4 Women: Exceptional Art: An All Women Show at Weems Gallery Opening Reception

Weems Gallery will be hosting an all women show in April, celebrating the works of 4 women who have been working with the gallery for over 18 years each.

Mary Ann Weems is the founder of Weems Gallery and Framing which first opened in 1981. An artist herself, she always believed in the concept that art should be affordable. This will be her first participation in an exhibition since she started the gallery 44 years ago. “It’s fun, after all these years, to participate in a show with dear friends. I feel privileged.”

Rachel Nelson has been involved with Weems Gallery since its beginnings in 1981. She works with watercolors and feels a painting is successful if it is interesting to look at from different angles and the viewer’s eye can flow through the painting’s design. “I feel like I’ve been experimenting with watercolor my whole life. I like this mediums fluidity and so I paint on a very smooth paper that allows me to push the paint around. That’s what makes my pieces a little different,” Rachel commented. “ What an honor it is to be supported to be supported first by Mary Ann and now Sheila as I experiment with my artwork.”

Esta Bain trained as a painter and discovered the medium of clay when she happened to take a pottery class years ago. She derives her inspiration from the desert southwest and enjoys creating sculpture depicting Native Americans adorned in traditional attire. Her carved figures are serene, each one depicting warmth, strength and security. “I love all art, and clay happens to be the best medium for me to be able to express myself,” Esta commented. Like Rachel, she has also been a part of Weems since its inception.

Iva Morris works in both oils and pastel; this is partly because the two have different strengths and encourage different techniques. Not limiting herself to one medium - nor just one subject - keeps her skills and imagination sharp, and it keeps her fascinated with what she’s doing.  She has been involved with Weems Gallery for over 18 years. “I’ve enjoyed working with both Mary Ann and then Sheila over my many years at Weems. Mary Ann helped me grow as both an artist and an entrepreneur and she has always been so supportive of women artists. Then, when Sheila purchased the gallery, she continued supporting the philosophy that artists are meant to encourage each other and, when they do, we all continue to grow together.” Iva has begun to incorporate clay into her art as a collaboration with oil and pastel.

This show is an amazing partnership between the gallery and four women who have known, collaborated, and grown together as artists for years!  The show will run through Saturday, May 3, 2025 at:

Weems Gallery and Framing. 

5935 Wyoming Blvd, NE, Albuquerque, NM

Weems Gallery.com      505-293-6133