Yes they can: Art show inspired by NMX Standard beer logo to support nonprofits

Rozanna M. Martinez, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·3 min read

Jun. 14—Creations inspired by local beer will be displayed and sold to help some nonprofits continue their mission.

The NMX Standard Art Show will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Canvas Artistry, 1 Central Ave. NW. NMX Standard is one of Santa Fe Brewing Company's most popular beers.

"The goal of NMX is to really be New Mexico's easy drinker, to be New Mexico's beer, because of the things that matter to us and you're supporting local while (drinking) it," said Evan Wrons, marketing director at Santa Fe Brewing Co. "You're supporting local causes that matter to you, and you're having a good time. It's really for everyone."

NMX Standard's unique logo will serve as inspiration for more than 20 New Mexican artists participating in the art show. Artists include Jesse Littlebird, Cosmic Desert, Lady Wolf, Bryce Nañez, Jodie Herrera, Cloudface, Sarah Donahue, Cut Throat Studios and Chelsea Chavez.

"The idea of this was to create an art show that's built off of the can design of NMX Standard," Wrons said. "I think that the can itself and just the product has really become ubiquitous with New Mexico. And we wanted to see different people's flavor on it, and so what we've done is we've commissioned over 20 artists in New Mexico to create their own piece based off the NMX Standard design."

The show will feature works in a variety of mediums including paintings, pottery, comic book art and a woven rug.

"We wanted to support artists," Wrons said. "We want them to get more visibility. We're highlighting who they are on our social media and through this promotion to hopefully get them more opportunities as well."

Wrons said it was imperative to him that the participating artists are compensated for their work.

"I think what also surprised some of the artists is that sometimes people do the charity art shows and then they ask the artist to donate the art," Wrons said. "And as a fellow creative, I was, 'No, no, we're gonna pay you to make the art.' The artists get supported and they get paid for their work. So to me, that was really important, that we created a win-win situation."

Proceeds from the event will benefit Warehouse 505, OffCenter Community Arts Project and Endorphin Power Company.

"We're going to be donating 100% of the auction proceeds to local nonprofits that support arts and culture," Wrons said.

The event will feature drink specials, music by Canvas' resident DJ, Speed One, and flash tattoos by Mateo Sigwerth of Wolf Head Tattoo. The flash tattoos, which are Santa Fe Brewing Co., NMX Standard and New Mexico inspired, are $40. Half of the proceeds from each tattoo will be donated to the nonprofits.

"Canvas is going to be doing $5 Santa Fe Brewing beer and they're going to donate $2 from each beer sold to the nonprofits as well," Wrons said. "We're really hoping to raise a lot of money and then we'll split it between those nonprofits."

Wrons said the event is to create awareness of the nonprofits and raise money for the causes to allow them to grow and continue their work.

"We're also going to have a raffle at the event, which will be if you buy a raffle, you have an opportunity to get one of the pieces and also a bunch of NMX merchandise," Wrons said. "All the money from that raffle will be going to the nonprofits as well. We're really hoping that people show up, enjoy the art, enjoy the music, enjoy the atmosphere, and then also support a good cause."