Gallery With A Cause • Located in the New Mexico Cancer Center • Benefitting the NMCC Foundation
Please call gallery director Regina Held to arrange a private gallery tour, make a purchase, or ask any questions.
Biography
Cherie Martin Irwin is a visual artist and current Studio Arts undergrad at the University of New Mexico. Her first undergraduate and graduate degrees were in Film. Retired from three careers, she started as a Hollywood talent manager and was a festival producer, adjunct film professor, and arts administrator before a 20-year career as a digital product manager and department head. She has served on many Arts juries and panels, including grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and arts councils in several US states. Much of her work in arts and culture has been to facilitate the work of others, including administering NEA funding; showcasing filmmakers, musicians, poets, and visual artists at festivals and events; and creating avenues for artists to teach others.
Cherie’s work has been exhibited in the Roswell Museum gift shop (Roswell NM), Fuller Lodge Art Center (Los Alamos, NM), Home on the Range, (Bernalillo, NM), Lyle’s Creations (Taos, NM). She is a juried artist in Recycle Santa Fe and Taos Folk. She has been part of juried group shows in California, Florida, New Mexico, and Maryland.
Artist Statement
My artwork is a vibrant celebration of color, whimsy, and joy, often infused with a playful sense of humor. I blend fiber, drawing, painting, mosaic, and mixed media to create pieces that are not only visually engaging but also rich in texture and layered meaning. A committed environmentalist, I frequently incorporate repurposed materials, striving to give new life to tiny scraps of fabric or overlooked elements, ensuring that no bit goes to waste.
My choice of subject matter reflects my optimistic and hopeful nature. Circles, hearts, and mandalas often appear as recurring motifs, inspired by nature, the creative expressions of others, exploration, and the simple delight of play. I am drawn to scenes primarily through their color, but also by the stories behind other artists’ work, as I am an avid collector who values the narratives embedded in artistic creations.
Inspired by the beauty of the natural world and the pure joy of making people smile, my art seeks to evoke happiness and connection. My technique is continual evolution; with fabric, I experiment with various stitching methods—both machine and hand embroidery—to add texture and depth. In mosaics, I am always exploring new adhesives, grouting techniques, and methods to cut glass, combining media thoughtfully to achieve harmony in color and shape.
I am a lifelong learner, dedicated to growth and never repeating myself. This attitude, cultivated throughout my professional career, fuels my artistic process. I take workshops and engage with artists I admire, constantly questioning and refining my approach to keep my work fresh, unique, and full of life.