A studio tour opens a window to an artist’s soul. Definitely.
The Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour 2017 lets you peek behind the scenes. For every artist – me included – new works are featured prominently. Let me explain.
The tour showcases some of my inspirations from nature. This beadweaving, called “Eclipse” (because it was finished on the day of the solar eclipse) is based on a sea shape that many of us know, love, and look for on beaches we visit.

© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, “Eclipse” Beadweaving
Shells within shells call to me. Some of my work includes shells picked from a trip to San Diego.

© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Shells within Shells Ice Resin Pendant
Nature-inspired elements like shells and antlers will frame my displays which also include new works with natural stones, such as jasper.

© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, “Nature’s Grace”
Dramatic shapes and rustic stones call to me.

© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, “Knot Even”
Precious beauties like amethyst set an entirely different tone. It’s all as it should be.

© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, “Amethyst Beauty”
The 14th annual Sandia Heights Studio Tour takes place 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday September 9-10, 2017. You can see items pictured here as well as new work from 25 other local artists.
This tote, for example, is a nod to my fiber-loving, denim-appreciating self. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suddenly giving up beads to make totes. This detour created inspiration for other designs.

© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Denim-inspired Tote
The Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour 2017 is a do-not-miss event. Come. Look into the soul of the 26 artists who are participating in the tour.