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Ava Peets, a lifelong artist, became a professional artist in Grants, New Mexico.  Ava reflected on her joy of living in New Mexico: “It is such good fortune to live in this wonderful state–with all the beauty, cultures, and history, which serve as constant inspiration for innumerable subjects to paint.”

Ava was encouraged to become an artist at an early age by her parents.  She began drawing and cutting silhouettes at six years old.  Later, upon entering Southwest Missouri State University, she studied fine art and commercial art.  Her plans to become a commercial artist were changed when she married and had children, but she still continued to take various art lessons.  She stated, “The desire to pursue my artist interests has never left me.”

Ava had the opportunity to learn the fine art of porcelain painting during the mining boom days in Grants.  She did this for more than six years and then quit the medium completely moving on to pursue an interest in sports and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors of New Mexico.

One of Ava’s greatest loves was cross county skiing on Mt. Taylor, which is nearly in her backyard.  She participated in the Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathlon and worked out to improve her skiing ability.  However, she injured her shoulders so severely it changed her plans to continue with cross country skiing.  As luck would have it, the opportunity arose for Ava to start painting again as she said, “It is a true joy in my life.” 

She began painting in oils, her favorite medium for about 14 years.  And after so many years she became a professional artist and attributes her success to the Double Six Gallery in Grants.  Most of Ava’s work is Southwestern, and in particular historical buildings, which is her favorite subject.

Even though Grants is a community with many artists and cultural entrepreneurs, Ava admits that it has its challenges.  “Much of it is recognizing that Grants has a large artist community.  Our community is very diverse, but the strong art presence still needs to be known throughout our state and beyond.  There are numerous sculptors, painters, potters, quilters, photographers, jewelry makers, however, this is just not seen or known for the amount of artists who live in the area.  We need a lot of publicity.”

However Ava believes that, “One of the greatest opportunities in Grants is to be able to show at the  Double Six Gallery.  There are other locations of art galleries and artists studios as well.”  Learn more about the Double Six Gallery and the group that got it all going, the Cibola Arts Council, in my next post!