Kacey Gambrell, also known as Eerie Dearie, creates vibrant and imaginative works inspired by mythology, fashion, and all things creepy and cute.

 

She attended Adams State University and earned a BFA in Studio Arts with emphases of drawing, painting, graphic design, and fibers, which helped her hone her multidisciplinary approach to art.

 

She regularly participates in online collaborative projects and has recently launched her own YouTube channel for drawing tutorials, painting videos, and more. To see more of her work, visit @eerie.dearie.arts on Instagram, Eerie Dearie Arts on Facebook, or @eeriedearie on Youtube.

 

Of her current collection she writes, “A mask can do many things. It can hide a person in a crowd, conceal one’s identity, and even keep the wearer safe. Alternatively, a mask can make a person the center of attention and emphasize their presence to the point that anonymity is lost.

 

“Behind a mask, a person can be whoever they imagine. Hidden truths are revealed about a person's inner world when they choose to don a mask, especially those metaphorical masks such as online alter egos or the many faces people present to others in daily life.

 

“My wish with this collection is to invite the viewer to explore a world of magical and mysterious masks and the truths they don't quite conceal; perhaps even to consider the masks they, themselves, have worn through life.”

 

To complement her theme of masks, Kacey is leading a mask-painting workshop at the Narrow Gauge on October 3rd from 5pm to 8pm. All supplies will be provided, though spaces are limited to 15. Reserve your space at this link, here.

 

Also, join us on October 10th for a come-and-go reception from 4pm to 6pm. Meet Kacey and chat with her about her art, and see her art all month long.

Each month, we feature a local nonprofit that serves the San Luis Valley. For October, you can support Tu Casa!

 

From their vision and mission statement:

Empowering all children and adults to live healthy, violence-free lives. Our mission: To support healthy, violence-free lives and relationships for all children and adults in the San Luis Valley by: 
 

• providing crisis intervention, shelter services, and  advocacy to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and their non-offending family members/caregivers.

• empowering the community to affect sustainable social change through awareness building and prevention education.

• coordinating professional efforts to respond to interpersonal violence in a victim-centered manner.
   

Established in 1979, and, at one time the only domestic violence service in the area, Tu Casa provides assistance for those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault/ abuse, and provides access to resources that are often difficult to find due to our remote location, and many other factors such as transportation and language barriers. They are an incredibly important organization in our area, and we're happy to be able to promote and support them through our monthly round-up. You can learn more about Tu Casa at their website, here.

 

Check out their book recommends, and be sure to round up when you shop at the Narrow Gauge in October!

• Surviving: Why We Stay and How we Leave Abusive Relationships by Beverly Gooden

• Written on the Body: Letters from Trans and Non-Binary Survivors of Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence

• Chameleon & The Color of Brave: A Story about Domestic Violence by Amanda Moore

• It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover