THE STUDIO OF NICOLE MERKENS

view out my hotel window in the mornings I have just returned from an amazing 10 day trip to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. I attended a two week work shop with my idols: Debra Fritts and Lisa Clague at  Barro.Co Clay Studio . They both taught how they built the figure in clay and we went on numerous field trips to parts of Mexico that I don't think I would have ever seen.  One of the field trips was to junk yards, one to the Mummy Museum, the Folk Art Museum, The Mask Museum, The Chapel of Jimmy Ray, Delores Hildago,  Guanajuato , and Gorky Gonzalez Majolica Studio.  The people, the art, the architecture and the food were all superb! I miss the colors of Mexico as I write this post. I will return very soon. Here are photos and some great restaurant suggestions, in case you are itching to go: la azotea / rooftop bar with great appetizers / jicama tacos are delicious the rosewood hotel / rooftop bar with amazing view of san miguel la posadita / rooftop mexican restaura

I am very honored to be a part of this powerful show.  The opening is tonight Sept. 10 from 5pm-8pm at the Mammal Gallery in downtown Atlanta.  The Women's Caucus for Art of Georgia has put together this juried show for Artist's standing for an end to modern day slavery.  I have two pieces in the show and have one piece featured on the postcard and used for publicity for this important issue.  The opening is at the Mammal Gallery here in Atlanta, Ga and there will be panel discussions from experts in the field who dedicate their lives to stopping this horrible situation.  CNN did a great story on the show I recommend you watch it to get more educated.  You can view the video here:  CNN Artists Draw Attention to Modern Slavery Video