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Photographer Efren Lopez makes art his business.
As a well-known Americana Route 66 photographer, there is no doubt that Efren Lopez has had his share of attention in books, magazines, postcards and gift shops, but his affinity for showcasing other artists is what is in his viewfinder.
Photographer Efren Lopez makes art his business.
Working with the Verde Valley Cultural Collective, of which he is a founding member, Lopez has opened the 369 Gallery in Camp Verde, where he will be showcasing local Verde Valley artists. Adjacent to the 369 Gallery is The Little Gallery, a restored retro mobile home that displays various artists’ work. Additionally, Lopez has a Tiny Mobile Gallery that he will be pulling with his bike.
“Our goal is to help and promote upcoming artists all around the Verde Valley, especially those who haven’t been able to showcase their work,” said Lopez. “A lot of these people have been artists for many years, but they haven’t had the opportunity to get their work out there. Some are older individuals who have homemade items and don’t realize how exceptional their art is.”
The galleries are Lopez’s vision. “I’ve always wanted to have a small gallery to support local artists and I’m glad to finally have this all come to fruition.”
“I’ve been selling art for a long time, so for me it’s not that hard to sell art,” said Lopez. “I encourage the artists to tell me about themselves and I then explain how to share that story. A lot of times when a story resonates with a buyer, they tend to want to make a purchase.”
Stating that this will be the first studio in Camp Verde to showcase multiple artists, Lopez says he’s also coaching artists in making marketing collateral. “I help them design notecards and other low-cost marketing materials. Depending on their artwork, I’ll have them printed on fine art paper or matte. We want everything to look professional.”
“Efren is an extremely talented photographer and artist,” said artist Marjory Boyer of Camp Verde. “He is a friend to all as he inspires and motivates those around him. He has unlimited ideas and energy. With his vision and events planned for the 369 Gallery, I’m sure this will be a great contribution to the Verde Valley and visitors to the area.”
Opening in November, there are now nearly a dozen artists participating and featuring jewelry, oil, water and acrylic painting, fused glass art, colored pencil portraiture, decorative dishes, three-dimensional art, photography and more.
In the new year, Lopez will be participating in Camp Verde’s 3rd Friday Art Walk every month and plans to attend major festivals around the Verde Valley. Using his Tiny Mobile Gallery, he hopes to attend events and wineries to promote the artists’ work. “We did a little show at Alcantara Winery last year and we are scheduled to go back.”
“The Tiny Mobile Gallery will display miniature art. Using little animals or human figurines, buyers can see the scale. Artists are doing this in New York and San Francisco with good success,” he said.
Camp Verde Artist Lynn Spencer has been showcasing her work at the 369 Gallery since it opened. “I feel like Efren is family and his Little Gallery is just adorable. He is an Energizer bunny and is extremely enthusiastic and very generous with his resources. He has all these great ideas for participating artists and as a successful photographer and businessman, knows marketing well, which I do not. I’ve been doing art for 40 years but have never had it displayed in a gallery.”
Moving forward, Lopez will begin offering art, watercolor and photography classes in January. “Along with the art classes, I want to teach artists how to use a camera and how to photograph their work.”
Another idea on his palette is creating gift baskets lined with vintage fabric made by a local seamstress and filled with local art. “We would like to begin by targeting realtors to purchase for their closing gifts.” FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
The 369 Gallery is open Friday through Sunday and located at 369 Third Street in Camp Verde. Lopez can be contacted at 602-570-8157 or route66images@gmail.com.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Gallery owner Efren Lopez converted a retro mobile home into an art gallery.
Filed Under: Business, Local News, Sedona, Tourism, Williams, Winslow
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