Taos Real Estate

PRESS RELEASE

4^th ANNUAL ONE-MAN EXHIBITION FEATURING THE WORK OF

STEPHEN C. DATZ OPENS MAY 17^TH AT ACT I GALLERY

Act I Gallery of Taos, New Mexico is proud to announce that it will once again feature a new body of work from Stephen C. Datz, a plein-air landscape painter from Colorado who's making his mark on the national art scene. The artist will be present at an Opening Reception on Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

The gallery has represented Stephen's art since 2003 and this exhibition will be his fourth solo show at the gallery. This event has become one of the highlights of our annual show calendar, attracting collectors from across the country and kicking the summer season off in style. This year's show will feature approximately 40 new oil paintings of landscapes from several western states, reflecting Stephen's wide travels and discoveries over the past year.

Stephen's distinctive paintings display a uniquely personal style, blending masterful compositions, lively color harmonies and bold, skillful brushwork. More than merely decorative, these paintings pull the viewer in, giving them a real sense of how it felt to "be there" with the artist at the moment of inspiration.

Stephen's artwork has attracted a national audience. He has been the subject of more than a dozen feature articles in different regional and national publications and most recently was named an "Artist to Watch" and a "Collector's Choice" artist by Southwest Art Magazine.

Elected to Signature Membership in the rocky Mountain Plein-Air Painters in 2006, Stephen has won 6 awards at the group's prestigious events over the last two years including "Best of Show – Artists' Choice" at both of the RMPAP's 2006 national events and "best of Show Overall" at the 2007 National Show. He is also an invited participant in Colorado's renown Governor's Invitational Art Show and Sale and in the landmark "Nomadas Del Arte" show which open in March 2008.

Act I Gallery is delighted to be able to showcase Stephen's work which promises to be some of the finest landscape art available! View his art at: www.actonegallery.com.

Show continues through June 30^th.

Act I Gallery, 218 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571 877-228-1278

Attached: Sonoran Afternoon Oil 10" x 8"

Riparian Rhythms Oil 24" x 36"