The Modbo is excited to reopen for May’s First Friday exhibit: New works by Lisa Deen, a beautiful show of linoleum block prints and paintings.  The opening reception is from 5 pm until 9 pm on Friday, May 7th.  Masks are still required.  The show runs through Friday, May 28th. In addition to the opening reception, the gallery is open by appointment.  The Modbo is located in the Arts Alley in downtown Colorado Springs at 17C E. Bijou. Find the stretch of Bijou that is between Cascade and Tejon, and go south down the alley. Street parking is available, but The Modbo recommends the lot on Cascade just north of Bijou, which costs $3. The Modbo can be reached at themodbo@gmail.com, themodbo.com, or 633-4240. Lisa is an artist, wife, mother of twins, educator, and Westerner. Born in California, raised in Colorado, educated in Minnesota, she then circled back around for another go. Married in Denver, moved to Santa Barbara, and back to Colorado Springs. The geographic narrative and physical environment are imprinted on her visual vocabulary and personal aesthetic showing the strong influence of the landscape of the arid southwest. Lisa’s education includes a BA from St. Olaf College with majors in music and visual art and a MA from the University of Northern Colorado. A passionate art educator, she has taught workshops and classes for elementary through college students. Lisa currently teaches in the art department at Pikes Peak Community College. Her paintings and mixed media works have been exhibited in Minnesota, Oregon, California, New Mexico, and Colorado. Artist Statement: How many times have art lecturers said that artists hold up the mirror to the world? It always seems cliched and simplistic. Of course, there is more: self expression, ego, escape, desire. Maybe all when the work is honest. Two and a half years ago I began creating linoleum block prints of old trees. It was the perfect medium to express the sinewy, gnarled, textured trunks...