Football and Eli...The day just can't get any better!!!

Have you ever seen a 2 month old laugh so hard?!

Today is Super Bowl Sunday, and yes that is exciting. But what is even more exciting is we will be seeing our sweet baby boy Eli, our godson!! I know, I know, I am out of control gooing and gushing over him like I myself was his momma, but I am Nina after all and I get to do this, its my job to love him and spoil him! So while everybody is getting their final football fix, I will be getting my baby fix with Eli!

We had a wonderful First Friday down at the gallery, with both of us doing extremely well for a February art walk! The weather was perfect and the amount of people amazing. Rob sold out of almost all of his prints and my jewelry was going very quickly too! I now have to make more to replenish by Wednesday when the gallery opens again, so no procrastinating for me these next couple of days. Rob's new primitive art paintings of old New Mexico churches was met with lots of compliments, which is why I think he about sold out of the prints! Go Rob, with your artful heart!

Thursday night was silversmithing class and we learned how to solder. Having that torch in my hand felt so natural to me, I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be right now, learning how to work with metal. It opens up the door to so many creative possibilities that I cannot even begin to describe it to you! I will show off my ring once I have it completed, then on to a bracelet.

Well enough of my gushing over babies, football, and metal, it's time to get to work on some new pieces for the gallery before I lose more time.

Happy Sunday!

Raymond Isaac Acosta

Raymond Isaac Acosta
Raymond was born on December 2nd, 1981
to Linda Acosta and John Armijo in Denver, CO.
Born with a congenital heart defect, his parents were told that he had a 20% chance of making it through the night, but being the fighter he was, he made it through that first night.
Raymond lost his father John when he was five years old and he quickly became the little man of the house, he and his mother took care of one another.
He also made it through the next nine years before being told that he would need a new heart and he was placed on the heart transplant list. On Halloween night in 1991, a 12 year old girl died in San Francisco, her family selflessly gave her heart for donation and Raymond received that precious gift. He was the Ambassador for Children’s Hospital in 1991 and those that took care of him at the hospital called him “A fighter, courageous, delightful, thoughtful, and a charmer”!
Raymond’s body often struggled with this new heart and each time the doctors would give an even stronger anti-rejection medicine.
He was a fighter, he prevailed through each rejection with a thirst for life and each of his family members and friends rallied behind him.
He went through the challenging times of being a teenager and his mother often turned to his older siblings to come speak with him, give him advice, or even just give a good scolding to him.
Raymond’s life came to an abrupt end on October 11, 2009, but in all actuality a part of him died on January 23rd, 2002 when his mother passed away. She was the stabilizing force in his life and her death was the final blow for Ray. He survived without his mother for seven years, however much of that time was just existing for him. Ray maintained the same job for eight years. He also maintained relationships and had many friends. Let us all be grateful for the time spent with him.

Raymond was preceded in death by both of his parents Linda and John.

He is survived by his Grandfather Raymond Acosta, Grandmother Erma Acosta, Grandmother Alice Armijo.
His brothers; Michael and Domingo Armijo.
His sisters; Joann Armijo, Janine Sandoval, and Lauren Aguirre.
Aunt and Godmother Gloria Rico Duran and Uncle Rick Duran,
Godfather Pat Vigil, Godson Hector Herrera
Aunt Kat Alexis and Uncle Michael Gallegos,
Uncle John and Aunt Michelle Acosta.
Numerous other Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends.

The family of Raymond would like to thank you for your support, prayers, and condolences during this difficult time in our lives. May the Lord reward you for your kindness, grace, and mercy that you have shown us, in Jesus name, Amen.

La Cultura and Tattoos...

What is it about the latino cultura that makes us want to go out and put ink our bodies? Well, I've thought about that a lot lately and after hosting a tattoo party at our casa, I understand a little more why we do it...

This is me with my new Jesus in the cross tattoo. I chose this because I love Jesus and I'm not afraid to say or show that. My heart belongs to Jesus, Rob, and my sons Randy and Devin. This is not quite finished, still going to add my favorite book/chapter of the bible~Isaiah 53 down the side of the cross and maybe some flames around the top part of the cross.

This is Besina's Rose~She is getting married next month and had tatted some intials when she was much younger, mira no more reminders of the past just a beautiful rosa and a wonderful fiance!

Cousin Tone like skulls and he's old school! Our tattoo artist and good friend Brian drew this design freehand.
Tres Primas! Mona is my baby cousin and Isaias is married to my cousin Ray. There just wasn't enough time for everyone to get their ink! Isaias is going to get a beautiful Dia de los Muertos lady on her upper shoulder blade soon!

Cousin Cardo getting his first tat, he chose the "Smile now, Cry later" theater masks. I told him he should fit in with all the other vato loco gangstas!

I believe if you are going ink up your body you should really put a lot of thought into your design and where you're going to put it. Rob and I have day jobs in a professional atmosphere and we put our tattoos in places that don't holler "Look at me"! Some get them to cover up mistakes from the past, and still some get them just because they want to and don't care where they put them. Remember folks, this is forever! Be tasteful, create something beautiful and then yeah go for it if that's what you really want to do. Our tattoo artist and friend is Brian Ulibarri and you can check out more of his work here. Brian is also a very talented artist as well as a member with us at Chicano Humanities and Arts Council gallery here in Denver.