Currently on Display: Works from Patrice Biggi of Pueblo and Frand Dodd and Allen McConnel of Pueblo.  Read more about our featured artistis below:

Patrice Biggi

The eclectic works of Pueblo artist Patrice Biggi are now on display at the Pueblo Convention Center from now until Aug. 31. The daughter of a Tuscan Father and Siclian Mother, Biggi’s artwork is as colorful as her background. 

“My inspiration is all around me,” she said.  “I’ll be walking down the street and see rocks, leaves, people, a sculpture or painting – and it instantly sparks an idea.”

Biggi’s work ranges from watercolor and acrylics to cut-and-torn paper and sculpture.  The surfaces on which she creates her work are just as diverse.  While she’s no stranger to canvas, Biggi prefers painting on vintage shoes, furniture, greeting cards and other non-traditional media.  With as many creative canvases she’s worked with, it’s no wonder her first was her grandfather’s sidewalk.

“I remember drawing pictures all over the concrete,” she said.  “It felt so good; I knew then that I was meant to be an artist.”

After graduating from South High School in Pueblo, CO, Biggi went on to study art at Pamona College where she received an Associate Degree in Art and Illustration at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in 1987.  Since then, her artwork has made its way to several galleries including the “Choice Celebration” held by the Colorado NARAL in 1995, the Denver Framing and Arts Gallery in Denver, CO in 1995, the Colorado State Fair in 1994 and 1996, the Mad Hatters Art and Herb Shop in 2003, and the Red Raven Gallery Show in 2006.

While she’s created hundreds of works in her more than 20 years as a professional artist, Biggi’s favorite is “My Mother’s Garden.”  The landscape of her mother’s favorite space was created using her mother’s old costume jewelry.

“It’s like being a child,” she said.  “You see pictures in everything around you, and it opens you up to be as creative as you can possibly be.”

While Biggi’s sentimental landscape isn’t for sale, her more recent artwork on display at the Pueblo Convention Center is available for purchase.  Her acrylic paintings include works such as “Mountain Meadow,” “Farm Apples” and “White Lily.”  Her cut-and-torn paper artwork includes “Spirit Mask,” “Purple Bell Flower,” and “Corn Kachina.”  Also on display are her “unique” pieces that include “Painted Shoes,” “Painted Scarf,” and “Painted Purse.”

For more information about Biggi and her eclectic works, contact Biggi at 566-0178 or the Pueblo Convention Center Director or Sales and Marketing Jessi Pospahala at 719-542-1100.

Frand Dodd and Allen McConnel

The remarkable works of Pueblo artists Fran Dodd and Allan McConnell are now on display at the Pueblo Convention Center from now until Aug. 31. The husband and wife duo both create masterpieces that are unique to personal interpretation.

“A painting isn’t what one sees, but what one can make others see,” said Dodd, who uses oil and pastels. “I want to contribute my own vision to the subject rather than present a literal rendering.”

Dodd is best known for her use of bold, vivid color and gently abstracted imagery, resulting in paintings that are both personal and unique interpretations of nature.

“The subject matter is always recognizable, but I take enormous liberty with color.”

While Dodd interprets life through oils and pastels, McConnell uses black and white photography.

“Most people feel a good photograph is a realistic rendition of whatever is in front of them,” said McConnell.  “I seek to paint a literal image into a more meaningful and creative vision.”

McConnell’s works consist of black and white photographs. All photos are individually hand printed using archival silver gelatin processes on fiber based photo paper of the highest quality and are mounted on 100 percent acid free mount board. Newer prints are limited editions by size. Current edition size is 12 and numbered accordingly. Because of the hand printing, not two prints will be the same.

“The power of the individual image is what I want you to personally experience,” said McConnell.

Both artists received years of training.  Dodd’s schooling began at the Art Students’ League in New York City. After moving from New York to Colorado, Dodd had more than 15 solo exhibits for her work. Her oil and pastel paintings have been juried into many national and international exhibits, including the Pastel Society America, National Arts Club, Salmagundi Club, Degas Pastel Society, International Association of Pastel Societies and the National Association of Women Artists.

McConnell’s formal photographic education began at the University of Wyoming in 1962 emphasized on Photojournalism. He later attended a correspondence course in all phases of photography from 1968-72. He then moved on to the Rocky Mountain School of Photography B&W workshop in Missoula, MT in 2001. Since then he’s attended weekend workshops in Denver, CO 2002& 2005, and Large Format Intense B& W Workshop in Anderson Ranch, CO in 2005. His work has been shown in many solo shows and joint shows. Solo shows include Gallery of the Southwest, Pueblo, CO, and the gallery at Pueblo Community College. His work has been juried in national exhibits including the Machine Shop Gallery, Hilton Head Art League, and the prestigious Salmagundi Club Non-Member Photography Exhibit in New York City in 2006.

Works on display and available for purchase include Dodd’s oil and pastel works “Alfresco on Victoria,”  “Into the Light,” “Riverwalk Foundation,” “Sanctuario,” and “A Leisurely Lunch.” McConnell’s works are “Summer Storm,” “Out to Pasture,” “Cascade,” “Build My Church” and “Cascade 2”.   The artists’ additional works can be found at their studio, located at 379 Liberty Point Place Pueblo West, CO 81007.

For more information about Dodd’s and McConnell’s work, contact their studio at 719-547-0165 or the Pueblo Convention Center Director of Sales and Marketing Jessi Pospahala at 719-542-1100.