March 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 — 215 Stanton, Suite 602 (Martin Building). Hours are 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: 533-0048 or adairmargo.com.
Showing March 4-April 9: “Studies and Scripture: The Creative Process of Stephanie Beard in Creating the Stained Glass Windows for St. Matthew’s Catholic Church.” Beard is an artist who works out of her home in El Paso’s Upper Valley, usually in the medium of oil on canvas. Her primary interest has been in the human figure. In 1998 she was asked to design seven windows for St. Matthew’s Catholic Church on Sunset Road. Over 18 months she pondered scripture and sketched, conceptualizing the shapes and colors through which outdoor light would enter the sanctuary. From her sketches, large “cartoons” were created in which Stephanie defined the outlines of the figures and landscapes, indicating the color of glass that would fill each shape.
Opening reception and artist’s talk is 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4.
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.
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 and Framing Gallery — 6519-A N. Mesa (in the Palm Court). Information: 833-5250.
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. The Art Junction includes the Presidents Gallery for classes and the upstairs Lobby Gallery featuring artwork by the studio artists. Information: 534-7377 elpasoartassociation.com.
New art classes begin in March. Cost is $15 per class:
• Watercolor with Atalo Mendez — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, March 2-April 20.
• Pastel with Manny Guerra — 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays, March 3-April 21.
• Figure Painting with Rick Parra — 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, March 3-April 21.
• Repujado, Artistic Metal Embossing with Romy Saenz-Hawkins — Noon to 2 p.m. Fridays, March 5-April 9.
Ballroom Marfa — 108 E. San Antonio Street in Marfa. Information: (432) 729-3700 or ballroommarfa.org.
Showing March 26-Aug. 15: “In Lieu of Unity,” showcasing artists born in, or living and working in Mexico including new commissioned works by Eduardo Abaroa, Margarita Cabrera, Minerva Cuevas, Paulina Lasa and Tercerunquinto.
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.
Carmen Navar Art Studio — 6320 Falling Star. The studio gallery offers original artwork, prints, note cards and crosses. Artwork on commission; lay-a-way available. Hours by appointment. Information: 833-4635.
Mixed media and drawing classes are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 2 to 4 p.m. the first and second Saturday of the month for ages 9 to adult.
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 March 27 in the Paisanos Gallery: “35 Years of Siglo de Oro,” exhibition of festival posters.
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.
‘Colors of Spring 2010’ — El Paso Art Association’s annual spring show and sale is March 2-30, at Sunland Art Gallery in Sunland Park Mall, featuring works by both new and established EPAA members. This year’s judge is Las Cruces artist Wayne Carl Huber. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Information: Candy Mayer, 581-4971 or elpasoartassociation.com.
Opening reception and awards ceremony is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 5.
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 Artists Studio Tour — El Paso artists are sought for the 3rd annual tour Saturday and Sunday, April 17-19 featuring Westside, Upper Valley and Central El Paso (north of I-10) and April 24-25 throughout the Eastside, Mission Valley, Northeast and Downtown (south of I-10). Deadline for artists is Monday, March 8. Information and entry forms available at pleinairpaintersofelpaso.com. Information: 833-0636 or bobada@elp.rr.com.
Tours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, both weekends. Sponsored by Plein Air Painters of El Paso and El Paso Scene. Art lovers will be able to browse the private studios, meet the artists and shop for fine art. Admission is free with refreshments served at each studio.
El Paso Museum of Art Classes and Workshops — Spring adult classes and workshops begin in April. Jewelry class fees include admission to the museum’s “Bedazzled” exhibit with instructor during class time. Information: 532-1707, ext. 27 (ext. 16 to register), or elpasoartmuseum.org.
• Self-guided Life Drawing class — 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, April 1-May 27, for ages 18 and older. Cost: $10 per session ($5 museum members).
• Polymer Clay Jewelry — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 10. Cost: $38 ($30 members).
• Paper Jewelry — 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18. Cost: $76 ($60 members).
• Fabric and Wire Necklaces — 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 8. Cost: $55 ($45 members).
• Crochet Cuffs, Bracelets & Bangles — 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 22. Cost: $55 ($45 members).
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 the “Bedazzled” exhibit. “Bedazzled” admission is $10 ($5 museum members and children 12 and younger). Information: 532-1707 or elpasoartmuseum.org.
Showing March 27-July 25: “Bedazzled: 5,000 Years Jewelry,” featuring jewelry from five millennia from a variety of cultures from the Walters Jewelry Collection. The collection is the most wide-raging collection of jewelry assembled by a private collector in the United States.
Highlights include gold bracelet from the first century B.C.E. discovered in a tomb in the Greek colony of Olbia (present-day Ukraine); a Tiffany & Co. iris corsage ornament, which was a grand prize winner at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle; a 19th-century imperial, ceremonial Chinese headdress; a plique-a-jour enamel and sapphire pansy brooch created by renowned Art Nouveau designer Rene Lalique and purchased by Henry Walters at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition: and finger rings that held a variety of roles throughout history.
Public opening is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 27. The exhibition catalogue will be available for purchase at the museum’s store.
Showing March 14-Sept. 12: “The Holy Family/La Sagrada Familia,” as part of EPMA’s dedication to an ongoing rotation of the retablos in the collections. These standardized representations of the holy family: Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child, were not based on any specific scriptural text, but are a result of Franciscan meditation inspired by the Counter Reformation.
Showing through March 2: “Recycle/Reuse: WWII Propaganda Prints.”
Showing through March 7: “La Virgen De Guadalupe,” featuring 14 retablos from EPMA’s permanent collection.
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.
Rosamond Bernier – Live at the Met Lecture Series on film concludes March 3-7 with French Impressionism: An Accessible Paradise. Showings run continuously during museum hours.
Katherine Smith, assistant curator, will present “Pietro Rotari: Painter of Female Portraits” at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 11, in the auditorium as part of the 2010 New Perspectives: Hidden Masterpieces Scholar Lecture Series exploring the permanent collection. Smith will discuss two female portrait paintings by Rotari on view in the European Gallery. Admission is free, but seating is limited.
The museum and El Paso Opera will host free hour-long “Art of Opera” lectures at 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays in March. The presentations will illustrate the relationship between opera and visual arts by comparing opera styles of the times with what was being produced on canvases.
A Printmaking for Fun: Part 1 and 2, class is 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 6 and 13, with instructor Ouida Touchon. Cost: $76 ($60 museum members). Students should bring a newsprint tablet, an apron, rags, inkjet copies of images, soft pencil and masking tape. Instructor will provide an additional supply list if needed. Information/registration: 532-1707, ext. 27.
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).
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).
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.
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 through 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, Mae Baldwin, Kate Ball, Earline Barnes, Mary Booth, Dinny Breese, Nan Collins, Holly Cox, Johnell Crimen, Lois Denton, Bernice Dittmer, Evelyn Dudley, Berla Emeree, Leola Freeman, Mago Orona Gandara, Dorothy Geyer, Helen Haley, Floy Jean Hall, Dorothy Hay, Zilpha Heid, Jan Herring, Eloise Hobble, Catherine Kistenmacher, Win Korf, Lilian Lambreth, Lucille Leggitt, Hazel Malone, Ada Miller, E. Nations, Ysela O’Malley, Gloria Canturbury Rakocy, Gladys Rodehaver, Ferne Schrier, Mignon Shaw, Vera Swaine, Fern Thurston, Wanda Herman Turcznowicz, Lelaroy Williams, Sally Williams, Hazel Wilson, Vera Wise, Helen Wyn and more.
An ARTalk is 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 25. Experts, collectors and a few of the featured artists will speak about the exhibit. The public is encouraged to dress in vintage clothing styles.
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.
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 March 5-31: El Paso Watercolorists Exhibit. A free watercolorist demonstration is 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 7.
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.
Area artists Rodolfo Razo and C. Manny Guerra will host a free demonstration and class on “Life Portrait Art” with a live model 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 24.
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 yisd.net/finearts.
Showing March 26-April 23: “Susan Klahr: Retrospective” celebrating the life and art of the great El Paso artist, who died Jan. 1. Opening reception is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 26.
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.
The studio’s first Grand Opening Party and 2009 Retrospective celebration is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 5 at the “Friday Night Gallery” open house. The event features all the artists represented at the studio during the past year.
Pastel Society of El Paso — The society’s monthly meeting is 1 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at the International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana. The program will be a pastel portrait demo by EPCC student Wendy Reyes. Reyes is known for her vibrant portraits, many with a retro feel, and her large chalk sidewalk murals at Chalk the Block and other locations. Open to anyone interested in the pastel medium. Information: 581-4971.
Public art project call for artists — The City of El Paso’s Public Art Program invites all eligible professional artists or artist teams to submit their qualifications through March 5 to be considered for a public art project at the Stanton Port of Entry located in downtown El Paso. Information: Marisol Lopez, 541-4257 or lopezma@elpasotexas.gov. On-line applications at callforentry.org.
Applicants must be professional artists/artist teams, 18 years of age or older, and reside within 300 miles of El Paso. International artists may apply with proper legal documentation.
Rio Bravo Watercolorists – The group meets at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Vista Hills Country Club, with a St. Patrick’s Day theme. The activity is a “paint around” in two groups: acrylic and transparent watercolor. Artists expected to bring their own supplies. All watercolorists and art lovers invited. 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. Information: 747-6151, Rubincenter@utep.edu or utep.edu/artsandculture.
Showing March 11-April 8:
• 2010 Annual Juried UTEP Student Art Exhibition in the Rubin and L galleries. The exhibition showcases art and design created by undergraduate art students, including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, metals and graphic design. Juror is David Lewis, associate professor of Art History, Stephen F. Austin State University. Graphic Design jurors are a special team of UTEP Alumni: Carlos Lopez of Sanders Wingo Advertising, Miguel Ibarra of Mithoff Burton and Sandra Salas of Creative Gong.
Lewis will host a lecture at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, and the Graphic Design jurors will host a panel discussion at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 4, in the auditorium.
• Making Good: UTEP Alumni Artists in the Project Space. The exhibition features various media by a select group of UTEP alumni: Maru Almeida, Nicole Antebi, Ron Clark, Gene Flores, Sergio Gomez, Carlos Gutierrez and Ignatius Widiapradja.
Opening reception for both exhibitions is 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11.
San Elizario galleries — Three galleries are now open near the San Elizario Plaza on the Mission Trail. 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.
• Main Street Gallery, 1456 Main. 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: msgallery.net.
• Golden Eagle Gallery, 1501 Main. Currently featured are works by Mario Parra, Al Borrego, Laurel Roberts, Pauline Raedeke, Nasario Olvera, Romi Saenz, Hawkins, Miguel Varela, Warren Smart, Annette Paajanen, Yamina Gant, Bill Rakocy, Francisco Miranda S., Betty Ott and Marjorie Carrasco.
• Horseshoe Gallery — 1500 Main.
Information: 345-5594. Artists featured include Ralph Rodriguez, Bob Adams, Connie Weaver, Judy Hampton, Mario Parra, Jim Pritchett, Stephanie Conroy, Nina Walker, Wendy Reyes, Pauline Raedeke, Maria Branch and Andy Martinez.
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 March 2-30: 2010 El Paso Art Association show. Opening reception is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, March. 5.
Entries are being taken through March 12 for the group show, “El Paso Scenes” April 2-28, featuring artwork with an El Paso theme: landscapes, still lifes and the people of El Paso. Entry fee is $10-$30, depending on number of pieces entered. Information/entry blanks: Cil Abeyta, 566-2305 or 474-0053, or Candy Mayer, cc2ccmayer@aol.com.
The show will be featured in the El Paso Scene and part of the Studio Tour the last two weekends in April. Opening reception is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 9.
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.
Showing March 6-26: “From the Vine” Exhibit by UVAs (Union de Viejas Artistas), featuring 15 women art teachers from four school districts (YISD, EPISD, SISD, CISD). Featured artists are Lourdes Aguilar, Claudia M. Castañeda, Dolores Duenez, Virginia Castañeda-Erickson, Katie Gelinas, Yamille Issa Nabhan, Candie Printz, Gail Slater, Ana Valdez, Beverly Widener, Lorena Williams, Terry Wright, Cindy Zozaya, Marcela Cereceres and Elisa Martinez Barton. 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.
UTEP Union Gallery — Second floor, UTEP Union East. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: 747-5481 or utep.edu/events.
Showing March 4-April 2: “Gods For Future Religions,” surreal sculptures by Ho Baron. Opening reception is 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 4, with an artist’s talk at noon Thursday, March 11.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
‘5,000 Flowers Commemorative Exhibit’— The GFWC Progress Club’s is seeking artists of all ages to paint blocks for its two-year 9-11 commemorative project. Blocks may be picked up at the Branigan Cultural Center, and returned by June 15 to the center or mailed to Rebecca Courtney, 1805 Pinehurst, Las Cruces, 88011. For information, specifications or to have blocks delivered contact Rebecca Courtney at (575) 522-8243 or mlcourtney@comcast.net.
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.
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 March 5-27:
• In the Shannon Gallery — New Mexico Watercolor Society Southern Chapter’s Spring Membership Exhibit,” featuring 34 works by 23 local artists selected by jurors Michael and Victoria Copeland of Alamogordo. This is chapter’s 4th juried Spring exhibit that offers a wide variety of styles and subject matter.
• In the Richardson Gallery — “The World Around Us,” works by the Friday Painters group. The group has been meeting for more than 20 years.
Opening reception for both shows is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 5, as part of the Downtown Ramble.
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 its monthly History Notes informal discussion 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 11. A panel will discuss newspapers, mercantiles and hotels prior to the 1881 arrival of the railroad in Las Cruces.
‘Spring Break Day Camps’ for school-aged youth during Spring Break, based on the permanent exhibit “Las Cruces: Crossroads of History.” Sessions are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 24 (for grades 1–3), and Friday, March 26 (for grades 4-7), in the history gallery. Activities include crafts, games, and a hands-on archeology dig. Snacks and a sack lunch provided. Cost: $10 per student; space is limited. Pre-registration required.
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.
‘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.
Cutter Gallery — 2640 El Paseo (at University), Las Cruces. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Information: (575) 541-0658. Showing Feb. 27-April 14: “Eclectic!” new works and jewelry by Jo-An Smith. The exhibit weaves together a tapestry of the diverse periods of Smith’s life. Opening reception is 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27.
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.
The tepín is a cousin of the pequín pepper and also means “little one” in Nahuatl, the Aztecan language.
Las Cruces museum instructors — Las Cruces Museum of Art seeks art instructors through March 15 for children and adults, in a variety of disciplines, for the 2010-2011 instructor pool. Disciplines include drawing, painting, ceramics, digital photography, weaving, and other media. Information (email only): museums.las-cruces.org.
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 through 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.
Author and artist James Warhola will present a reading and book signing, followed by a formal lecture, at the Rio Grande Theatre Saturday, March 6. Warhola is the nephew of artist Andy Warhol and the author and illustrator of the children’s books “Uncle Andy’s: A Faabbbulous Visit with Andy Warhol” and “Uncle Andy’s Cats.”
Warhola will read from “Uncle Andy’s Cats” and sign books during Magic Carpet Story Time, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The Andy Warhol film “Eat” will be screened noon to 12:30 p.m. At 12:30 p.m., Warhola will recount memories of his uncle and life in the Warhola family in lecture entitled “Warhola to Warhol.”
Warhola has a BFA in design from Carnegie Mellon University. After working for Andy Warhol at Interview magazine, he went on to create cover art for more than 300 science-fiction and fantasy novels and has illustrated more than two dozen children’s books. He currently resides in Tivoli, New York.
• Warhol Factory Weekends are 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Saturdays, 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 upon, if desired. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on the day of each workshop. Cost: $5, class size limited.
• Cella Bella will perform “Pop With a Twist” 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 27, at the museum.
The museum of Art is seeking art instructors through March 15 for children and adults, in a variety of disciplines, for the 2010-2011 instructor pool. Information (email only): museums.las-cruces.org.
Las Cruces Museum of Art classes — Las Cruces Museum of Art’s Spring art classes run March 8-April 26. No classes March 22-27. Class schedules and registration forms are available at the museum, 491 N. Main, Las Cruces or online at museums.las-cruces.org. Information: (575) 541-2137.
Classes for adults and teens include acrylic, classical oil painting and beginning oil painting; weaving, with the use of floor looms and triangular shawl weaving; and drawing and design fundamentals.
Classes for young artists include ceramics (age 6-8 and 9-12), Art-o-Rific (age 6-8) featuring drawing, painting and block printing projects inspired by famous painters.
Two-dimensional art classes for adults include Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Classical Oil Painting, and Pastel Painting. Ceramics classes are Beginning, Intermediate-Advanced, and Elaborate Surfaces in Clay. Courses on Weaving, Digital Photography, and Photoshop are also offered. Adult classes are designed for all levels and teens are welcome.
Classes for young artists include Ceramics, with various classes accommodating ages 6-12. Ages 5-8 are offered two Mixed Media classes; Art in the Natural World and Myth and Story Art.
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.
March’s featured artists are Judy Bess and Lucia Wilcox. Bess’s acrylic paintings capture the vivacious and beauty of the southwest desert. Wilcox is developing a new Renaissance old master style of egg tempera.
New Mexico Watercolor Society, Southern Chapter — The Society meets at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14, in the Arts and Crafts Room at Good Sam’s Retirement Home, 3011 Buena Vida Circle (parking near entrance, stairs and elevator in main lobby). Penny Simpson will talk about and demonstrate her watercolor technique that produces her trademark black background and luminescent subjects. The public is welcome; admission is free. Information: Marie Siegrist, (575) 647-1193.
Potters Guild show call for artists — Las Cruces Potters Build is seeking fiber artists for a collaboration art ceramic pieces for its “Fire and Fiber” juried show July 2 at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces. Potters and ceramists seek to work with other artists in various fields including wood, paper, fabric or other fibers. Information: Linda Reeder-Sanchez: (575) 644-4156.
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 March 5-28: “Southern New Mexico/El Paso Juried Exhibition” featuring works of 38 artists from the region. Works were selected by NMSU Art Professor Emeritus Joshua Rose. El Paso artists featured are Ho Baron, A. Stein and Beverly Widener. New Mexico artists are Nolan Winkler of Hillsboro, Brad Adams, Donna Ayres, Orlando DiMatteo, Kyle Coffin, Yanick D’hooge, Joe Dominick, Georjeanna J. Feltha, Meg Freyermuth, Kerry Frank, Glenn Holgersen, Wayne Carl Huber, Suzanne Kane, Lynn M. Kelly, James A. Meaux, Katie McLane, Paul Neff, John B. Northcutt, Jesse Reinhard, Seth Roby, Angelita Rodriguez, Shawn Saumell, Edward Schmitt, Jill Somoza, Isadora Stowe, Daniel N. Tapper, Ouida Touchon, Brett Thompson, Kurt Van Wagner, Scott Weaver and Daphne Wirthlin of Las Cruces, Mary Frances Dondelinger, Gary Lund and Pamela Zoe Wolfe of Silver City and Katharine Kreisher of Truth or Consequences.
Opening reception is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 5.
Also 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)
Artists Dialogue is 1 p.m. Sunday, March 7, with Dan Davidson and Amy M. Lam Wai Man.
Quillin Studio and Gallery — Las Cruces Downtown Mall behind COAS bookstore. Open during studio hours Monday through Thursday and Saturday. In addition to classes and workshops, Sally Quillin displays her watercolors, acrylics and mixed media work in the gallery setting. Call for studio times (575) 312-1064.
The studio/gallery will be open for the Downtown Ramble, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 5.
Also featured is fiber artist Dedri Quillin’s shawls, ruanas, scarves and have handspun and dyed yarns, as well as silver smith Aline Fister’s contemporary jewelry inspired by unique stones.
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 March in both galleries is “Patched Wings” by artist Abby Osborne. Osborne, associate professor in the Creative Media Technology Program at Doña Ana Community College, uses several medium, combining layers of patterns, symbolism and spirituality. Artist reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 5, as part of the Downtown Art Ramble.
thetheatregallery — Black Box Theatre lobby, 430 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Open one hour prior to Black Box performances. Information: (575) 523-1223.
Showing in March: “Counterpoint,” works by the late photographer Bernie Lieberman and artist Margaret Bernstein, the resident artist at the gallery. Wine and cheese reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 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 March 7-April 2: “Realism in Still Life” watercolors and colored pencil drawings by Penny Thomas Simpson. Simpson has been a working artist in New Mexico for nearly 34 years. Her awards include second place in the New Mexico Watercolor Society’s 2009 Fall Show. Opening reception is noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 7.
The gallery seeks submissions through Sept. 1 for artists to exhibit in the gallery in 2011. Submissions are open to all artists within a 150-mile radius of Las Cruces. Non-traditional media or subject matter welcome. Information: tombaugh-gallery@zianet.com.
Unsettled Gallery and Studio — 905 N. Mesquite, in Las Cruces. Information: (575) 524-0538 or (575) 647-8053.
Other Southern New Mexico
An Evening With the Artist — Mimbres Region Arts Council presents clay artist Donna Webb at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25, 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 (March 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.
Edward Lucie-Smith — The internationally known London-based author of nearly 200 books, historian, poet, photographer and art critic will give a talk entitled “Regional Art vs. National Art” 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at the Truth or Consequences Senior Recreation Center, 301 S Foch, in T or C, N.M. Sponsored by the Sierra County Arts Council. Admission is free. Information: (575) 894-9761 or wildcranestudio@mac.com.
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.