Presented in partnership with Glass Alliance–New Mexico, this special bonus episode is part of Blue Rain Gallery’s ongoing lecture series in Santa Fe, celebrating the voices, stories, and creative practices of leading contemporary glass artists.

In this engaging presentation, acclaimed glass artist Spooner Marcus (Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) reflects on his artistic journey, tracing the influences of family, culture, history, and community that have shaped his work. Through personal stories, archival photographs, and insights into his creative process, Marcus explores the legacy of his great-grandmother Regina Nakai Alvarado, the traditions of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, and his path from a young apprentice glassblower in Northern New Mexico to one of the most innovative Indigenous artists working in glass today.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Marcus’ distinctive approach to glassmaking, his ongoing dialogue with Pueblo pottery traditions, and the ways cultural heritage continues to inform and inspire his evolving artistic practice.

Recorded live at Blue Rain Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

View artwork by Spooner Marcus: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/spooner-marcus/view-all

Episode 111 of the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast welcomes acclaimed Caddo and Winnebago painter Dolores Purdy for an inspiring conversation about ledger art, Indigenous storytelling, identity, and the evolution of contemporary Native art. In this episode, Dolores shares her journey growing up in a military family, discovering her cultural roots, and developing her signature style that blends traditional ledger art influences with richly detailed contemporary compositions.

Hosted at Blue Rain Gallery, this in-depth artist interview explores the history of ledger art — from its origins among Plains warriors documenting personal and tribal histories on buffalo hides and paper, to Dolores Purdy’s modern interpretation using colored pencil, watercolor, and layered visual storytelling. Dolores discusses how women’s perspectives influence her work, the symbolism behind her female figures, textiles, and imagery, and how her art bridges historical traditions with contemporary Native expression.

Dolores also reflects on her 25-year career exhibiting at Santa Fe Indian Market, her work in museum and Smithsonian collections, and the importance of creating art that resonates beyond labels — art collected for its emotional depth, craftsmanship, and universal human connection.

If you’re passionate about Native American art, contemporary Indigenous artists, Southwest art, ledger art history, Santa Fe Indian Market, or collecting museum-quality contemporary Native artwork, this episode offers valuable insight into one of today’s respected Native painters.

View available artwork by Dolores Purdy: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/dolores-purdy

Subscribe to the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast for more artist interviews, cultural insights, and contemporary art conversations.

This episode was hosted by Laura Garcia, produced and edited by Leah Garcia, with original music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

Discover curated home goods by Blue Rain Gallery artists — only at BlueRainPrintShop.com. Bring the art you love into your everyday life.

In this episode of the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast, host Leroy Garcia welcomes painter Paige Pierson for a conversation exploring the journey behind her work and the influences that continue to shape her artistic voice. From her early beginnings in Oklahoma City and formative training in Texas to New Mexico, Pierson reflects on how place, memory, and experience have guided her path as an artist.The discussion highlights Pierson’s distinctive approach to painting, particularly her soft, atmospheric depictions of Northern New Mexico landscapes, adobe architecture, and culturally significant sites like La Plaza del Cerro. Alongside her landscape work, she shares insight into her figurative paintings and the role of observation, family history, and emotional nuance in her process. Together, Garcia and Pierson explore themes of artistic discipline, creative growth, and the importance of daily practice in building a meaningful life in art.Find original artwork by Paige Pierson available at Blue Rain Gallery: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/paige-piersonSubscribe to the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast for more artist interviews, cultural insights, and contemporary art conversations.This episode was hosted by Laura Garcia, produced and edited by Leah Garcia, with original music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.Discover curated home goods by Blue Rain Gallery artists — only at BlueRainPrintShop.com. Bring the art you love into your everyday life.