February 2010
Southwest Art Scene El Paso
Las Cruces
Other Southern New Mexico
Menu of this month's listings, stories and columns
Adair Margo Fine Art — Margo’s new gallery is at 215 Stanton, Suite 602 (in The Martin Building). Hours are 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by appointment. Information: 533-0048 or adairmargo.com.
Showing Jan. 29-Feb. 19: Exhibition of Classic Photographs by Bruce Berman. An opening reception is 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29. Following the reception, Berman will give a talk on Three Decades of Photographing the Border, 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. at the Percolator, 217 N. Stanton.
The exhibit is in conjunction with Berman’s “Border Stories” exhibit at the Centennial Museum (see At the Museum listing), which opens Jan. 14.
Berman moved to El Paso in 1975 as a Professor of Photography at UTEP. For over three decades he has lived in the old Brew House south of I-10 in Central El Paso, taking photographs of the environment and people of El Paso/Juarez. He currently teaches photography at NMSU.
Berman has worked for top publications across the country, but often found himself at odds with the assignment editors who request images to prove a point. One example, recalled Adair Margo, is when the New York Times asked for images depicting the “dire poverty of Juarez” as contrasted with the “gleaming towers of El Paso.”
“When Bruce took photographs of poverty, he found grateful people who never thought they would have so much,” Margo said. “His work extends beyond surface appearance, and gets to the heart.”
Adair Studio and Gallery — 5750 N. Mesa (at the Summit). Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Clarissa Adair is a graduate of the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver. Information: 471-2271.
Showing Feb. 1-28: “A Spectrum of Color.”
Classes and workshops include Basic Drawing, Figure Drawing, Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain, Acrylic and Oil painting. Children’s classes are 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays.
Art Junction of El Paso — The art service of El Paso Art Association is at 500 W. Paisano, Suite D upstairs (Downtown, at Durango). Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Studio spaces are available to rent for artists, as well as a photo lab. Also featured is the Presidents Gallery for classes and the upstairs Lobby Gallery featuring artwork by the studio artists. Information: 534-7377 elpasoartassociation.com.
Ballroom Marfa — 108 E. San Antonio Street in Marfa. The ballroom hosts visual and performing arts events at several local venues. Ticket information: (432) 729-3700 or ballroommarfa.org.
“Art in the Auditorium” is Jan. 29-Feb. 28, featuring screenings of two recent works by Aida Ruilova, along with other chosen works at participating galleries. Ballroom Marfa continues a collaboration with Whitechapel Gallery in London and other international galleries to bring together film and video artists from a global community. Ruilova has been selected by Ballroom Marfa as the representative from North America.
Chamizal galleries - Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for Abrazos Gallery, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for Paisanos Gallery. Admission is free. Information: 532-7273 or nps.gov/cham.
Showing through Feb. 13 in the Paisano Gallery: “Why I Like The West,” nature photography by Scott Einberger.
Showing Feb. 20-March 27 in the Paisanos Gallery: “35 Years of Siglo de Oro,” exhibition of festival posters.
Showing through Feb. 20 in the Abrazos Gallery: “Bred to Death,” photographs by Isabel F. Taylor.
Showing Feb. 27-April 3 in the Abrazos Gallery: watercolor paintings by Rodolfo Razo.
Chinati Foundation — Marfa, Texas. Created by artist Donald Judd, the Chinati Foundation houses one of the world’s largest collections of permanently installed contemporary art. The collection is open for guided tours throughout the year at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission is $10 ($5 for students, seniors). Information: (915) 729-4362. Call ahead for group tours.
The collection includes Dan Flavin’s untitled Marfa project, a monumental work in colored fluorescent light that occupies six buildings.
Creative Kids’ OLO Gallery — The art studio and children’s art gallery is at 504 San Francisco in Union Plaza. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Children’s classes offered. Information: 533-9575 or creativekidsart.org.
Cutter Aviation Terminal Gallery — Located at El Paso International Airport, 1771 Shuttle Columbia. Gallery open 24 hours a day. Admission is free. Information: 779-0270, 594-8424 or ElPasoArtCalendar.com.
Showing through March 15: Works by Warren Smart and Chris L. Grohusko.
El Paso Art Association — The regular association meetings are at 1:30 p.m. the second Sunday of the month January through June and September through November at the Crossland Gallery, 500 W. Paisano. All meetings are free and open to the public. Information: 534-7377 or elpasoartassociation.com.
El Paso Museum of Art — One Arts Festival Plaza, downtown El Paso. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. Closed Mondays and holidays. Admission is free, except for certain special exhibits. Information: 532-1707 or elpasoartmuseum.org.
Showing through March 2: “Recycle/Reuse: WWII Propaganda Prints.” The exhibit examines the vintage concept of recycling as depicted in World War II posters. The prints were created by artists during World War II spouted various messages intended to rally citizens for a number of causes. Citizens were often encouraged to ration their food and recycle items with raw materials such as rubber, aluminum, tin and steal that were used for war supplies. The museum has more than 700 propaganda prints from both WWI and WWII, given by Rose Nordwald and the El Paso Public Library in 1975.
Showing through March 7: “La Virgen De Guadalupe,” featuring 14 retablos from EPMA’s permanent collection that explore the Virgin of Guadalupe as a major religious and cultural icon in Mexican and Mexican American culture.
Showing through March 14: “Into the Desert Light: Early El Paso Art (1850-1960), in honor of the El Paso Museum of Art’s 50th anniversary. Primarily consisting of landscape paintings of the desert, this exhibition demonstrates the inspiration of the Chihuahua desert’s uniqueness. Also included are other works influenced by European modernism, portraits, still-life paintings and images of the city as it grew. Well-known artists such as Tom Lea, Fremont Ellis, Jose Cisneros, Peter Hurd and Manuel Acosta are included as well as under-recognized artists such as Lewis Teel, Hari Kidd, Jose Aceves, Eugene Thurston and Berla Emeree. An associated exhibition catalog/book will be available in the Museum Store.
Showing through March 28: “Impressionism in Print,” an exhibition of 14 prints from the museum’s permanent collection including artists such as Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. A major art movement of the mid to late 19th century, Impressionism developed in Paris as various painters endeavored to capture the changing effects of light on everyday subject matter.
The museum will host free focus talks to explore a particular work or artist featured in the” Impressionism in Print” exhibition at 12:15 p.m. selected Wednesdays through February in the Peter and Margaret de Wetter Gallery. February talks:
• Feb. 3 — Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec with Assistant Curator Katherine Smith
• Feb. 10 — ZIP tour of “Impressionism in Print” with Curator Christian Gerstheimer.
The associated documentary film “Impressionists on the Seine” will be shown continually in the Ginger Francis Seminar Room during normal museum operating hours Feb. 2-7.
Rosamond Bernier – Live at the Met Lecture Series on film runs through March 7 during regular museum hours:
• Feb. 9-14 — French Impressionism: The Cast of Characters (60 minutes)
• Feb. 16-21 — French Impressionism: Modern Art and Modern Manners (60 minutes)
• Feb. 23-26 — French Impressionism: Paris by Day and by Night (60 minutes)
• March 3-7 — French Impressionism: An Accessible Paradise (60 minutes).
An Artists’ on Art discussion with Miguel Bonilla is 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10. Artists on Art provides local artists an opportunity to exhibit one work of art in any media accompanied by a 30-minute discussion on their work and its relation to the Museum’s permanent collection.
Curator Christian Gerstheimer will lecture on “Francesco Zuccarelli — A King of 18th Century Landscape Painters” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, as part of the New Perspectives: Hidden Masterpieces Lecture Series 2010, which considers topics related to the museum’s late Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo art. Admission is free, but seating is limited.
The museum’s permanent collections include the Kress Collection of European works from the 14th through the 18th centuries; the American Collection of art of the 19th and 20th centuries; the Spanish Viceroyal Collection and Mexican Folk Retablos, art from the 17th through the 19th centuries; Works on Paper Collection from the 16th through the 20th centuries; Contemporary Collection, emphasizing Southwestern and Mexican artists; and the Tom Lea Gallery, featuring works by El Paso’s best-known artists and other regional artists.
Museum membership is $15 seniors, $25 individuals and $50 for families, and includes discounts at the Museum Store, free admission to all exhibitions and programs, and invitations to private member events. Information: 532-1707, ext. 66 for more information.
Encaustic International Gallery — 7100 Westwind, Suite 120. The gallery is the studio of El Paso encaustic artist Brigitte von Ahn. Hours are 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Information/appointment: 833-0454, 581-4737 or brigittevonahn.com.
Group sessions for encaustic painting are 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.
EPAA art classes — El Paso Art Association offers classes in the Art Junction Gallery classroom, 500 W. Paisano. Cost: $15 per class session. Call for times. Registration/information: 534-7377 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday).
Tuesdays, Feb. 9 and 16: Digital Photography by Carol Eastman.
March classes:
• Watercolor by Atalo Mendez, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, March 2-April 20.
• Pastel by Manny Guerra, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays, March 3-April 21.
• Figure Painting with Acrylics by Rick Parra, 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays, March 3-April 21.
• Repujado-Artistic Metal Embossing, noon to 2 p.m. Fridays, March 5-April 9.
Franklin St. Gallery — The gallery is inside the Marie Otero Salon, 500 N. Oregon, Ste. C (downtown El Paso, facing Franklin).
A Grand Opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, featuring artist June Smith. Smith is a military spouse who volunteers teaching art for 3rd graders. Information: 525-9560 or 588-4247.
Galleria 300 — 300 E. Main, Suite 810 in Downtown El Paso. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, or by appointment. Information: 525-9560.
Currently featured: “Vos—A Retrospect,” works by UTEP art department members Alfonso Valenzuela, Mauricio Olague and Steve Salazar.
Golden Eagle Gallery — 1501 Main Street in San Elizario. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Information. 851-0041.
Greasewood Gallery — Hotel Paisano, 207 North Highland in Marfa, Texas. Information: (432) 729-4134 or hotelpaisano.com. Opening reception for artist Marty Carden’s “White Sands” is 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13.
Hal Marcus Studio and Gallery — 800 N. Mesa, second floor (at Yandell). Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Information: 533-9090 or halmarcus.com.
Showing Feb. 25-April 30: “50 (Un)known - Early El Paso Women Artists,” featuring works by El Paso’s art community’s 50 female pioneers and their undiscovered talent. Artists include Tommy Alford, Kate Ball, Earline Barnes, Mary Booth, Dinny Breese, Nan Collins, Holly Cox, Johnell Crimen, Lois Denton, Mago Orona Gandara, Dorothy Geyer, Helen Haley, Floy Jean Hall, Dorothy Hay, Jan Herring, Catherine Kistenmacher, Win Korf, Ysela O’Malley, Gloria Canterbury Rakocy, Ferne Schrier, Fern Thurston, Wanda Herman Turcznowicz, Lelaroy Williams and more.
Opening reception is 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25; public encouraged to dress in “olden styles.” Refreshments served.
An ARTalk is 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 25.
The gallery exhibits works by owner Hal Marcus, a native born El Pasoan who has been painting for over 40 years and is famed for such locally inspired works as “El Mercado,” “El Paso Navidad” and “Avenida Juárez.”
Other featured artists include Teresa Fernandez, Bill Sullivan, Manuel Acosta, Bill Rakocy, Candy Mayer, Vincent Peterson, Evelyn Ainsa, Mark Paulda, Francisco Romero and Mauricio Mora.
A gift shop offers art-related gifts.
Horseshoe Gallery — 1500 Main Street in San Elizario. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Information: 345-5594.
International Museum of Art — 1211 Montana. The museum is operated by the International Association for the Visual Arts in the historic Turney Home. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission is free. Information: 543-6747 or internationalmuseumofart.net.
Showing through Feb. 7 in the South Gallery: AVANCE Art Display, featuring more than 160 one-of-a-kind decorated wooden hearts by regional artists. The hearts will be auctioned during AVANCE’s annual “Toma Mi Corazón Heart Auction” 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6.
The Heritage Gallery (lower level) features “The Mexican Revolution Exhibition: 1910-1920” featuring murals by Bill Rakocy and Mario Parra depicting various events from the Mexican Revolution, a collection of rare, matted photographs, Pancho Villa’s death mask and a life-size figure of Villa.
‘La Buena Vida’ submissions — Artist submissions accepted through Feb.15. for the 6th annual art auction benefiting La Buena Vida Adult Day Centers. The event is planned for March 25 at Camino Real Hotel. Houses may picked up Sunland Art Gallery inside Sunland Park Mall; Art Junction, 500 W. Paisano; The Art Center, 3101 E. Yandell and Lutheran Social Services, 9640 Montwood.
Information: Candy Mayer, 581-4971.
This year, El Paso, Inc. will choose a house for their “Home Sweet El Paso” award The winner will receive $200 and his or her house will be on the cover of the Lifestyle section of the Inc.
La Galeria de la Misíon de Senecú — The Ysleta Independent School District’s gallery is at 8455 Alameda. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. Information: 434-9705 or finearts.yisd.net.
Showing Feb. 4-25: Black History Month Exhibition “Out of Darkness.” All students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in the annual show sponsored by, YISD and Eta Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Closing reception and Awards ceremony is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19. First, Second and Third Place trophies awarded in Elementary, Junior (Middle School) High, and Senior High categories. A $50 U.S. Savings Bond will be awarded to one overall winner from each category.
Main Street Gallery — 1456 Main in San Elizario, on the Mission Trail. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Information: 851-0041 or msgallery.net. Showing through Feb. 28: “New Beginnings” collective exhibit.
Maven Studio — 9828 Montana, Suite N. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. New artists are featured each month. Information: 633-8350 or mavenstudio@rocketmail.com. Web: myspace.com/mavenstudio. February’s artists are R.J. Williams, Chris Melero, Jesus Monsivais and Shedrick Allen. “Friday Night Gallery” reception and open house is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5.
Pastel Society of El Paso — The society’s monthly meeting is 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at the International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana. The program will be a Paint Around, in which artists begin painting on their own pastel, then move around to work on each other’s work and finally arrive back at their easel. Open to anyone interested in the pastel medium. Information: 581-4971.
Rio Bravo Watercolorists – The group meets at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at Thyme Matters, 5857 N. Mesa, #24. Beginning and advanced watercolorists and art lovers are invited. This month’s demo artist is Carmen Navar. Reservations required: Jeannie Sigmon, 842-9365.
Rubin Center — UTEP’s Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts is next to Sun Bowl Stadium (off Dawson Drive). Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Closed on Saturdays of home football games. Information: 747-6151, Rubincenter@utep.edu or utep.edu/artsandculture.
Showing through Feb. 27: 2010 UTEP Department of Art Biennial Faculty Exhibition, featuring the most recent work from 28 members of UTEP’s accomplished art faculty. Artwork is in a variety of disciplines including sculpture, painting, drawing and graphic design. Dana Friis-Hansen, executive director at the Austin Museum of Art, met with each artist individually and recommended artwork to be exhibited.
Distinguished professor and author Roberto Tejada will give a free presentation, “Split Systems: Borderland Method and Photo-Based Practice” about his most recent publication “Celica Alvarez Muñoz” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17. Tejada is an associate professor in the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Texas at Austin. He has curated numerous exhibitions in the U.S and abroad, and is author of many books. The subject of his book and lecture is a graduate of UTEP’s Department of Art.
Sunland Art Gallery — The El Paso Art Association co-op gallery is in Sunland Park Mall, second level across from The Greenery, with 30 El Paso artists represented. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Information: 584-3117 or sunlandartgallery.com.
Individuals or groups interested in having a show at the gallery in 2010 can call 833-0636 or 474-0053.
Showing Feb. 1-27: “El Paso and Beyond,” photographic images by Mark Schrier. This is Schrier’s first solo gallery show after doing Kermezaar, Art in the Park, La Viña, and other local shows. He has been taking photos since he was a child, then converting to the digital process and selling professionally. Opening reception is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5.
Submissions are being taken for the gallery’s 2010 El Paso Art Association show at the gallery March 2-30. Each artist will be able to exhibit one piece for judging. Opening reception is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, March. 5. Entry fee for artist is $20.
The Crossland Gallery — 500 W. Paisano (in the Art Junction of El Paso). Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Information: 351-2811.
Continuing through Saturday, Feb. 13: Plein Air Painters of El Paso. The group follows the tradition of painting on-site.
Showing March 6-26: UVA’s UVAs (Union de Viejas Artistas) “From the Vine” Exhibit, featuring 16 female art teachers from four school districts (YISD, EPISD, SISD, CISD). Their first exhibit in January of 2009, had the largest turnout in the history of the Crossland. Opening reception is 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 6.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
‘For the Love of Art month’ — February is For the Love of Arts Month in Las Cruces, celebrating the city’s various performing and visual arts. The month, sponsored by ArtForms, is highlighted by several special studio tours, exhibits and performances.
See various gallery listings for event details.
ArtForms Studio Tour — The Las Cruces-based ArtForms Artist Association of New Mexico presents its 2010 Studio Tour 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13-14 and Feb. 20-21. The tour features several area artists at 28 galleries and studios. Maps available at several Las Cruces locations, including some of the participating studios. Information: (575) 541-4353 or artformsnm.org.
Featured both weekends:
• Roy van der Aa — 2645 Dona Ana Road.
• Mesquite Street Studios — 922 North Mesquite. Oils, watercolor and various media with Diana Ayres, Sylvia Bowers, Marie Seigrist and Pat Cameron.
• Penny and John Duncklee — 1201 Second. Watercolor, and poetry, fiction, non-fiction authored by John Duncklee.
• New Mexico Art — 121 Wyatt, Suite 1. Gourd art, painting, mosaic tile, pottery with Donna Johnson, Penny Duncklee, Tony Alderette, Phil Yost and Evelyn Williams.
• Deb’s Place — 1320 Kilmer. Clay sculpture, functional ware by Deborah J. Moore.
• Quillin Studio & Gallery — 317 North Main. Painting, weaving and jewelry with Sally Quillin, Dedri Quillin and Aline Fister.
• Peggy & Genevieve Sanders Studio — 31 West Willoughby. Watercolor and oil paintings.
• Studio 309 — 309 E. Oregon. Photography and jewelry by Ken Stinnett and Laverne S. Stinnett.
• Unsettled Gallery and Studio — 905 North Mesquite. Donald Brenner with other artists including the Layerists Exhibit: “Black and White and Red All Over.”
• Nancy Frost Begin Studio — 1982 Avenida de Antigua. Watercolors, oils and woodcut prints.
• Regalos y Art Gift Shop & Gallery in the Ramada Palms — 201 East University. New Mexico folk art, retablos, tin paintings, jewelry and bowls.
• Studio 1115 — 1115 Branson. Landscapes, abstract, collage and mixed media.
• The Potteries — 2260 Calle de Santiago. Porcelain dinnerware, whimsical paintings, handmade architectural lighting with Jeanne Rudell and Janice and Bill Cook.
• Kaleidoscope — 710 Farney Lane. Handpainted silk scarves and clothing by Susan Thiem.
Featured Feb. 13-14:
• Rockworks Studio — 4443 Nambe Arc. Acrylic and oil painting by Rochelle Barda.
• Artistry in Wood — 913 Stefanie Court. Segmented wood turnings by Les Fairchild.
• Brian Fallstead Sculptures — 2794 Coventry. Metal, ceramic, fiberglass and kinetic sculpture.
• Kurt Van Wagner — 2759 Coventry. Digital art and fine art photography.
• Sanity Silversmithing — 2986 Sundance Circle. Jewelry and photos inspired by ancient images, by Margaret K. Berrier.
• Gabriella Denton — 620 East Organ. Colorful folk art paintings and prints.
• Gallery 704 1/2 — 704 El Prado. Handmade paper and mixed media sculpture by Georjeanna Feltha and Martha Duran.
• Joyce T. Macrorie Studio Gallery — 639 South San Pedro. Paintings, prints and jewelry.
• Santos — 2050 Cortabella. Acrylic on canvas and wood by Lynn K. Miyake.
• Lynn Unangst — 4020 Red Yucca Court. Handwoven garments, petit point, woven gift items and “Spirit Minders.”
• Cally Williams Studio — 331 Capri Arc. Functional pottery.
Featured Feb. 20-21:
• Jan Addy & Friends — 484 Calle de Oro. Watercolor, copper creations, mesquite and turquoise by Jan Addy, Cherie Gamboa, Greg Tracy and Janey Walch.
• The Village at Northrise Artists — 2880 and 2882 North Roadrunner Parkway. Various media.
• New Dimension Art Works — 615 East Pinon. Sculpture and ceramics by John B. Northcutt.
• Estudio Azul — 1429 Walnut. Works by David Shaw and Karen Shaw.
‘Artists of Picacho Hills’ — Picacho Hills Country Club, 6861 Via Campestre, in Las Cruces, will host a show featuring works by club members through the month of February as part of “For the Love of Art Month” events. Works in a variety of media featured. Opening reception is noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7. Information: (575) 523-0910.
Blue Gate Fine Art — 311 N. Main, in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday or by appointment. Information: (575) 523-2950 or bluegateflodoc@aol.com.
Showing in February as part of “For the Love of Art Month”: Wildlife portraits of endangered animals by Linda Miller. Miller has been featured in various local, national and regional juried art exhibits. In researching the subjects for these paintings, Miller sought out several preservation organizations for information. Proceeds from the sales of Miller’s work benefit wildlife preservation efforts.
Opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, during the Downtown Ramble.
Branigan Cultural Center — Branigan Building, 501 N. Main, (Downtown Mall) Las Cruces. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Information: (575) 541-2154 or las-cruces.org/museums.
Showing Feb. 5-27:
• “Barberia,” photo essay of border barbershops by Roy Jacobson. Barbershops across the nation are fading into the past as unisex hair salons grow. The classic barbershop was a vital part of the living history of the community. The exhibit includes photographs of surviving shops from Brownsville to Tucson on both sides of the border, including a shop in Mesilla Park.
• ArtForms 12th annual “For the Love of Art Month.” More than 50 artists will participate, with paintings, watercolors, prints, photography, sculpture, jewelry, digital media and more.
Opening reception for both shows is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, as part of the Downtown Ramble.
Dr. Wayne Crawford will host “For the Love of Lit” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, with readings by area poets and writers.
The permanent display, “Las Cruces: Crossroads of History,” features a comprehensive look at the history of Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley spanning the past 400 years through photographs, documents, artifacts and narrative.
The center hosts monthly History Notes informal discussions 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, focusing on the Doña Ana Bend Colony Land Grant. Topics include an overview of the founding families and elements of the land grant that remain today. Staff will also address the platting of Las Cruces within the original land grant.
Cottonwood Gallery — The gallery is part of the Southwest Environmental Center, 275 N. Downtown Mall, Las Cruces. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. Information: 522-5552 or wildmesquite.org.
Showing Feb. 1-26 as part of “For the Love of Art Month” is the City of Artists Promotional Exhibit. A wrap party is 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26.
‘Creativity is Ageless’ registration — The City of Las Cruces Senior Programs is accepting registration for the 6th annual seniors’ art show to be held 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 27, at Munson Senior Center, 975 S. Mesquite. Twelve senior amateur artists at the show will be selected to display their artwork for one month at the new Las Cruces City Hall. Artists may enter up to three pieces of art of any medium with an entry form for each medium and signed liability disclaimer. Information/qualifications: (575) 528-3000.
Forms, accepted through morning of the show, are available at Munson Senior Center, Eastside Community Center, Benavidez Recreation Center and Mesilla Park Recreation Center.
Funky Karma Incense and Tea Shop — 3702 Main Street in Las Cruces. Information: (575) 635-2275. Showing in February as part of “For the Love of Art Month”: Mesilla Valley Fractal Artists, featuring framed and unframed fractal art and cards. Opening reception is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13.
Galeria Tepin — The Border Book Festival’s new gallery is at 2220 Calle de Parian in Mesilla, N.M. (part of the Cultural Center de Mesilla). The gallery’s mission is to feature the work of multi-dimensional, multi-disciplinary and multi-genre artists. Information: (575) 523-3988 or bbf@borderbookfestival.com. Web: borderbookfestival.org
Currently showing is “Entre Mundos/Between Worlds,” works by Santa Barraza (retablos and acrylics), Daniel Zolinsky (photography), Jean Buchanan (watercolors) and César Ívan (various mediums). The exhibit explores the worlds that exist inside/alongside and within one’s own, the realities of the everyday and the more than everyday that cohabit and give meaning to lives. Opening is 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at 2231 Calle de Parian in Mesilla. A reception will follow across the street at the Cultural Center.
Handmade Books exhibit call for artists — The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main, in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall, is taking submissions of handmade books through Feb. 26. Submissions accepted from artists living in Doña Ana and the El Paso area. Books may be constructed of handmade or found papers, dealing with subjects of interest to the artist. No nudity, profanity, political or social messages accepted. Work must be recent, completed in the last two years and not previously exhibited in Doña Ana County. Each artist may enter a maximum of 3 images. Entry fee: $15 for 1 to 3 images. Information and submission details: teacupgarden@comcast.net.
The exhibit will run through the month of April with opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 2.
Las Cruces Museum of Art — 491 N. Main (Downtown Mall). Hours are 10 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Information: (575) 541-2221, (575) 541-2137 or museums.las-cruces.org.
Showing Feb. 5-April 3: “Andy Warhol & Pop Art: Media and Fame”, works from the collections of Rene De La Vega family and NMSU. Recognized as one of the most important artists of the last century, Warhol created a body of work that transformed and revolutionized our understanding of art. The exhibition features more than 20 pieces by Warhol and several from his well-known Pop Art contemporaries, including Robert Rauschenberg, Jim Dine, and Roy Lichtenstein. Some of the featured works has never been publicly displayed. Also included are photos of Warhol’s New York studio, The Factory, taken by in-house photographer Billy Name, a member of Warhol’s entourage and frequent collaborator.
Opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, with music by Cella Bella and a screening of an expert of Warhol’s 1964 silent film “Empire.”
Several special events are planned in conjunction with the exhibit:
• A lecture by art historian and owner of Mirari Fine Art Consulting in Las Cruces Debora Rindge, “The Transformative Power of Pop Art: Celebrating the Mundane and Taming Celebrity” is 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 6, at the museum. Rindge will discuss how the eight artists featured in the exhibit treated the subjects of Pop Art with irony and humor, from ordinary objects to famous people.
• A poetry reading, “Warholed: Poetry and Pop Art” is 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the museum.
• Warhol Factory Weekends are 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Saturdays, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, March 13 and March 20. Young artists ages 9-12 will create silk-screen prints, with ink on paper, using the same methods as Andy Warhol. Printing materials, paper, and instructions provided. Participants may also bring their own t-shirts or other canvas accessories to print on. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on the day of each workshop. Cost: $5, class size limited.
• A special Magic Carpet Story Time reading and book signing of “Uncle Andy’s Cats” by James Warhola is 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 6, at Rio Grande Theatre.
• A film screening of “Eat” is noon to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at the Rio Grande Theatre, followed by a lecture by James Warhola, “Warhola to Warhol,” at 12:30 p.m.
• Cella Bella will perform “Pop With a Twist” 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 27, at the museum.
Los Artesanos Galeria — The gallery at 1910 Calle de Parian (the Old Tortilla Factory) in Mesilla, N.M. features works by gallery owners glass artist Greta Burger, gourd artist Latana Bernier, potter Rudy Lucero and painter on wood and leather, and sculptor of stone-and-metal pieces Ramon Escalante, as well as guest artists. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Information: (575) 526-1144 or LosArtesanosLC@aol.com.
Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery — 2470-A Calle de Guadalupe in Mesilla, across from the Fountain Theatre. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. New works displayed every three months. Information: (575) 522-2933 or ftp.zianet.com/mvartgallery/home.shtml.
February’s featured artists are Helga DeLisle and Ruth Ann Sugarman. DeLisle experiments with various media to achieve images of grandeur. Sugarman works primarily in acrylic.
The gallery will take part in the 12th Annual “Love of Art” Celebration through Feb. 28 in conjunction with the ArtForms Artists Studio/Gallery Tour, with its annual “My Masterpiece” contest featuring artists working in the style of various famous artists. Door prizes awarded to the winners who identify the famous artists by matching the painting to the famous artist. Opening reception is 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13.
New Mexico Watercolor Society, Southern Chapter — The Society meets at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, in the Arts and Crafts Room at Good Sam’s Retirement Home, 3011 Buena Vida Circle. After a brief business meeting, members will conduct an artist trading card exchange followed by a program by member Carolyn Bunch. Bunch, one of The Border Artists, will share her approach to the challenges of portrait and figure painting and will demonstrate her technique in this subject. The public is welcome; admission is free. Information: Marie Siegrist, (575) 647-1193.
The society will exhibit works by 12 local watercolorists as part of this year’s For the Love of Art Month event Feb. 5-27, at Branigan Cultural Center in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall. The show, entitled “Around The Year in Las Cruces,” consists of 12 small paintings, with each artist offering their interpretation of a month in Las Cruces. Artists’ reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5.
Preston Contemporary Art Center — 1755 Avenida de Mercado (end of Calle de Mercado). Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, or by appointment. Information: (575) 523-8713 or prestoncontemporaryart.com.
Showing through March 28: 2010 Winter Exhibit, showcasing five artists of various mediums: Malaika Zbesheski Charbonneau (abstract mixed media on canvas), Dan Davidson (painting and drawing), Amy M. Lam Wai Man (mixed media), Alan Weinstein (painting) and Peter Zelle (glass sculpture)
Charbonneau, will exhibit works from two series, “Cities” and “Conversations.”
Davidson presents works that fit into three groups, depending on their functions related to the I Ching’s 64 hexagrams.
Man’s mixed media works communicate the human experience as a reflection of her own extensive experiential base.
Weinstein’s landscape pieces are among his most recent paintings, continuing a body of work initiated a decade ago.
Zelle has worked with glass, clay and steel for 30 years. He recently combined glass and steel to create a series of small houses. Other new works are life-size abstract figures of welded steel and cast glass, partially inspired by a board game he plays with his kids.
Rio Grande Theatre Galleries — 211 Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: (575) 523-6403.
Showing through February in both galleries as part of “For the Love of Art” Month: Works by renowned visually-impaired artist George Mendoza. Mendoza was a promising high school athlete when macular degeneration made him legally blind. He used his disability to fuel a passion for athletics and painting, becoming the subject of two PBS documentaries and an exhibitor at galleries around the country. Artist reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, as part of the Downtown Art Ramble.
Terrace Gallery — Branigan Memorial Library’s Terrace Gallery, 200 E. Picacho in Las Cruces, will host two exhibits during February, as part of For the Love of Art Month. Opening reception for both is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, during the Downtown Ramble. Information: (575) 496-8834.
• The General Federation of Women’s Clubs Progress Club of Las Cruces 3rd annual members art show, “A Vision of Possibilities.”
•Las Cruces Art Association’s two-dimensional art show “Under The Big Top.”
thetheatregallery — Black Box Theatre lobby, 430 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Open one hour prior to Black Box all performances, or by appointment. Information: (575) 523-1223.
Showing through Feb. 14: “Free Range Art.” fabric art by Meredith Loring. Loring combines her life-long love of fabric and needlecraft and her artistic vision with a desire to see objects and materials reborn in new forms. Wine and cheese reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, during the Downtown Ramble.
Tombaugh Gallery — First Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, 2000 S. Solano. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Information: (575) 522-7281, (575) 521-3917 or uuchurchlc.org.
Showing in February as part of “For the Love of Art Month”: The Red Paint Women, collage, photography and jewelry by Margaret Berrier, Peggy Brown and Sherry Gara. Opening reception is noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7.
Unsettled Gallery and Studio — 905 N. Mesquite, in Las Cruces. Information: (575) 524-0538 or (575) 647-8053.
Showing during February as part of For the Love of Art Month: ‘Black & White & Red All Over’ works by The Society of Layerists in Multi-Media (SLMM). Reception is 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. Layerists are mature, proficient artists who express a holistic worldview through diverse approaches.
Other Southern New Mexico
An Evening With the Artist — Mimbres Region Arts Council presents printmaker Hui Chu Ying at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Western New Mexico University’s Parotti Hall in Silver City as part of its monthly art lecture series. Admission is free. Information: (575) 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.
Art Hop — The Truth or Consequences Downtown Gallery District Association hosts the event 6 to 9 p.m. the second Saturday of each month (Feb. 13), featuring seven art galleries and other venues in the downtown gallery district. Various receptions, refreshments and musical entertainment will be featured during these monthly events. Information: (575) 894-0528, TorCart.com.
Venues include The Living Room, Parisi, Main Street, M, Art Galore, Bradley Gallery and more.
Community Arts Party — The City of Socorro, N.M. will host its 14th annual arts event featuring hands-on workshops hosted by local artists and organizations for all ages 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, in Finley Gym, 202 McCutcheon. Activities often include tie-dye, finger painting, clay modeling and more. Wear old clothes. Admission is free. Information: (575) 835-5688 or nmtpas.org.
MRAC Gallery — The Mimbres Region Arts Council Gallery is in Wells Fargo Bank Building, 1201 Pope (at 12th) in Silver City. Open during regular bank hours. Information: (575) 538-2505 or mimbresarts.org.
Showing Feb. 26-March 26: Works by printmaker Hui Chu Ying. Closing reception is 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 26.
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El Paso Area Artists & Galleries On LineReturn to top of page Adair Margo Gallery - Gallery for many nationally renowned area artists, other national contemporary artists.
El Paso Museum of Art - Our new art museum is the jewel of Downtown El Paso, with world-class exhibits
Hal Marcus Gallery: See Hal's best-known works, including El Mercado Juarez, Four Seasons of El Paso, La Familia, and his new children's book, "Aunt Alice Alligator's Animal Alphabet Album." www.halmarcus.com
Studio W - The El Paso region's foremost gallery of western and other representational Southwest art.