Nuevo Santander offers diverse art

Distressing world events seem to surround us — the Gulf oil spill with its undetermined effect on the environment and the drug violence in Mexico have been with us all summer. It is time to visit the artists at Nuevo Santander Gallery for assurance that the world is still all right.
The Gallery is currently featuring the mesquite works of Chris Hawley. Always working with mesquite, he celebrates our environmental heritage with his realistically carved aquatic creatures.
 His subject is initially roughed out with a chain saw and then sculpted further using grinders and sanders. For these pieces, he has chosen to reflect coastal gulf life. “The Squid” is impressive. Highly polished, it seems to confidently float across the table upon which it rests.
Cliff Cavin’s oils greet the viewer from the central wall. Cavin depicts the open grandeur and timelessness of the southwestern landscape. The use of bright sun-washed colors and fluid brushstrokes optimistically define Texas and New Mexico vistas. “West Fork Road” catches a slice of sunlight falling upon the land as a cloud slowly opens up the sky.
With “Untitled Turkeys,” Bob Guelich’s landscape is inhabited. This egg tempera painting depicts two wild turkeys in a brush filled habitat.
An interesting thing about this work is the successful use of egg tempera, a difficult medium used to its best advantage here for crisp clear edges and details.
Among the several oil paintings on display by Berry Fritz, OPA, is the lighthearted “Jelly Bean Express.” This intimate painting of a child’s wooden train evokes childhood innocence and whimsy.
Nuevo Santander is located at 717 Main St. in McAllen and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.