May 2008
Southwest Art Scene El Paso
Las Cruces
Other Southern New Mexico
Menu of this month's listings, stories and columns
Adair Margo Gallery -- The gallery, 415 E. Yandell, will close May 17. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: 533-0048. Web: adairmargo.com.
On exhibit through May 17:
-- Upstairs Gallery -- The work of Sanders Advertising founder David Sanders (mosaics) and his daughter, Elizabeth Sanders Galvin (paintings) will be on exhibit in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Sanders Wingo Advertising.
-- Downstairs Gallery -- “Man and Natural World,” paintings by Susan Amstater; and “New Sculpture” by Estelle Goldman.
The Gallery is presenting Dale Chihuly’s Astral Blue Seaform Set with Sun on display through May 17 at the old Plaza Hotel (window facing the Mills Building) in conjunction with the Chihuly exhibit at the museum. Works by Chihuly may be purchased through the Gallery.
Affordable Art Show -- The 6th annual art show and sale is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Bethany Christian Church, 10453 Springwood. The show features works by local artists with affordable prices. Awards for Best of Show and People’s Choice given in Hanging Art, Photographic Art and Design Art categories. A nursery will be provided during the show. Information: 592-5977.
An artist’s reception is 6 p.m. Friday, May 30. The public is invited.
‘And Justice for All’ -- The 4th annual scholarship competition exhibit and awards ceremony for El Paso area high school artists is noon to 2 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the El Paso County Courthouse 3rd Floor, 500 E. San Antonio. Hosted by the Ysleta ISD Fine Arts Department, La Galéria de la Misión de Senecú and El Paso Criminal Law Group. Admission is free. Information: 434-9712, 434-9700 or finearts.yisd.net.
Art and Framing Gallery -- 6519-A N. Mesa (in the Palm Court). Information: 833-5250. Showing in May are new works by Alberto Escamilla, Noel Espinoza and Fernando Flores. Opening reception is 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 9. Artists will be present, and refreshments offered.
Art Junction of El Paso -- The art service of El Paso Art Association is at 500 W. Paisano, Suite D upstairs (Downtown, at Durango). Studio spaces are available to rent for artists.
The association is also home to the Crossland Gallery. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Admission is free. Information: 534-7377 or elpasoartassociation.com.
Showing May 3-31: “Art Through The Eyes Of Warren Smart,” a one-man show featuring the Magdalena, N.M. artist’s massive watercolor landscapes. Smart has shown in the past five Arts International Exhibits and his art is represented in private and corporate collections throughout the country. His massive watercolors are inspired by the landscapes of the American Southwest. Through dramatic color and composition he draws the viewer into the mood of his art. The gallery will feature a new look for this exhibit, including a new color and lighting scheme. Opening reception is 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 3.
Classes are offered for adults and children in a variety of mediums in the classroom gallery at the Art Junction. Classes include Life Drawing, Experimental Painting Techniques and Floral Design and Arrangement.
Artists and Writers Showcase – El Paso Saddleblanket, 6926 Gateway East, hosts presentations, live music, demonstrations, displays and sales by local artists and writers 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday. Participating artists will keep all proceeds from sales of their work. Admission is free. Information: 544-1000 or info@elpasosaddleblanket.com.
Some of the May artists include:
-- May 3 -- Reggie Watterson
-- May 17 -- Bob Adams
-- May 24 -- Pat Olchefski-Winston, Tomi LaPierre, Anna Stanback
-- May 31 -- Don Beene and Susan Wester Perez.
Bissell Art Studio -- The teaching art studio, featuring classes in watercolor and drawing, is at 4601 Hondo Pass, Suite H (at Caby’s Garden Center). Art classes are 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, or by appointment. Information: 755-5260 or w.m.bissell@worldnet.att.net.
Bill Bissell’s Watercolor workshop is June 16-18, with emphasis on Bissell’s trademark dramatic skies and techniques to paint foliage and trees. Cost: $160 ($40 deposit required).
Casa de Emma -- 5034 Doniphan. The store specializes in Mexican folk art, and its new Pottery Depot features pottery by local artists, including Jo Blacksher, Janice Cook, Judy Garcia, Margaret Jackson, Jose Rodriguez, John Ramirez, Beth Shook and Cally Williams.
The store also sells “milagro” hearts and crosses made by owner Emma Zapata and family, as well as a broad range of imported and locally made folk art. Information: 584-6247.
CatchLight Art Gallery -- 117 W. Holland Ave, Alpine, Texas. The artists’ cooperative gallery features the paintings, sculpture, and jewelry of 14 Big Bend artists. Information: (432) 837-9422.
Chamizal galleries -- Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial, features two fine arts galleries. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays. Admission is free. Information: 532-7273 or nps.gov/cham.
Showing May 2-July 5 in the Abrazos Gallery: “Borders United: A Photography Exhibit,” featuring 30 images taken by six El Dorado High School art students in and around the El Paso/Juárez area. Opening reception is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8.
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.
Colores Gallery -- 904 W. San Antonio (Hwy 90) in Marfa, Texas. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Information: (432) 729-3700.
Showing through May 31: New paintings of regional subjects by Gary Wimmer and Avram Dumitrescu.
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. Information: 533-9575.
-- An art exhibit by First Presbyterian Church opens Thursday, May 1.
-- The OLO Staff Exhibition opens 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 15, as part of the Culture Cruise.
-- The Art of Gourmet Burgers class is 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17, for ages 7 and up. Learn to make great burgers, sweet potato fries and milkshakes. Cost is $20.
-- The Art of Making Sushi class for adults is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 22. Participant learn to make sticky rice, sushi rolls and miso soup.
Youth classes:
The May theme is “The Art of Flight.” Classes (registration required, space is limited):
Individual class cost is $20 (includes materials and snacks). Monthly rate is $80.
-- “Little Picassos” for ages 4 to 7 is 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the gallery.
-- Art & Digital Media classes for ages 8 and older are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. May is a special month-long session in which students will create a flying device. Register by May 2.
-- Clay class with Teresa Altschul are 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, for ages 5 and up.
Free classes are offered at the Kennedy Brothers Memorial Complex, 400 S. Zaragoza, Suite B. Call for details.
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 or ElPasoArtCalendar.com.
Showing May 24-July 19: “Vivid Display,” works by El Paso artists Susan Wester Perez, Mario Parra, Candy Mayer, Al Borrego, Krystyna Robbins, Frank Garcia, Marge Gianelli, Atalo Mendez, Stephanie Conroy and Bert Saldana. Opening reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 24. Participating artists will be present.
El Paso Art Association -- The regular association meetings are at 1:30 p.m. the second Sunday of the month at the El Paso Public Library Downtown Branch, 501 N. Oregon. All meetings are free and open to the public. Information: 534-7377 or elpasoartassociation.com.
Use the library’s side door at Franklin Street, which leads directly into the Maud Sullivan Gallery.
El Paso Life Drawing Group -- The group hosted by Avant Studio and Gallery meets 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 3104 Alamed, for a life drawing session. Participating artists include Ben Avant, Sally Avant, Tom Darrah, Mervin Whitaker, Manny Guerra Sr., Mario Mendoza and others. All interested artists may attend. Call for cost: 422-9992.
Drawings and paintings from the group’s work for the past month will be featured at avantstudiogallery.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 as noted below for the Chihuly exhibit and certain special events. Information: 532-1707 or elpasoartmuseum.org.
Showing through May 18: Wrapped in Tradition: The Chihuly Collection of American Indian Trade Blankets.” Celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly was inspired early in his career by the color and design of 19th century Native American trade-blankets as the basis for his “Navajo Blanket Cylinders.” Exhibited together, Chihuly’s 15 exquisite hand-blown glass vessels and 80 historic Navajo blankets are a tribute to the artistic accomplishments of earlier Native American artists and an artist who has changed glass from a craft medium to a world-class fine art. This exhibition is organized by the Dale Chihuly Studio in cooperation with the Oregon Historical Society. Exhibit admission: $5 (free for children 12 and younger and for all visitors 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays).
Showing through July 27: “The Chicano Collection/La Coleccion Chicana.” Art advocate and entertainer Cheech Marin presents this exhibition of 26 limited-edition reproductions (giclées) of paintings by prominent Chicano artists. The archival-quality digital prints depict images of urban life and the Chicano experience from 1969 through 2001. Original linocut-print portraits by Artemio Rodriguez of La Mano Press, a one-hour documentary by award-winning director Tamara Hernandez, and an essay by Chon A. Noriega of UCLA’s Chicano Studies Research Center are included with the exhibition.
Showing through July 20: “Human Value and Image: Recent Work by Gabriel Villa,” consisting of five large portrait drawings and one installation of 18 smaller drawings that focus on the human form. The subjects of Villa’s idiosyncratic portraits are people from the artist’s neighborhood. The art is highly realistic, but the details included reveal the inner psyche of the artist and the sitter.
The museum’s education department presents zip tours of selected works in the permanent and current exhibits, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Upcoming tours: “Wrapped in Tradition: The Chihuly Collection of Native American Trade Blankets” with Curator Christian Gerstheimer (May 7).
Third Thursdays at EPMA, a monthly
event geared towards the “YoCos (Young Cosmopolitans), are the third Thursday of the month (May 15), with food, drink and networking. This month’s theme is “Spanish Nights -- An Evening with the Santa Fe Opera” in conjunction with Celebrate our Heritage: Spain event. As part of the 2008 Spring Culture Cruise, this month’s event runs 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $8 ($5 museum members); $12 pairs ($10 members).
El Paso Music Forum performs “A Day in the Life of an Oboe(ist)” at 2:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 11, in the auditorium. Admission is free.
Alan Wintermute will give the talk, “The Art and Legacy of Nicolas de Largilliere, Portrait Painter of the Ancient Regime,” 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 8, in the auditorium as part of the Hidden Masterpieces Visiting Scholar Lecture Series. Wintermute is a Vice President of Christie’s Inc. whose responsibilities include appraising and valuing Old Master paintings. A reception will follow the lecture.
Family workshops offered 1 to 3 p.m. second Sunday of each month (May 11). Cost: $12 ($30 max per family; $10 and $25 for members). Ages 3 and older welcome.
The Book Bunch book group meets 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the museum’s seminar room to discuss art-related books. The May 15 book is “Girl in Hyacinth Blue” by Susan Vreeland. Cost: $10 per session (free for members). Participants must provide their own books. Space is limited; RSVP: 532-1707 ext. 32.
International Museum Day events are 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18, in the auditorium, featuring a panel discussion and film showing.
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.
Experimental Labs Building -- 1125 Texas. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Information: 691-0797.
El Paso-based artists interested in participating may visit myspace.com/artisansalley.
FORUM Arts and Culture -- (formerly Under The Sun Gallery) 705 Texas Ave., next to Cinco Puntos Press. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, or by appointment. Information: 351-6521 or gallery705@gmail.com.
Genesis Salon and Gallery -- 2278 Trawood. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Information: 633-9393 or genesissalonandgallery.com. Showing through May 25 as part of the ongoing “Two of a Kind” series: Works by Rosa Maria Burgos and Carlos Urrutia.
Hal Marcus Studio and Gallery -- 800 N. Mesa, second floor (at Yandell). Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, or by appointment. Information: 533-9090 or info@halmarcus.com.
The studio is the working space for Marcus, an El Paso native whose colorful works are among the best known in the city. The gallery offers recent works by Marcus, Bill Sullivan and Teresa Fernandez as well as early El Paso work by Eugene Thurston, Fern Thurston, Manuel Acosta, Bill Rakocy and others. The gift shop features cards prints, books and art gift items.
Showing June 12-July 11: “Vibrant Visions:” The Art of Teresa Fernandez. Opening reception is 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 12.
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.
Opening reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 8 for “Thinking International” juried exhibit, featuring regional artists’ works with an international flair. Exhibit continues through June.
Kristoph’s Coffees -- 1506 N. Lee Treviño. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Information: 592-5136 or art-by-al.com.
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: 434-9703 or finearts.yisd.net.
Showing through May 30: The Ysleta Student Art Awards Exhibition, featuring works by YISD students.
The gallery seeks artists for future exhibits. Interested artists must submit a completed entry form, signed statement of agreement, artist biography and statement and a CD with images. Entries due by 5 p.m. Friday, June 6. Information: 434-9705 or 434-9711. Entry forms available online at www2.yisd.net/finearts/galeria.
Marie Otero Hair Make-up Art -- The salon and gallery is at 500 N. Oregon, Ste. C (downtown El Paso, facing Franklin). Information: 588-HAIR (4247).
Featured through May: artist Susan Ryde. Ryde, whose upbringing includes growing up in both England and Puerto Rico, brings a love of vivid florals and diverse landscapes to her paintings.
‘Pacto Por La Cultura’ art show -- The benefit art show the community-based Juárez rec center Pacto Por La Cultura is 8 p.m. to midnight, Thursday, May 1, at Club Dedo, 204 Rio Grande, featuring works by local artists. The center teaches art to underprivileged children in Juarez. Admission by donation. Information: 540-8611.
‘Picasso’s Women’ -- The El Paso Museum of Art will host the exhibit through June 8, at the El Paso Public Library Judge Marquez Branch, 610 N. Yarbrough. The exhibit seeks to analyze the bond between Picasso’s lovers and how they are uniquely represented through prints from the museum’s extensive collection, given by Phyllis Bounds in 1986. Known for his innovations in Cubism, Picasso commonly exploited his lovers as subjects. A small portion of his lovers are featured, but it highlights some of his more influential and long-term relationships. Admission is free. Information: 591-3391.
Prints Charming -- 7040 N. Mesa Suite B, Colony Cove I. Prints Charming features prints and posters of all kinds, including works by area artists. Information: 833-1664.
Ramblin’ Gallery -- The gallery (formerly Shine Gallery) is at 714 Montana. Information: 204-0953.
The gallery, known for promoting the work of emerging area contemporary artists, is now under the direction of local artists and “Red Clay Collaborative” members Rob Alvarez, Arto Barragan and Daniel Barragan.
Rio Bravo Watercolorists – The group’s regular monthly meeting is 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at El Paso Country Club. Beginners and advanced artists welcome. The meeting features the installation of this year’s officers, along with games and prizes. Dues are $25 per year. Information/RSVP: Jeanne, 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. Information: 747-6151, Rubincenter@utep.edu or utep.edu/artsculture/.
Showing through Aug. 2:
-- In the Rubin Gallery: “UnKnitting: Challenging Textile Traditions” invitational exhibit. The exhibit focuses on knitting practice in the creation of avant-garde, contemporary sculpture, and highlights artists advancing and questioning established textile traditions. Their work challenges the domestic-based, utilitarian and female-made objects typical of the knitted crafts. Artists include Adrian Esparza, and Mark Newport of the United States, Rachel Gomme of the United Kingdom and Sandra Valenzuela of Mexico and the United States.
-- In the L Gallery: “In the Weave: Bhutanese Textiles and National Identity.” The exhibit explores the role of Bhutanese textile art as one of the primary contributors to the country’s strong national identity. The exhibit is held in conjunction with UTEP’s annual Bhutan Days celebration.
-- In the Project Space: “The Third Lie,” Chromatic Deflections, Installation by Mónica Bengoa. The Chilean artist’s site-specific, wall-sized installation combines text, drawing and her detailed, handcrafted embroideries. Bengoa’s meticulous and theoretically complex installations have been featured internationally, including at the 52nd Venice Biennale in Venice, Italy, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and the 2006 ARCO International Fair of Contemporary Art in Madrid, Spain.
Sunland Art Gallery -- The El Paso Art Association c-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.
Different artists are highlighted each week, and their works will be featured in the Main Window. The artists will be in the gallery during that week. May’s featured “Artists of the Week”:
-- Through May 3 -- Bob Adams, Sue Mitchell, Maritza Jauregui and Tomi La Pierre.
-- May 4-10 -- Atalo Mendez, Rosa Maria Burgos, Kathryn Forest, Don Beene and Betty Simanikas.
-- May 11-17 -- Al Borrego, Teresa Fernandez, Lelaroy Williams, Bert Saldana and Romi Saenz Hawkins.
-- May 18-24 -- Don Woollard, Teri Spicer, Beatrice Tarango-Loflin, Lucius de Angelo and Betty Pippin.
-- May 25-31 -- Corrine Abeyta-Spinnler and Frank Garcia.
-- June 1-7 -- Cil Abeyta and Joe Langston.
The Consulate General of Mexico -- 910 E. San Antonio. Admission is free. Information: 533-8555 or elpasotexas.gov/mcad/mexicanrevolution10.
Showing June 5-27: “The Border Artists: Painting Across Borders,” Border Artists exhibit featuring works from regional artists. Works include ceramics, sculpture, watercolors, mixed media, oil, acrylics and photographic fine. Opening reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 5.
Border artists are Carolyn Bunch, Tauna Cole, Janice Cook, Sherry Doil-Carter, Tom Gerend, Winfrey Hearst, Annetta Hoover, Suzanne Kane, Cassandra Lockwood, Rosemary McLoughlin, Joyce Macrorie, Diana Molina, Virginia Ness. Jeanne Rundell, Jo-an Smith, Dan Tapper, Scott Weaver, Bob Willis and Sandy Zane.
The English Artist & Co. -- The studio gallery is at 3616 McRae. Hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or by appointment. Art classes for ages 5 and older include drawing, painting, murals, faux finishing, illustration, crafts and painted furniture. Beginners welcome. Information: Stephanie Conroy, 329-6567 or englishartist.net.
UTEP Union Gallery -- Second floor, UTEP Union East. Regular Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: 747-5481, 747-5508 or utep.edu/events.
Showing in May is “Adept Balance,” a collective exhibition by Alejandra Bremer, Regina Duran and Cristina Ortega. Opening reception is 8 p.m. Thursday, May 1.
‘Wine Cheese and Art’ -- Lancer’s Club East, 3135 Trawood, will host an exhibit featuring the works of Al Borrego June 1-July 31. Exhibit reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 6. The artist will be present. Information: 855-7477.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
Alegre Gallery -- 1701 Calle de Mercado, Suite 1, Mesilla, N.M. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Information: Carol Wortner, (575) 523-2311 or alegregallery.com.
Black Gold from the Sun Gallery -- 1910 Calle de Parian in Mesilla (inside the Old Tortilla Factory). Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Information: (575) 541-9693 or blackgoldfromthesun@yahoo.com.
Watercolor classes with Carol Blue are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, open studio workshops are 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays and Figure Drawing classes are 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays.
Poets Wayne Crawford, Joseph Somoza and Richard “Dick” Thomas will host a poetry reading at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17.
Blue Gate Gallery -- 311 N. Downtown Mall, Las Cruces. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Information: (575) 523-2950.
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. Sunday. Admission is free. Information: (575) 541-2154 or museums.las-cruces.org.
Showing May 2-31 in the Shannon Gallery: 46th annual Las Cruces Arts Association Membership Show. The mixed-media art exhibit will feature works by more than 25 members. Artist reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, as part of the Downtown Ramble.
Showing May 9-13 in the Richardson: NMSU Bachelor of Fine Arts program featuring works from NMSU’s graduating seniors. Media includes painting, graphic design, sculpture, photography and metals/jewelry. A joint reception with the Las Cruces Museum of Art is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, in the Cultural Center courtyard.
Showing May 16-June 21: “Nosotras: Portraits of Latinas,” featuring 50 photographs from eight emerging photographers documenting the lives and culture of Latinas, mostly first- or second-generation immigrants to the United States. The exhibit is organized by Virginia Dodier, photography historian, curator and director of the Carlsbad (N.M.) Museum and Art Center.
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.
Registration begins May 5 for the Traditional Crafts of New Mexico Summer Workshop Series 2008 June 10-July 24 featuring several mini-workshops on crafts found historically in the Las Cruces region, such as papel picado, basketry, wood carving, sand art, tatting and piñata-making. The workshops are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes are geared toward parents and their children (age 8 or 10 and older) to participate together. Class size is limited. Cost: $10 per workshop. Information: (575) 541-2154.
Cactus Flower Jewelry & Gift Shop -- 2226 B, Calle de Guadalupe in historic Old Mesilla, N.M. (across the street from “Josefina’s Gate. Information: (575) 527-0230.
Cottonwood Gallery -- The gallery is part of the Southwest Environmental Center, 275 N. Downtown Mall, Las Cruces. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. Information: 522-5552 or wildmesquite.org.
‘Creativity is Ageless’ -- The Masters art series hosted by Munson Senior Center is featured at Las Cruces City Hall during regular business hours. May’s Master Artist is fabric artist Janet McKimpson. Information: (575) 528-3000.
McKimpson was second best of show in fashion and best of show for beadwork in the 2007 National Fabric Fantasia Show in Albuquerque.
David Rothermel Fine Arts Gallery -- 1701 Calle De Mercado, Mesilla. Information: (575) 636-4302.
Dia de los Muertos exhibit submissions -- All Doña Ana County artists are invited to submit up to four digital images for the juried show, “Dia de los Muertos in Dona Ana County” October 2008 at the Rio Grande Theatre. All works must be created within the last year, and depict local traditions. Entry forms available through June 30 from teacupgarden@comcast.net (inquire by e-mail only).
Gallery 665 -- 665 University, Bldg. 2, Suite B, corner of El Paseo and University in Las Cruces. The gallery is part of the Hadley Centre. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Information: (575) 526-6164.
Glenn Cutter Jewelers and Gallery -- 2640 El Paseo (at University), Las Cruces. The gallery is in the restored Hadley House. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Information: (575) 524-4300.
Showing in May is the 11th annual show for whimsical paper mache sculptor Stephen Hansen. Some of Hansen’s pieces are indirectly political, as well as themes like “Justice,” “Dad,” “Today’s Special,” “Potomac Paranha,” “Death of Modernism,” “Hot Flash” and more.
Hadley Art Centre Artwalk -- The Centre’s galleries host receptions from 1 to 4 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month. Hadley Art Centre is at the corner of University and El Paseo Road in Las Cruces. Information: (575) 524-4300.
Participating galleries are Glenn Cutter Jewelers and Gallery, Patio Art Gallery, Gallery 665 and Connie Hines Interior Design.
Las Cruces Museum of Art -- 491 N. Main (Downtown Mall). Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 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 May 2-July 5 in the Director’s Gallery: “Fire & Fiber, Hand in Hand,” works by the Potters’ Guild of Las Cruces, collaborating with a variety of fiber artists. Opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, as part of the First Friday Ramble.
Showing May 9-13: NMSU Bachelor of Fine Arts program featuring works from NMSU’s graduating seniors. A joint reception with the Branigan Cultural Center is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, in the Cultural Center courtyard.
The Saturday Studio for Kids is open 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday for ages 5 to 12. Sign-up begins at 9 a.m. Media varies Cost: $5, no pre-registration. Class limited to 10 students on a first come-first serve basis.
Registration for the 2008 Summer Art classes for children, teens and adults begins May 6. Schedule available at museums.las-cruces.org.
Las Cruces Museum of Art proposals -- The Las Cruces Museum of Art, 490 N. Water, seeks proposals through June 13 for its 2009 exhibitions. Artists living and working in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas are eligible to submit proposal packages. Packages must include artist resume and statement, a description of the proposed exhibit, a CD-R containing 10-20 jpeg images of works intended for exhibition, “thumbnail” contact sheet of the same images. Submission fee: $30. Information/prospectus: (575) 541-2137 or museums.las-cruces.org.
Laughing at the Sun Gallery -- 1910 Calle de Parian in Mesilla. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, or by appointment. Located inside the Old Tortilla Factory. The gallery features one-of-a-kind items crafted by more than 30 local artists including pottery, painting, cards, candles, soap, socks and beaded jewelry unique to the area. Information: (575) 523-1890 or laughingatthesunmesilla.com.
M. Phillip’s Fine Art Gallery -- 300 N. Downtown Mall, Studio A-440, in Las Cruces. Information: or (575) 525-1367 or mphillipsgallery.com.
Featured in May is “May Flowers,” featuring floral still lifes by various artists. Opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, during the Downtown Ramble.
Main Street Gallery -- 311 N. Downtown Mall, Las Cruces. Home of “The Big Picture Studio.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Information: (575) 647-0508.
The gallery features original art works by Judy Licht, Daphne Wirthlin, Lois Wilson, Mark Ploss, Don Boyd and Lynn Unangst.
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. Information: (575) 522-2933 or mesillavaleyfineartsgallery.blogspot.com.
May’s featured artists are Carol Lopez and Elaine Frink. Lopez has worked in a variety of media, including the ancient art of encaustic. She studied and was trained in Japan, which has resulted in an Asian influence in her work. Frink is primarily a photographer who captures unique and nature realistic subjects.
A Cinco de Mayo celebration is 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3, featuring Mexican motifs from several participating artists. Mexican refreshments will be served.
New Mexico Watercolor Society, Southern Chapter -- The society meets at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 11, at the Branigan Library’s Dresp Room, 200 E. Picacho in Las Cruces. Printmaker Lois Smith demonstrate gelatin plate monotypes, a monoprint technique. The public is welcome. Cost: $5 ($3 members). Information: teacupgarden@comcast.net.
Patio Art Gallery -- 655 E. University in the Hadley Centre in Las Cruces. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Art classes offered Sundays and Mondays. Information: (575) 541-7401 or patioartgallery.com.
Showing through May 25: “Landmarks of New Mexico,” work by Annetta J. Hoover. A traveler all of her life through the United States and Europe, especially, Hoover keeps up her artistic spirit by traveling within New Mexico, detailing through her art the “smells, vibes and good times that still can be found in our state’s ghost towns, small towns, parks, and wild places.”
Also showing is work by Julia Ford Oliver, Carolyn Bunch, Winfrey Hearst, Joyce T. Macrorie, Dan Tapper, Judy Licht, Kurt van Wagner and guest artist Fred Chilton.
The gallery will close its doors after five successful years at the end of June, and a special Farewell Thank You reception is 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 31. Participating artists are gallery owners Julie Ford Oliver and Carolyn Bunch, along with Winfrey Hearst, Fred Chilton, AWS, Annetta J. Hoover, Joyce T. Macrorie, Dan Tapper, Judy Licht, Kurt Van Wagner and Anthony Pennock.
The Potteries – 2260 Calle de Santiago, Mesilla (two blocks west of Plaza). The gallery features Janice Cook with (porcelain dinnerware), Jeanne Rundell (whimsical paintings and dysfunctional teapots), and Bill Cook with hand-thrown Southwest lighting fixtures. Information: 524-0538.
White Raven Studios -- May will be the final month for the contemporary gallery at 425 West Griggs, Las Cruces. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Last day is May 30. Information: (575) 525-9543 or whiteravenstudios.com.
Showing through May 2: BFA Show “The Media Engineer Experiments” featuring works by Eric McKinley.
Showing May 10-17: “Visualizing Race” NMSU graduate student show, featuring works on race, representation and DNA by Darrell Appelzoller, Colin Blakley, Eric Hansen, James Meaux, Jacob Munoz, Liz Nielsen, Seth Roby, Angelita Rodriguez, Edward Schmitt, Isadora Stowe and Brett Thompson. Opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 10.
Other Southern New Mexico
An Evening with the Artist -- Mimbres Region Arts Council hosts a professional potter as part of its free lecture series at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, in Silver City, N.M. Information/location: 1-888-758-7289 or mimbresarts.org.
Art Hop -- The Truth or Consequences Downtown Gallery District Association hosts the 6 to 9 p.m. the second Saturday of each month (May 10), featuring seven art galleries and more than 20 other participating venue 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, Happy Holidays, Grapes, Gallery Katzenellenbogen, Eagle Art, Charles Motel and Celestial Creations.
Blue Dome Gallery -- 307 N. Texas Street in Silver City, N.M. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Information (575) 534 8671 or bluedomegallery.com.
Opening reception for “Raven Shenanigans,” oil paintings and monotypes by Carlene Roters, is 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 20.
Opening reception for “etc.” ceramics by Elaine and Tom Coleman, is 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 30.
Both exhibits run through August.
Francis McCray Gallery -- Located at the Department of Expressive Arts on the WNMU campus in Silver City, N.M. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. Information: (575) 538-6517.
Gila House Hotel and Gallery 400 -- 400 N. Arizona, in Silver City, N.M. Information: (575) 313-7015 or gilahouse.com. Showing through June in the Main Gallery: Works by Beverly Widener.
Grapes Gallery -- 407-409 Main, Truth or Consequences, N.M. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Information: (575) 894-0031 or grapes-torc.com.
M Gallery -- 406 Main Street in Truth or Consequences, N.M. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Information: (575) 740-4526.
Showing May 10-June 29: “Paint-By-Numbers Invasion,” Al Harp’s E.T. “invaded” paint-by-numbers series. Worlds collide when bucolic, placid, unsuspecting paint-by-number art pieces are revolutionized by Harp’s paintbrush. His intention is to recycle and re-work something that is vaguely familiar. All of the entities represented are painted from eyewitness descriptions tracing back to 1947, the year of the Roswell crash. It was then that the “Grey” alien species officially entered the lexicon, verbally and visually. Harp spent 20 years in New York City making commercial and fine art, some of which is included in MTV’s corporate art collection. He moved to Truth or Consequences in 2000. Opening reception is 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 10.
Main Street gallery -- 108 Main, Truth or Consequences, N.M. The gallery is the third local gallery to be opened by businessman and art collector Sid Bryan in just over a year. His other T or C galleries include When and Grapes. Information: (575) 894-0032 or MainStreet-TorC.com.
Mescalero Apache Arts gallery -- Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino’s new Mescalero Apache Arts Jordan T. Gallery features inspirational works of arts by Mescalero Apache Tribe members. Works include sculpture, paintings, drawings, beadwork and carvings. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Information: 1-800-545-9011 or innofthemountaingods.com.
The gallery is one mile west of Ruidoso on Carrizo Canyon Road.
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 through June 2: Audubon: Birds in Art.
Pinos Altos Church Gallery -- The historic gallery on Golden Ave. in Pinos Altos, N.M., will host its annual Grand County Arts Guild Member Show May 2-4. Judge is Joe Wade of the JW Art Gallery in Hurley. The gallery is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays only from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 5. Admission is free. Information: (575) 538-8216.
The gallery, operated by the Grant County Art Guild, features arts and crafts by local artists.
Rio Bravo Fine Art -- 110 Broadway in Truth or Consequences, N.M. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Information: (575) 894-0572 or riobravofineart.com. Showing through May 4: “Zingaro’s Repainted Pony Show.”
Studio W -- 1311 Mechem, Ruidoso, N.M. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Information: (505) 258-1117 or 1-877-SHOWART. The gallery (formerly located in El Paso) features the works of regionally and nationally known artists whose representational styles have a distinctively Southwestern flavor. Web: studio-w.com.
Summer Art Workshops -- Cloudcroft Art Workshops will host fine-art workshops at Cloudcroft Schools during the summer. Information: Linda Carter, 1-888-682-3601 or CloudcroftArt.com.
The Village of Cloudcroft has been host to the summer art workshops for over 50 years with internationally known artist instructors from all over the country specializing in a wide variety of mediums. Workshops offered for all levels.
-- June 9-13 -- “Paint the High Country,” oil painting with contemporary impressionist Tom Darrah. Cost: $375.
-- June 16-20 -- “Brush and Beyond” watermedia with Mary Ann Beckwith. Cost: $480.
-- June 16-20 -- “Shooting The West” photography and art workshop with Cynthia A. Delaney. Cost: $420.
-- June 23-July 1 -- “The Rhythms of Stone” sculpture workshop with D.J. Garrity, sculptor-in-residence at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Cost: $525.
-- June 23-July 1 -- “Drawings With Your Artist’s Brain,” with Carl Purcell. Cost: $500.
El Paso Scene MONTHLY
This month's listings, stories and columnsFeature story
Roundup
Music
Dance
Here's the Ticket
Program Notes
On Stage
Sports
Southwest Art Scene
At the Museum
History Lessons
Nature
Film Scene
Keep on Bookin'
Becoming Bicultural
Liner Notes
Stage Talk
Gallery Talk
Better ParentingCopyright 2008 by Cristo Rey Communications.
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.