In this episode of the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast, host Leroy Garcia sits down with three leading contemporary Native artists, Chris Pappan, Thomas “Breeze” Marcus, and Jesse Littlebird, for an in-depth panel discussion on tradition, innovation, and the creative journey. The conversation explores early influences, heritage, navigating cultural protocols, overcoming creative blocks, and the biggest artistic risks they’ve taken. From childhood memories and desert landscapes to graffiti walls and ledger art, each artist reveals how their personal history and community ties shape their work. This candid exchange offers insight into the evolving landscape of Indigenous art today.Part of Blue Rain Gallery's Annual Celebration of Native American ArtChris Pappan: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/chris-pappanThomas Breeze Marcus: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/thomas-breeze-marcusJesse Littlebird: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/jesse-littlebirdDiscover curated home goods and fine art prints by Blue Rain Gallery artists — only at BlueRainPrintShop.com. Bring the art you love into your everyday life.This episode was hosted by gallery owner and founder Leroy Garcia, produced and edited by Leah Garcia, with original music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

In this 100th episode of the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast, host Leroy Garcia welcomes acclaimed Santero Andrew Montoya, a master of devotional art rooted in New Mexico’s rich cultural traditions. Join us for an intimate conversation that explores Montoya’s deep familial ties to Santa Fe, his creative evolution from reluctant student to prolific carver and painter, and his unique blend of traditional Spanish Colonial imagery with contemporary technique.

Montoya shares how a childhood spent painting under the guidance of his aunt blossomed into a lifelong devotion to sacred art—especially the three-dimensional form of the bulto. He discusses his inspirations, from Baroque sculptor Bernini to Native American design motifs, and gives insight into the process behind his vibrant, gravity-defying sculptures of saints, archangels, and biblical figures.

Listeners will hear stories behind specific works, including a shadowbox Noah’s Ark, a radiant San Rafael honoring healthcare workers, and a colorful interpretation of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Montoya also reflects on his dual calling as a full-time nurse and artist, and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of santeros through youth mentorship.

Whether you’re an art collector, culture enthusiast, or simply inspired by the enduring spirit of devotional art, this episode celebrates the passion, precision, and heritage that define Andrew Montoya’s growing legacy.

View Andrew's work at Blue Rain Gallery: https://blueraingallery.com/ar...

This episode was hosted by gallery owner and founder Leroy Garcia, produced and edited by Leah Garcia, with original music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

Discover curated home goods and fine art prints by Blue Rain Gallery artists — only at BlueRainPrintShop.com. Bring the art you love into your everyday life.

In this episode of the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast, artist Eric Romero shares a deeply personal and thought-provoking look into his artistic journey. Raised on a farm in Albuquerque with comic books as his early education, Eric reflects on how questioning faith, exploring art history, and traveling through Europe ignited his passion for painting.He speaks candidly about weaving classical technique with Chicano identity, Catholic symbolism, and the matriarchal strength rooted in New Mexican culture. From his modern interpretations of iconic figures like Our Lady of Guadalupe and Lilith, to intimate portraits of friends, family, and his own daughter, Romero explores what it means to honor legacy, challenge dogma, and tell stories through the lens of resilience.With touches of humor, memory, and cultural homage—including classic cars, Route 66, and rosaries passed down through generations—this episode paints a vivid picture of the man behind the canvas.Learn More: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/eric-romeroERIC ROMERO¿Yo Soy!, New Oil PaintingsMay 30 – June 13, 2025 — Santa FeArtist Reception: Friday, May 30th from 5 - 7pm544 South Guadalupe StreetSanta Fe, New Mexico 87501(505) 954-9902This episode was hosted by gallery owner and founder Leroy Garcia, produced and edited by Leah Garcia, with original music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

Join gallery owner Leroy Garcia as he takes you on an immersive ride-along with renowned artist Erin Currier through Santa Fe, New Mexico. This lively and heartfelt video explores three of Erin’s public art installations in beloved local restaurants: Escondido, Café Piazza, and Cafecito.

Along the way, Erin shares the inspiring stories behind each piece—highlighting themes of redemption, cultural fusion, and community resilience.From a portrait honoring chef Fernando Ruiz, to a mid-century Italian-inspired mural, and a spiritual collage of tango legend Carlos Gardel, each stop reveals Erin’s deep passion for art, activism, and human connection.

The journey is also a celebration of Santa Fe’s rich intersection of art, food, music, and dance, featuring guest appearances by restaurant owners, chefs, and even a visiting Italian culinary expert.Whether you’re a local, a collector, or a first-time visitor to Santa Fe, this behind-the-scenes look at Erin Currier’s public art offers a unique and uplifting perspective on the power of creativity in everyday spaces.

Join us for Erin Currier's upcoming exhibition at Blue Rain Gallery opening June 27th from 5 - 7pm

ERIN CURRIER

From Santa Fe to São Paulo to Sicily ~ The SublimeNew mixed media paintingsJune 27 – July 8, 2025 — Santa Fe

Artist Reception: Friday, June 27th from 5 - 7pmView original artwork by Erin Currier: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/erin-currier

This episode was hosted by gallery owner and founder Leroy Garcia, produced and edited by Leah Garcia, with original music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

In this illuminating episode, Blue Rain Gallery founder Leroy Garcia engages in a thoughtful dialogue with esteemed artists Matthew Sievers and Bryce Pettit. Together, they delve into the inspirations, challenges, and techniques that define their celebrated practices—Sievers as a painter of expressive, light-drenched landscapes, and Pettit as a sculptor whose elegant bronze forms pay tribute to the natural world.Matthew Sievers discusses his pursuit of emotional resonance through bold, gestural brushwork and layered tonalities, revealing how his compositions aim to capture the fleeting interplay of light and landscape. Bryce Pettit offers a glimpse into the sculptural process, reflecting on the patience, precision, and deep observation of wildlife that inform his meticulously crafted bronzes.Throughout the conversation, Leroy guides listeners through an exploration of artistic intention, material mastery, and the ways in which personal vision evolves over time. This episode offers a rare and inspiring look at two accomplished artists whose work embodies the spirit of contemporary Western art and the commitment to excellence that defines Blue Rain Gallery.Matthew Sievers: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/matthew-sieversBryce Pettit: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/bryce-pettitThe Blue Rain Gallery Podcast is hosted by Leroy Garcia, produced by Leah Garcia, with music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

In this insightful episode, Blue Rain Gallery founder Leroy Garcia walks the gallery floor with artist Eunika Rogers to explore her innovative process of painting with natural clays. Eunika shares how her large-scale works are created through an intricate blend of fine drawing, mindful layering, and the delicate balancing act of achieving the right clay consistency. The conversation highlights the labor-intensive nature of her work, the tactile quality of natural materials, and the meditative attention to detail that defines her style.

As Leroy and Eunika discuss the nuances of scale, technique, and material, listeners get a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship and environmental connection that drive her practice. Whether working with bold colors or subtle monochromes, Eunika’s work is a poetic collaboration between hand, earth, and canvas.

In this week’s episode of the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast, host Leroy Garcia explores the Contemporary Native Expressions exhibition “Voices of the Land” with multi-disciplinary artist Jesse Littlebird. Together, they discuss the inspirations behind Jesse’s work, his deep connection to the Northern New Mexico landscapes he paints, his meditations on fire, and even the influence of Bob Ross’s teachings on his techniques. Join Leroy for an insightful conversation and a closer look at the incredible array of work Jesse has created. Learn more about the Voices of the Land show and the artists that participated https://blueraingallery.com/event/new-voices-contemporary-native-perspectives Please like, comment, and subscribe for more Blue Rain Gallery podcast art insights and inspiring stories! The Blue Rain Gallery Podcast is hosted by Leroy Garcia, produced by Leah Garcia, and edited by Brandon Nelson, with music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

In this episode of the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast, host Leroy Garcia welcomes glass artist Spooner Marcus to the studio. Spooner, a new addition to the Blue Rain Gallery artist roster, shares his journey as a glass artist, beginning with a serendipitous discovery of glassblowing after high school in his hometown of Española, New Mexico. He discusses his early experiences working in a makeshift hot shop and how his passion for the craft grew over the years.

In this very special episode of the Blue Rain Gallery podcast, host Leroy Garcia sits down with artists Ugly Pie, Helen K. Tindel, and Leah Garcia to discuss their extraordinary journeys into their art careers. 

As children of celebrated artistic visionaries, they share stories of growing up surrounded by creativity, Indian Market during their youth, and the lasting impact of their parents’ influence. They also reveal how they carved out their own distinctive styles and identities. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about art, legacy, and personal expression.

View Ugly Pie’s latest works and more here:  https://blueraingallery.com/artists/ugly-pie

View Helen K. Tindel’s latest works and more here:  https://blueraingallery.com/artists/helen-k-tindel

View Leah Garcia’s latest works and more here:  https://blueraingallery.com/artists/leah-garcia-2

Please like, comment, and subscribe for more Blue Rain Gallery Podcast art insights!

The Blue Rain Gallery Podcast is hosted by Leroy Garcia, produced by Leah Garcia, and edited by Brandon Nelson, with music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

In today’s episode of the Blue Rain Gallery podcast, host Leroy Garcia discusses the inspiration behind climate activist and artist Robin Jones’ new solo exhibition The Mother Tree. Inspired by the writings of Dr. Suzanne Smart, Jones’ paintings dive headfirst into a celebration of interconnectedness with the natural world.