In addition to showing the work of nationally prominent artists, Eklund is opening a creative nursery of sorts by making his gallery accessible to all kinds of artists at all stages of their careers. Some may think Carrizozo is too small and too isolated for such an enterprise. Eklund, however, sees good people, interesting architecture, and a willing spirit. He also sees a wide-open arts market for Lincoln County to fill.

"It'll work here as well as it'll work anywhere," he says. "The odds are even better here than in a pre-established situation. Everything here is much more encouraging than I expected."

Recently relocated from Trinidad, Colorado, Eklund is among a handful of newcomers to Carrizozo who have joined ranks with the town's established movers and shakers. The surge of ideas and energies is revitalizing the neighborhood. Old buildings are being restored. The mayor's beautification program is growing. And it looks like commerce will be on the rise as 12th Street's "Gallery Row" takes shape.

The emerging arts district includes Antique Liquidators, Carrizozo Candle Company, and three artist studios in addition to Eklund's. On Central Ave., Carrizozo Joe's provides the perfect coffee shop atmosphere and more artwork, and the newly opened West by Southwest has turned an long-vacant building into a welcome matt for visitors.

For these merchants, jealous competition is out, and cooperation is in. Eklund and his neighbors share information, ideas, and even customers.

"We have confidence in each other," Eklund said. "We're the county seat, and we need to broaden our exposure here."

They're also inviting the rest of Lincoln County to drop any silly notions about competition between towns. Eklund would like to see much more exchange between villages, perhaps with travelling cooperative art shows.

"We can't stay cloistered in little groups," he said. "We need to show more, see what others are doing."

His own gallery is in no way exclusive or elitist. Unlike your usual art gallery, which can seem a bit stuffy and intimidating, Zozo Galleries is comfortable and inviting.

"The market gap in art galleries is a lack of friendliness, courtesy, and respect for artists," Eklund said. "The lack of respect for artists is amazing."

The Eklunds bought the old Steakhouse Cafe building, erected in 1930, which still bears its original 1930 Coca-Cola sign.

Once a favorite teen hang-out, the place now houses a 2,000-square-foot gallery downstairs, plus another 1,000 square feet of exhibition space upstairs, dubbed the Upstairs Uptown Gallery. Featured artists include 'Zozo locals Polly Chavez and Mayor Manual Hernandez, Alto resident Larry Goodman, Georgia Lagg of Nogal, and California artist ichael Musselwhite.

The second floor apartments have been converted into the family living quarters at the back and four mini-galleries up front, complete with kitchen facilities for receptions. Eklund is planning a series of themed invitationals for this space, starting with the "Black and White" show, which also opens May 4th. These non-juried shows are open to anyone and everyone who makes art. About 50 artists, from Lincoln County and the surrounding region (including Texas), have entered the "Black and White" show.

"There's no jurying, no fees, no competition, no pecking order here," Eklund said. "Some people in the 'Black and White' show have never shown in a gallery before."

A self-taught artist himself, Eklund shuns ideas about classifying or qualifying art. He particularly enjoys artwork that is intensely personal, stuff with the artist's "guts" in it. Making a connection between artists and viewers is paramount for Eklund as a gallery owner.

"It's my job to tell these artists' stories," he said. "I like to have pictures of the artists and show works in progress. I'm fanatical about greeting everybody who comes to a show, introducing people to the artists."

The May 4th opening of Zozo Galleries and the "Black and White" show coincides with Carrizozo's Cinco de Mayo celebration (yes, on Saturday, May 4th). The Village is closing off 12th Street for a block party atmosphere with mariachi music, folklorico dancers, food, and fun for everyone.