Meet Our Artists and Craftsman
Penny Simpson
Robert Highsmith
Watercolor and Acrylic Artist
“I have always been interested in painting, ever since I was a child. I remember getting into my first art show in 2nd or 3rd grade with a watercolor of an eagle sweeping down on a rabbit. In high school I was in the Art Club, this was in East Anchorage High, in Alaska. My teacher, Carl Appel, got a couple of my watercolors in a show in Canada at that time. I was thrilled. After a couple thousand other painting, I still have the interest.
“I was an “army brat” growing up. We moved 35 times in my first 18 years. We were stationed in the southwest on more than one occasion. When our family moved back “home” to Las Cruces, NM, from Alaska, I attended New Mexico State University. After one year at NMSU, I decided to attend an art school. I told my favorite teacher, Mr. Barrick, that I wanted to become a commercial artist, and make $35,000 a year. He said I would not be happy doing that, but because I was smarter than my teacher, I left anyway. My first assignment in the Commercial Program at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida was a poster entitled “Its Pumpkin Time”. That is when I switched to the Fine Arts program, and had some of the best years of my getting educated life. Several years later after graduating, I went back to my teacher and told him he was right. I had to, because he was.
Penny Simpson
Watercolor and Acrylic Artist
I’m a New Mexican artist that doesn’t do much traditional “southwestern” art. I work primarily in watercolors and acrylics and I’m a signature member of the New Mexico Water Color Society. I’ve been lucky enough to win quite few awards in art shows both locally and nationally. I painted a Trail of the Painted Pony, “Apple-oosa” that was reproduced as ceramic collectable miniature (now retired). I most enjoy doing pieces of art that are pretty bold, very realistic and full of light.
CC Cunningham
Watercolor and Acrylic Artist
Born in 1949, Cunningham grew up in eastern Oklahoma
exploring the hard wood forests and rolling hills, creating small
sculptures out of local red clay and pastoral scenes from moss,
twigs, and pebbles. The once a week elementary school art
class was an anticipated treat. Riding horses and playing sports
became her passions.
While attending the University of Oklahoma, Cunningham
majored in Interior Design. Changing direction and schools, she
earned her degree at Oklahoma State University with a major in
Family Relations and Child Development.
Marriage, moving to Colorado, several years of working in social
services, and rearing two children formed her life for the next
several decades. Becoming single again, Cunningham studied
various modalities of healing arts and built a successful business
in Denver.
Moving to New Mexico in early 2000 began another shift in her
life. Inspired by the beauty of the desert southwest, the longing
to create resurfaced. Cunningham started yet another career as
an artist. While incorporating red desert sand collected while
hiking into her highly textural pieces, Cunningham recognized
the connection with her earthy childhood creativity.
After a decade of solo and group exhibitions and regional
success in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona, Cunningham
returned to Colorado, her former home for nearly 30 years. Being
near the Rocky Mountains, her old friends, children and
grandchildren inspired and informed her work.
The lure of the desert southwest has drawn her back to live and
paint in Las Cruces, New Mexico yet again. Cunningham now
asks herself “What’s Next?” in the Land of Enchantment.
Gary Biel
Acrylic Artist/Owner of Trails End Gallery
Born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Garys’ art is inspired by the people, culture and landscapes of the desert Southwest. His art captured the attention of his high school art instructor, and he was offered a college art scholarship, which he declined to pursue a more “practical” career. Years later, Gary spent several years in Europe, living in Paris, Amsterdam, and Torremolinos, Spain.
Inspired by the people and architecture, he supported himself by selling pen and ink drawings. He spent the last few months of his tour as a working pirate aboard a recreation of a Spanish galleon, The Everi.
In a storm, the Everi took on water and sank just offshore of Cartagena, Spain. Gary returned home and took over the reins of the Allied Enterprises Inc.then a family construction business, and transformed it into a successful landscaping design and maintenance company, which is still thriving after 30 years. Recently, Gary has dedicated himself to his art, with a mind to make up for the years of more “practical” pursuits. On a good day you will find Gary in his art loft, making up for lost time.If you are curious about his adventures, contact him.
Email me: garybiel957@gmail.com
Artistic Creation
Beautiful Pieces.
Robert Highsmith