inspired Mariel as other media had not, and her daughter's continued good health drew out the name of her line: Arte Mia, Mia's art. It is Mia's tiny preemie footprint that Mariel uses to illustrate her business.
Mariel continues to capture the essence and beauty of every gemstone in Durango Colorado, where she lives with her husband Dani and their children Mia and Gabi.
J. Milton Beens
J. Milton Beens has painted for more than 50 years and has been inspired by the southwest landscape both in his pottery and landscape paintings. The last eight years oil painting has been the main focus, and has resulted in numerous awards and honors. Recently Milt has revisited his roots and has explored new approaches and materials in watercolor. Milt holds a masters degree in fine art from the University of Montana. His major was in ceramics with a minor in painting. He has taught in various venues during his career and developed the ceramics program for the Salt Lake Art Center. Currently Milt resides in Durango and shows at Create Art and Tea, a recent addition to downtown Durango. I have been a studio artist in Durango since 1976. Many of you will remember our gallery and pottery shop on college drive where I showed my work for several years. My work is heavily influenced by the unique southwest landscape that surrounds us here. I consider my work modified impressionism and I work in oil and watercolor mediums. My work can be seen in various businesses (such as Mercy Medical Center and Digestive Health) in Durango.