Opening: Jim Vogel: It’s Not All Fun and Games

Jim Vogel, celebrated for his grand storytelling and distinctive visual style, presents It’s Not All Fun and Games—a powerful new body of work that blends childhood nostalgia with sharp cultural insight. Rooted in the traditions of New Mexico regionalism, Vogel’s paintings reflect his deep reverence for the land, history, and people of the Southwest. Known for his figures with elongated limbs and expressive features, Vogel captures the grit, humor, and heart of hardworking New Mexicans. In this show, he explores the innocent games of youth—playing cowboys and Indians, acting out battles and heroics—through a more thoughtful, grown-up lens. With signature wit and compassion, Vogel unpacks how those early play-pretend moments often mirrored larger societal narratives, sometimes reinforcing harmful stereotypes or masking real historical pain. It’s Not All Fun and Games is as layered as the land that inspires it—simultaneously playful, poignant, and provocative. Each piece offers a window into the imagination, complexity, and resilience of the American Southwest.