Artist’s Reception: Alan Charlee: Remembering Grandfather

Alan Charlee: Remembering Grandfather
artist’s reception: Saturday May 4, 1-3 pm
on view: April 30–May 26, 2024

Wild Hearts Gallery presents their May Featured Artist, Alan Carlee, with their exhibition Remembering Grandfather. The artist’s reception will be celebrated with fellowship and refreshments. A First Sunday ARTScrawl Meet the Artist event kicks off the month on Sunday, May 5, 10 am to 2 pm. Come by for a cup of specialty coffee and visit. A visual tour of this exhibition and they gallery can be seen on the Wild Hearts Gallery website(linked below).

Sammie Charlie, Alan Charlee’s Grandfather, served in the Marines during the Korean War which lasted from 1950–53. This series is in his memory and the memory of all 800 Navajo soldiers who served in Korea and those who continue to serve. The paintings were inspired by stories from Alan’s father, photos taken of his grandfather and research done. The art style was inspired by So Yun-bok’s pen and ink depictions of daily life. As Alan honors Sammie Charlie, he invites you to honor those in your family who served by sharing pictures and memorabilia during the show.

Born in Gallup, NM and raised on the Navajo reservation, Alan Charlee had an early interest in art that was well expressed throughout his childhood drawings. After his graduation from Crownpoint High School, he attended Central New Mexico Community College, where he obtained his degrees in Computer Animation and Fine Arts. He joined Wild Hearts Gallery in 2020. Versed in multiple media, Alan mostly does realistic oil paintings devoted to the scenes that define the land and people who shaped his upbringing.

“My Grandfather was so excited when he first viewed one of my paintings; he kept saying ‘you did that, that’s really good.’ My grandfather used to paint in watercolor when he was young.”

Wild Hearts Gallery is an artists’ collective, supported by fifteen local artists, is located in Placitas, New Mexico. The gallery is open Tuesday–Friday from 10 am-4 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-2 pm.