June 2019

This July at Stranger Factory: Kathie Olivas, Kristina Drake, and Sandi Ray Pierce

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This JULY at Stranger Factory
“ELIXIR” 
Kathie Olivas

“CONSUMED” 
Kristina Drake

“MADE IN THE SHADE” 
Sandi Ray Pierce 

July 5th – July 28th, 2019

Opening Reception: Friday, July 5th from 6-8 PM


Stranger Factory is proud to present ELIXIR, a solo show by artist, Kathie Olivas!

“Elixir” features a series of mixed media paintings and art toys that explore the sensation of propaganda and “snake oil” in a post truth world. Snake handlers, faith healers, and self- serving magical “cure-all” peddlers exploit their toxic, child-like sweetness through their seemingly innocent blank stares and buyer beware expressions. They want to sell you their too good to be true elixirs that will purify your demons and cure all of your ills.

Kathie Olivas is an internationally exhibited multi-media artist from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her work explores society’s insatiable desire to assign “cuteness” as a measure for innocence and acceptance; to sooth our innability to accept our discomfort with the unknown. A dark blend of early American portraiture set in post apocalyptic times, Kathie’s mixed media paintings and hand made “toys” are a satirical look at how fear affects our sense of reality. Her characters are meant to evoke a nostalgic reaction that reflects isolation, fear, and an uncertainty, yet they also act as empowered alter egos. Her abstracted cartoon style, reminiscent of vintage story book illustrations and iconic advertising mascots, is meant to disarm our fear of the “other.” While these characters explore their new lonely worlds, they double as our narrators. They guide us through their reality as they experience it and yet, even in their company, we are granted no reassurance.

Kathie Olivas received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida in 1999. She began exhibiting her work in the mid 90s and is often associated with the Lowbrow/ Pop Surrealist movement and Sentimentalism.

Stranger Factory is happy to present Kristina Drake in her first feature show at our gallery, CONSUMED.

Kristina Drake strives to convey her appreciation for nature through her sculptures. Believing that nature is the closest reflection we have to ourselves, Drake uses delicate themes to convey the passage of time, our own fragility, and temporary essence. Her efforts create beautiful works that drive attention to environmental conservation and help one feel connected to the world around us.

Stranger Factory is happy to present Sandi Ray Pierce in her second feature show, MADE IN THE SHADE.

Join us in the shade for local artist Sandi Ray Pierce’s second feature show at Stranger Factory. Exhibiting a collection of new works mixing her signature style with a new twist, the southwest-loving artist takes us on a visual journey inspired by vintage signs and New Mexican sunsets. Here you can find typographic visuals and skull shaped wood cuts of varying colorways that is sure to make you nostalgic for summers past!

See you there
Opening Reception: Friday, July 5th from 6-8 PM