The coolest thing about the Albuquerque art scene is its wide variety of exhibition venues. There's the museum, art fairs, mural making opportunities, community minded and non-profit galleries, and endless coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and even hospitals, that share their spaces with artists and artlovers of all genres. Then there's the locally owned small business galleries whose owners personally bear the financial challenge of selling works by artists whose style may not be mainstream, but whose vision they suppport. Kinda like Peggy Guggenheim, the early years, but without the big inheritance.

In a time when 50% of small businesses fail within their first five years, it's inspiring that gallery owners risk their financial well being to promote the work of many not-so-famous artists. That the Mariposa and Sumner & Dene galleries were founded 44 and 37 years ago, respectively, and continue to chug along despite rollercoaster market fluctuations, makes them Albuquerque art businesses' aging rock stars.

The Albuquerque art scene has it's child stars, too, and Ghostwolf Gallery is one. Founded in 2016 by photographer Amy M. Ditto, this gallery reflects her unusual aesthetic in both palette and content. Ghostwolf exhibits “distinctively different” work by creatives, with a record of professionalism, who Amy personally vets. She encourages the artists in her collective by her example as an exhibiting artist and with suggestions for each artist's business sustainability. The artists of Ghostwolf, that is, Amy's artists, have exhibited in museums and galleries internationally. As any business owner knows, you invest your time, reputation, and money in your baby. Ghostwolf is Ms. Ditto's baby, which I'm sure keeps her up nights, and like any parent she takes sustenance from the accomplishments of her offspring. Since it's opening, Ghostwolf's guests have encouraged the gallery's direction and shown their support through attendance, purchases, and reviews.

I'm delighted to be part of her collective, and take great pleasure in seeing Ghostwolf distinguished from so many art venues on another local favorites list. Congratulations Amy, on being an Alibi's 2018 Best of Burque gallery, and thank you for letting me run with the pack!