A partnership of three Albuquerque artists, an architect and an educator - David Leigh, Larry Bob Phillips, Karl Hofmann, Elena Agustin, and Destiny Pierce - we have come together out of an obligation, as we see it, to facilitate the work, exhibition and publicity of creative artists and their ideas.

We are aware of the powerlessness of the individual artist who does not have a venue to show his or her work. We are aware of a general lack of criticism about these overlooked artists. And, we are aware of the dearth of relevant commentary that reflects the relationship between our local aspirations and a larger artistic community.

Our response is simple. We have assumed control over our exhibition, promotional and critical outlets. Unwilling to wait, we have taken over.

This effort is sincere. Eschewing commercial interests, our goal is to focus on the work of young artists, specifically those who aren't regularly shown. A need for commercial viability often keeps these artists from reaching a larger audience. We disregard the notion that a lack of salability precludes art from being seen; the Donkey Gallery is committed to providing a free exhibition space. The art will stand on its own merit.

This effort is inclusive: we are open to anything. We want to see it and we want to hear it. We are interested in allowing the Donkey Gallery to be used for installations, painting and drawing shows, projections and film screenings, radio broadcasts, performances, theater and readings. In addition, we hope to generate new ideas with the help of guest curators.

This effort is expansive. As the Donkey Gallery grew, it became clear that an exhibition space alone could not fully satisfy these hopes. The written word, criticism, both of our environment and our work, would still be missing. Our monthly poster/journal was created, and it will not only add to the growing discourse on art in New Mexico, but it will give you unique and intelligent visual work from one month to the next.

We expect the Donkey Gallery to remain fluid, and as its role changes, we expect it to develop more creative vehicles to meet those changes. We are the Donkey Gallery.