"I DON'T PAINT THINGS. I ONLY PAINT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THINGS." Henri Matisse

Rebecca O'Day and Mickey Bond are both working artists and the owners of Straw House Gallery & Studio. Rebecca lives in Arizona ~ Mickey lives in New Mexico!  Creativity & Communication abound between these women because of, for, and through ART! This warm and inviting gallery is sited on the beautiful and historic Amado Territory Ranch.  It is a true Oasis in the Santa Cruz Valley beside a large Koi pond, under massive trees and on grounds that offer restful features like labyrinths and a bonfire pit! It is a restful haven, bring your lunch and sit in our comfy outdoor chairs!  Plein aire paint, it is heavenly!

Straw House Gallery & Studio represents the diverse talents and mediums of 12+ artists as well as own work. We are both contemporary painters and craftswomen on many levels.  Rebecca is also a professional photographer. We are both moving thru new technique and new medium constantly ... there's just so much to emjoy and share.

We host a reception for a new artist on our Guest Wall every 30 days or so coinciding with the Friday night closest to each Full Moon.  We are always accepting jpeg submissions to sho in our gallery and hostess a reception for you. Under a massive, starred sky with the mountains and Elephant Head in clear view, we watch the moon rise and shine down on us from a roaring bonfire. Occasionally a drum circle appears, a guitar and often a cold beer is pulled from the pond where it's perfectly chilled.  It's a true mini-escape from the realities of our individual and collective lives.  It will stay with ya.......you will return.

We offer week-long enrichment programs 4 times a year to help emerging artists make decisions on framing, titling and successful marketing of their work. They are held in Arizona with a Santa Fe, New Mexico componant as well.  A Plein-Aire workshop in Pojoaque, New Mexico is scheduled for July 2010.  A casual, intimate study, we all learn from each other guided by the Do's and Dont's that we have learned in the field over many years.  These workshops culminate in a group gallery show as we guide you thru the adventure with advertising, bio composition and catering. The spiritual componant is ever at play weaving friendship through shared emotions about art into each of us.

Both Rebecca and Mickey are artist's consultants and "teachers"on many levels.  Feel free to contact to ask questions about anything that comes to mind.  If we can't answer or don't have experience in what you inquire, we will find someone who does. We believe strongly in a large network of artists and industry professionals, it futhers everyone's awareness and enjoyment in the Arts.

We love representing and offering fine art and fabulous gifts for sale as well as a grounding experience, our friendship and an opportunity to grow and learn from each other through our numerous lively dicsussions. We offer our guests to the gallery the benefit of our combined education, expertise and sense of artful and UNIQUE artforms.  As Mickey so deftly says...our space has a pulse! You will find little mainstream art here, nothing "usual".  We enjoy uber creativity and freedom of expression. We hope you will enjoy it with us. 

Rebecca and Mickey are both very happy to speak with you about work done by commission just for you.  We are well versed in consultations and working within your economic constraints.  We want our work to live within your walls. Feel Free to ask! Thank you.