A discovery process: Rio Rancho-based Lauren Deyo is featured in Corrales Art Studio Tour among dozens

May 1—Lauren Deyo is enjoying her latest chapter in life.

It's one that is filled with art.

"It's an endless process," she says. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

Deyo is a Rio Rancho-based artist who began a full-time career later in life.

She moved from Massachusetts more than 15 years ago, finding herself living in Santa Fe.

It was there she would teach until her retirement years ago.

Then art came calling.

"I would say that I've always been a creative person," she says. "I never had time to totally focus entirely on art full time. I had to wait until I was 65 to start that."

Despite Deyo being relatively new to full-time artist status, her "Texture for Breakfast" was picked as the featured image of the Corrales Artist Studio Tour.

"I'm thrilled to have my work chosen for the CAST studio tour catalog," she says. " 'Texture for Breakfast' is from a series of paintings which focused on a limited pallet, texture and movement."

The event takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5.

There is also a preview gallery open from 1-4 p.m. Friday, May 3, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road in Corrales.

Deyo is one of 87 artists and over 50 student artists from two Corrales elementary schools that will show their work at 36 venues including artist homes and studios, five local galleries and select local businesses.

According to organizers, Corrales Art Studio Tour attendees will find a wide selection of fine art and beautifully crafted works. Art in contemporary to representational and abstract styles in a variety of media including watercolors, oils, acrylics, photography and prints as well as works in clay, fiber, glass and metal will delight the senses at every stop.

"The tour is a great opportunity for artists to interact with the community, and local and visiting art collectors," says Beth Waldron Yuhas, Corrales artist and 2024 CAST director. "People coming to the tour get a chance to see where their favorite artists work and get a window into the creative process."

Deyo says art is a discovery process.

"When you're working on an art project, you're not the same every day," she says. "It's a constant process of exploration as you uncover new things."

Deyo moved to Rio Rancho after retiring from Santa Fe Public Schools as a teacher.

It was then she wanted to take art lessons — yet nothing appealed to her.

One day, she was inside of Artisan ABQ Art Supplies and saw a flier on the window.

"It was for abstract art classes," she says. "I hadn't really thought about the abstract. That was about 10 years ago."

After the classes, Deyo began to study oriental brush painting and has never looked back.

Today, she works out of her home studio, which often feels like it's too small.

"I've begun doing larger work," she says. "I'm working on 30x30 and 36x36. You need space for that."

Deyo will be located at the No. 8 spot on the tour, which is Artsy Accents at 4605 Corrales Road.

She will be sharing the space with Pam Elam, Bill Monthan and Stephen Lueckenhoff.

"I'm very fortunate to have a space there," she says. "It's right on Corrales Road. I will be hanging the mixed media pieces, most of which are famed. I will have a really good selection of some of my latest work."

Deyo is still getting used to working for herself and finds challenges every day.

"The biggest challenge is the business side of it, you're a one-person shop," she says. "You have to be versed in all dynamics."

Maps and catalogs will be available online at corralesartstudiotour.com. Printed catalogs will be available at the Preview Gallery at Old San Ysidro Church, and various local sponsors, galleries, wineries and art studios throughout the village.