July 2009
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. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Information: 533-0048 or adairmargo.com.
Showing through July: “Tom Lea’s 1936 drawings from ‘The Nesters,’ mural. The drawings were done in preparation for a mural done for the west entrance lobby of the Benjamin Franklin Postal Station on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. Lea completed the studies, as well as the 11’6” x 6 ‘mural on canvas, in the Hill Building on Texas Street in El Paso (he took the mural rolled to Washington where he applied it to the wall). Reception is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 10.
The gallery’s Tom Lea Institute will host a series of “Tom Lea University” classes in celebration of July as Tom Lea Month. Cost: $45 per class ($200 for series; $350 for couples for series). Each class is 5 to 7 p.m.
-- Thursday, July 2 -- “Tom Lea and Texas.” J.P. Bryan, sixth generation Texan, relative of Stephen F. Austin, and builder of one of Texas’ most significant collections, will discuss Lea’s historic contributions to Texas with Bill Wittliff, renowned publisher, photographer, producer and screenwriter of the classic Lonesome Dove miniseries.
-- Thursday, July 9 -- “Tom Lea Memories.” El Paso poet and historian Mardee de Wetter and renowned “Archie” comic book cartoonist and creator Tom Moore will share memories of growing up in El Paso with Lea as a family friend.
-- Thursday, July 16 -- “Tom Lea and World War II.” Brendan “Mac” Greeley, USMA (ret), editor of “The Two Thousand Yard Stare, Tom Lea’s World War II” will provide a view of Lea’s private diaries, photographs, writing and painting as a civilian artist correspondent for Life Magazine during the war.
-- Thursday and Friday, July 23-24 -- “Tom Lea’s Novels” and “Tom Lea’s Movies.” On Thursday, UTEP Professor of American Literature Dr. Mimi Gladstein will discuss Tom Lea in the context of Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck. Friday, film critic and historian Cynthia Farah Haines will discuss the adaptation of literature to film and the challenges encountered, focusing on Lea’s novels “The Brave Bulls” and “The Wonderful Country.”
Several other Tom Lea Month events are planned throughout the area (see separate listing).
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 noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Admission is free. Information: 534-7377 (Art Junction), 351-2811 (Crossland Gallery) or elpasoartassociation.com.
Showing June 27-July 25: “America The Beautiful” EPAA patriotic themed art show. Gala opening and awards presentation is Saturday, June 27 (call for details). Public opening reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4.
‘Artist on Art’ program submissions -- El Paso Museum of Art (EPMA) is taking applications for its Artists on Art Program that 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. There are six exhibits per year and the work is exhibited for a two-month period.
College and university students are encouraged to apply. Application materials may be send to the Curatorial Department, care of the museum, at One Arts Festival Plaza, 79901. Information: 532-1707, ext. 20.
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. Admission is free. Information: 532-7273 or nps.gov/cham.
Showing July 10-Sept. 12 in Los Paisanos Gallery: “Living Under the Sun,” works by Rio Bravo Watercolorists, featuring members’ works that depict local outdoor scenes, people and places in the region, cultural cooperation or appreciation of living in the border area. Artists’ reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 23.
Opening Saturday, July 4, in the Abrazos Gallery: “historical Maps of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez.”
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.
On display through May 2009: “Olle Baertling: Paintings 1952-1980.”
Community Exhibit Space -- The city’s “People’s” gallery is on the first floor of El Paso City Hall, Two Civic Center Plaza. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: MCAD, 541-4481 or elpasotexas.gov/mcad.
Showing June 30-July 31, in conjunction with UTEP’s “The Disappeared”: “Without A Place,” photography by Marie Triller. Triller documents Mexican immigrants in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. The photos, accompanied with text by West Cosgrove of Casa Puente, depict men, women and children as they are being removed from the U.S. and sent back to Mexico. Opening reception is 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. Information: Cosgrove, 351-9205 or westcosgrove@gmail.com.
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 or creativekidsart.org.
Advance registration is required for Creative Kids Saturday classes:
Cost per class: $20 (includes materials and snack).
-- “Little Picassos” for ages 4 to 7 is 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the gallery. The art-based curriculum follows the works of different artists around the world.
-- Art Classes for ages 8 and up are offered 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, ranging from painting in canvas, watermedia, sculpture and more.
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 June 27-Sept. 5: “Color Articulation” Collective Exhibition featuring works by 10 regional artists including Rudi Leidelmeyer, Geraldine Nitzburg, Maria Almeida Natividad, Mary MacIntyre, Manny Guerra and others. Opening reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 27.
DeAnna’s Designs -- New location in The Shops on Mesa, 5860 N. Mesa, Suite 110. The store features works and designs by Jean Bassett, Jan B, Ladybug, Margarita Rodriguez, Natalie Baca, Leslie Slape, Sarah Beltran and Amy Lense, as well as life-like botanicals, gifts and home decor. Information: 581-5515.
El Paso Museum of Art adult summer workshops -- The museum’s 2009 summer workshops for age 15 and older are offered on selected Saturdays, through Aug. 8, at the museum at One Arts Festival Plaza. Class time is 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with lunch break. Pre-registration required for all classes, as space is limited. Some scholarships available, based on financial need. Tuition: $55 per class ($45 members). Some additional supply fees may apply. Information: Marie Livingston, 532-1707, ext. 27. Online registration at elpasoartmuseum.org.
Schedule:
-- July 11 -- “SUMI-E: East Meets West”
-- July 18 -- “Color Drawing & Art History” and “Watercolor Seminar”
-- July 25 -- “19th Century Photography” and “Acrylic Still Life”
-- Aug. 1 -- “Self Portraits Retablo Style”
-- Aug. 8 -- Portrait Painting Seminar
El Paso Museum of Art Collectors’ Club -- El Paso Museum of Art Foundation Collectors’ Club hosts its first Club Trip of 2009 to Dragoon, Ariz. and Silver City, N.M. July 23-25. The club supports the EPMA and provides a forum for art enthusiasts to travel together as well as gather and learn about art, art collecting, and investing. Cost: $670 single ($420 members); $1,170 couple or shared room ($770 members). Deposit due by June 19; paid in full by July 10. Information: 532-1707, ext. 13.
Now in its third year, club dues are $250 per year for single membership and $400 per year for a couple or shared membership.
Upcoming trips:
-- Sept. 22-26 -- New York City. Cost: $4,400 single ($4,150 members); $8,600 couple or shared room ($8,200 members). Deposit due by June 15; paid in full by July 31.
-- Oct. 22-24 -- Marfa, Texas. Cost: $770 single ($520 members); $1,350 couple or shared room ($950 members). Deposit due by Aug. 28; paid in full by Sept. 25. Information: 532-1707, ext. 13.
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. Information: 532-1707 or elpasoartmuseum.org.
Showing through Sept. 6: “The Christ Child of Atocha – El Niño de Atocha” retablos exhibition. El Niño de Atocha is a legendary child-figure from the 13th century Moorish invasions of Atocha, Spain, who was said to have miraculously brought food and water to the Christian prisoners. The Spaniards introduced this subject to the indigenous populations of Mexico and it soon became one of the most widely depicted subjects from the 19th century onward to this day.
Showing through Sept. 13: “Ilan Lieberman: Niño Perdido (Lost Child),” a series of 100 drawings that are exact replicas, made with the help of a microscope of images of lost children published in the Mexico City newspaper Metro.
Showing through Sept. 20: “Bestiario and Nahuales 2,” featuring a print portfolio of works by 20 artists from Spain, France, Mexico, Canada, United States and other countries addressing the theme of Bestiary (beasts) and Nahuales (guardian animal spirits). The exhibit, an international collaboration presented by Arceo Press, explores how diverse artists respond to a specific theme.
Showing July 5-Sept. 27: “Edge of Abstraction,” works from the museum’s permanent collection that explore the 20th century’s fascination with abstraction. Public opening and reception is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 23.
Showing July 10-31 in celebration of July as Tom Lea Month in the Ginger Francis Activity Room are four drawings from “The Nesters” including a 9’ woman drawn by Tom Lea in the Hill Building on Texas Street in El Paso. A 15-minute interview conducted in the artist’s studio on Savannah Street in 1994 will be run continually on a loop.
Individuals are invited to sketch in the Tom Lea Gallery 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. Thursdays, July 2-30, under the guidance of a professional artist. The first 30 minutes is dedicated to discussing Lea’s techniques, composition, and style. Participants will then sketch from his paintings on display in the gallery that bears his name. Admission is free; space is limited. Registration encouraged.
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. Cost: $10 per session (free for members). Participants must provide their own books. Space is limited; RSVP: 532-1707 ext. 32.
Third Thursdays at EPMA is 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 16. Ages 18 and older welcome. Cost: $10 ($7 museum members). This month’s theme is the outdoor event “La Isla Bonita.” RSVP requested. Details in “Roundup” listing.
A free creative writing workshop inspired by paintings in the Tom Lea Gallery is 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18, hosted by Tumblewords founder Dona Snyder, who will use Lea’s mural “Southwest” as inspiration for writing. Bring paper and writing material. Presented by the city’s Museums and Cultural Affairs Department in celebration of July as Tom Lea Month.
“Your El Paso Story” family workshop is 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19, Families view Lea’s work on display, and learn how he used light and subject to tell a story. They then work together to incorporate what they learn and create their own artwork. Call for cost.
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.
The museum’s 2009 summer classes for ages 9-14 and adult workshops run through the summer months, and its five-day summer Kids Camps “Exploration in Art” for ages 6-12 continues through Aug. 14. Some scholarships available. Preregistration required for all camps. Information/registration: Marie Livingston, 532-1707, ext. 27.
Encaustic International Gallery -- 7100 Westwind, Suite 120. The gallery is the studio of El Paso encaustic artist Brigitte von Ahn. Also featured are works by German artist Monika Romer and various local artists. 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.
Also currently showing are non-encaustic works by early El Paso artist Eugene Thurston, and a limited selection of Mexican stone sculpture.
Group sessions for encaustic painting are 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.
May events:
FORUM Arts and Culture -- The gallery space has moved to 1500 Texas Ave. (at Cotton), second floor. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, or by appointment. Artist studio spaces available. Information: 351-6521 or gallery705@gmail.com. Web: forumac.org.
Galleria 300 -- 300 E. Main, Suite 810 in Downtown El Paso. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: 525-9560.
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.
Marcus will host his “Sip & Slides: Margaritas with Marcus-The 80s” 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 23, featuring about 200 images of Marcus’s artwork, focusing on works from the 1980s; paintings, prints, sculptures and art never seen before publicly. Marcus will give an informal commentary on his life as an artist and anecdotes about each slide. Guests may enjoy margaritas during the viewing, door prizes will be given away. Admission is free.
Showing through July 31:
-- “El Paso Pop Art,” featuring images done in pop-art style, emphasizing El Paso’s unique characteristics. Pop Art is art that depicts everyday life, but makes it iconic by using techniques of commercial art and popular illustration, as seen in comic strips, billboards, consumer products and celebrity images. Artists are Bob Adams, Ronnie Dukes, Arturo Enriquez, Vallarie Enriquez, Kelly Foss, Paul Hoylen Jr., Hal Marcus, Lisa Matta-Brown, Candy Mayer, James O’Rourke, Daniel Padilla, Tony Padilla, Mark Paulda, Mark Rojas, Francisco Romero, Keith Allyn Spencer, Corinne Abeyta Spinnler, Ruben Valenzuela and Rudy Vasquez.
-- “Making Downtown Pop!” works by award-winning photographer Mark Paulda. Paulda’s photos make downtown “pop” with beauty, excitement and grandeur, including historic buildings and sites.
Submissions are being taken through Aug. 16, for the “Paint The Town Red,” exhibit. The exhibit features high quality works of art in red or depicting party and/or town. Cost to enter is free. Guidelines/information: info@halmarcus.com.
IDEA Gallery -- The new sculpture and ceramics gallery is in the historic Cortez Building, Suite 211, 310 N. Mesa. Hours are 9 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Featured are works by Mario Ayala, Arturo Molinar, Andres Payan, Michael David Reyes, Kaletia Roberts and Melanie Urban. Information: 838-3800.
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 July 2-Aug. 23: “Matizando (Harmony) Mexico and Diversity,” an exhibit of more than 60 new works by Classical Impressionists of El Paso, showcasing diverse inspirations derived from the binational area’s people, places, culture and landscapes. The progressive group of artists first presented together at Chamizal National Park Gallery last fall, and recently completed their international exhibit premier at the Consulate General of Mexico. CIEP members include Nina Cobb Walker, Richelle Moore, Neil Gunn, David Fickett, Carmen Rodriguez and Lynne Welch. Reception is 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 12.
The museum will host contemporary family-friendly movies 2 to 4 p.m. every Thursday in July. Admission: $3 (includes snack and drink).
Two-day papier-mache workshops with Santiago Gonzalez Aragon are 2 to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-8 and Aug. 14-15, in the downstairs classroom for ages 7 and older. He is known for his paintings of La Llorona and Guadalupe, many of which are painted on old windows. Call for registration information.
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.
Krystyna Robbins workshop -- The well-known El Paso artist will host an oil painting workshop Aug. 3-7, as part of the Cloudcroft summer art workshop series. Cost: $455. Information: Jane or Robert Bailey, (575) 687-4064.
Main Street Gallery -- 1456 Main in San Elizario, on the Mission Trail. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Information: 594-8424 or msgallery.net.
Showing through July 6: “Eclectic Expressions” collective exhibition.
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.
July’s featured artists are Juan Parra (nature landscape photography), Chris Melero (illustrations), Henry Potter Jr. (landscape paintings), and David Ray (paintings). Opening reception is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 3.
9900 Gallery – 9900 Montana. The new fine arts gallery features several local artists. Open by appointment. Information: 594-8424 or 9900gallery.com.
Artists featured include Mario Parra, Miguel Varela, Lisa Mata Brown, Rudi Leidelmeyer, Abel DeLa Rosa, Al Borrrego, Jan Wisbrun Dreher, Jose Barron, Bob Adams, Glenna Price, Reginald Watterson, Wendy Reyes, Maria Branch, Pitalu Olvera, Susan Wester Perez, Josefina Monson Geissinger, Stephanie Conroy, Romy Saenz Hawkins, Bert Saldaña, Warren Smart, Anita Parada and others.
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.
Rakocy Art Studio -- 4210 Emory Rd. Information: 584-9716 or bravopress@sbcglobal.net. Artist/historian Bill Rakocy has his Upper Valley studio and gallery open by appointment.
Rakocy explored the Southwest in the late 1940s as an ex-GI and young artist, returned to stay in the 1970s and later became curator of education at the El Paso Museum of Art. An award-winning artist, Rakocy is also author of books on art, regional history and ghost towns.
Rose and Crown Art Gallery -- 3616 McRae, Suites 2-3 (next to the English Artist & Company studio). Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; open until to 9 p.m. Wednesday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Information: 633-8870, 329-6567 or TheRoseAndCrownGallery.com.
THE GALLERY IS CLOSING JULY 3.
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: 747-6164, Rubincenter@utep.edu or utep.edu/artsculture/.
Showing through Sept. 11 at the Rubin Center, Centennial Museum and UTEP Union Gallery: “The Disappeared.” The joint exhibition among the three art spaces features the work of 13 artists from Latin America who have lived through the horrors of the military dictatorships that rocked their countries in the latter years of the twentieth century, and showcases artwork that addresses the political and social turmoil in these countries, and in doing so speaks to violence and repression of all kinds. Also to be featured are concurrent exhibitions and a film series at a variety of locations around El Paso and Juarez.
Featured artists are Marcelo Brodsky, Fernando Traverso and the Identity/Identidad Artist Collective of Argentina; Luis Camnitzer, Antonio Frasconi and Ana Tiscornia of Uruguay/New York, Arturo Dulco of Chile; Juan Manuel Echavarría and Oscar Muñoz of Colombia; Luis Gonzáles Palma of Guatemala/Argentina; Nicolás Guagnini of
Argentina/New York; Sara Maneiro of Venezuela; Cildo Meireles of Brazil and Iván Navarro of Chile/New York.
Additional Rubin Center events in conjunction with the exhibit are:
-- Presentation by Argentine Ambassador Hector Timerman at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27.
-- A conversation between Lawrence Weschler (Director of the New York Institute of Humanities at New York University and long-time contributor to The New Yorker) and Laurel Reuter (“The Disappeared” curator) is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Several cultural institutions in El Paso and Juárez will sponsor exhibitions or events in conjunction with “The Disappeared,” including UTEP’s Union Cinema, Trinity-First Film Salon, El Paso Museum of Art, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez and People’s Gallery at El Paso’s City Hall.
See “Film Scene” for film series schedule.
Sculpture Gardens -- The Eastside (2300 George Dieter) and Westside (7362 Remcon Circle, Intelligent Office parking lot) gardens each feature a series of contemporary sculptures curated by Willie Ray Parish. The gardens are open 24-hours a day, and featured works rotate regularly. Admission is free. Information: 842-8400 or ioelpaso.com.
‘Sky Boulder’ sculptural park -- The new sculpture park and permanent public art display designed by local artist Willie Ray Parish is at a former drainage dam at the corner of Alabama and Harrison. The park brings together five abstract elements: Sky Boulder, Heparin, Mogul, Divider, and Ballustrade. Sky Boulder, the largest and most dramatic sculpture in the park, serves as a magnet for visitors onto the site, and the other pieces were all designed to inspire the creativity and art of local skateboarders. Marks left by the public, including skaters, are intended to alter and gradually transform the patina of the sculptures. Information: 541-4257.
Summer Watercolor Workshop -- Renowned Juarez-El Paso artist and teacher Mario Parra will give a transparent watercolor workshop, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, July 15-18, at Vista Hills Country Club, 2210 Trawood. Cost: $166. Send checks with name, address and phone number to Marge Gamely, 1948 Preview Place, 79936. Information: 855-2721 or margegianelli@sbcglobal.net.
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 can call 833-0636 or 474-0053.
Showing July 3-31: “Abstracts -- A Different View,” featuring abstract works by Pat Olchefski-Winston, Holly Cox, A. Stein, Carmen Navar, Sally Backey Avant, Jan Dreher, Brenda Perry, Jorge de la Barrera, Janet Schuyler, Melinda Etzold, Candy Mayer and others. Media includes oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, encaustic, metal and gold leaf. Opening reception is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 10. Artists will be present and refreshments offered.
Susan Eisen Gallery -- 5857 N. Mesa, Ste. 19. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Information: 584-0022 or susaneisen.com.
Showing July 23-Aug. 31: “Native American Jewelry from Past to Present” featuring vintage turquoise, coral and sterling jewelry along with contemporary designs created by current Native American artisans. The primary style differences between Southwest Native American pieces from the three main tribes including Navajo, Hopi and Zuni will be shown in various examples of silver and gold jewelry. A variety of vintage squash blossom necklaces and cuff bracelets will highlight the exhibit as well as heirloom jewelry from the collections of El Paso families.
Opening reception is 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 23, with a short talk by Eisen of the history of Native American Jewelry.
The Silos Aerosol and Public Art Space -- The new art space is at 1949 W. Paisano, in a former grain silo. Open by appointment. Aerosol mural and public art classes being planned. Information: 731-2791 or gravester8@gmail.com.
‘Two Mountains’ -- The new public art sculpture by Minnesota artist Janet Lofquist is at the new Municipal Service Center, 7968 San Paulo. The piece is created using all regionally found materials. Information: elpasotexas.gov.
UTEP Union Gallery -- Second floor, UTEP Union East. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: 747-5481, 747-5508 or utep.edu/events.
Showing through Sept. 11 at the Union Gallery, Centennial Museum and Rubin Center: “The Disappeared.” For details, see Rubin Center listing.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
‘5000 Flowers and MORE’-- Area artists are sought for the 8th annual 9-11 commemorative exhibit Sept. 4-26 at the Branigan Cultural Center’s Shannon Room, 500 N. Water Street in Las Cruces. The non-political exhibit, sponsored by the GFWC Progress Club, features work of all mediums with a floral emphasis. Subjects beyond flowers also welcome, as long as they keep with the theme of commemoration. Deadline for entry is Aug. 15. An opening reception is planned 5 to 7 p.m. at the center, date to be announced. Information: (575) 522-8243, (575) 526-9212, swglock@zianet.com or at Las Cruces area frame shops and galleries.
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. Museum closed for Independence Day Saturday, July 4. Admission is free. Information: (575) 541-2154 or museums.las-cruces.org.
Showing through July 11 -- “Fighting the Fires of Hate: America and the Nazi Book Burnings,” a traveling exhibit from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. In 1933, just a few months after Adolf Hitler came to power in Nazi Germany, German university students launched an “Action Against the Un-German Spirit” targeting authors ranging from Helen Keller and Ernest Hemingway to Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud. The exhibit provides a look at the first steps the Nazis took to suppress freedom of expression, the strong response that occurred in the United States, and the postwar years.
Showing July 2-25: “Cycles of Life,” featuring works by six regional artists brought together by Julie Ford Oliver brought after being inspired by a similar exhibit at a museum in England. Each artist brings their interpretation on a cycle of life, as influenced by their profession, cultural heritage, and chosen media. Works include contemporary quilts and banners by social worker Ann Angelo; poetry by scientist Rick Bernstein; marble and stone sculptures by Claude Montes; interactive books and spiral pieces by journalist Margaret Bernstein; photography by Big Picture Studio/Main Street Gallery owner Jim Turrentine and paintings and drawings by Oliver that reflect on the cycle of life with cancer. Opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 2.
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.
Submissions are being taken for the 2009 ‘Día de los Muertos’ exhibit Oct. 2-Nov. 7. Submissions accepted from artists living in Doña Ana and surrounding counties. No entry fee. Submission details available the museum’s front desk or online.
The Traditional Crafts of New Mexico Summer Workshop Series 2009 are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays through July 23 featuring several mini-workshops on crafts found historically in the Las Cruces region. Classes geared toward parents and their children age 8 and older to participate together. Class size is limited. Registration deadline one week in advance of each workshop. Cost: $10 per workshop per person.
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.
Showing through July 15: “Continental Divide: Borderlands, Wildlife, People and The Wall,” a collection of 30 photographs documenting life in the borderlands between the U.S. and Mexico. On loan from the International League of Conservation Photographers, the exhibit shows the diversity of wildlife, cultures and communities that exists in the fragile borderlands, but is now jeopardized by the 630 miles of pedestrian and vehicle fencing dividing the U.S. from Mexico. Documenting the region’s wildlife and ecology, the photographs were taken earlier this year by world-renowned ILCP photographers who had visited the borderlands along with a team of writers, filmmakers and scientists to highlight the effects of the wall.
Cutter Gallery -- 2640 El Paseo (at University), Las Cruces. The newly re-opened 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) 541-0658
Featured in July: “Two New Visions -- Two New Artists,” works by Carlitta Harvey and Ginny Schoelzel, featuring a variety of subjects including landscapes, cattle, cotton, mountains, florals and people. Opening reception is 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 27.
‘Día de los Muertos’ exhibit call for artists -- The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main, in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall, is taking artists submissions for its 2009 Dia de los Muertes exhibit Oct. 2-Nov. 7. Submissions accepted from artists living in Doña Ana and surrounding counties. All mediums and sizes will be considered for exhibition including film and video. Works must have been completed within the past two years and have not previously been shown at the Branigan Cultural Center. No entry fee. Submission details available the museum’s front desk or online at las-cruces.org/museums. Information: (575) 541-2154.
Las Cruces Convention and Visitors’ Bureau -- 211 N. Water. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. July’s featured artist is David Shaw. Information: (575) 541-2444 or lascrucescvb.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. Closed Friday and Saturday, July 3-4, in observance of Independence Day (no First Friday Ramble of Saturday Kids Studio planned those days). Information: (575) 541-2221, (575) 541-2137 or museums.las-cruces.org.
Showing through Aug. 22: “Las Cruces Collects: A look into the passions of Las Cruces art collectors.” The exhibit features works on loan from Las Cruces area residents’ personal collections, including local legend J. Paul Taylor. Taylor, known to many as a supporter of the arts, scholar, politician, and philanthropist, is lending prized pieces of his extensive Southwestern art collection. Other contributors are Kent F. Jacobs, Sallie Ritter, Gayle and Delano Lewis, Stephanie and Mark Medoff, Toby and Richard White, Mireille Dohmen and Mary Streett.
New weeklong drawing and watercolor workshops for adults are offered 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday under the direction of Wayne Huber. Drawing is July 13-17, and watercolor is July 20-24. Both classes designed for all levels. Space is limited; registration required.
The Saturday Studio for Kids is open 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday for ages 5 to 12. Sign-up begins at 9:30 a.m. Media varies Cost: $5, no pre-registration. Class limited to 10 students on a first come-first serve basis.
Las Cruces Museum of Art classes -- Las Cruces Museum of Art, 491 N. Main (Downtown Mall), offers summer classes for youth and adults through July 24. Information/cost: Greg Phillipy, Education Curator, (575) 541-2137. On-line registration at museums.las-cruces.org.
‘Living Art Show’ -- C.R. Blossoms Florist, 1615 N. Solano Dr. Suite D., in Las Cruces, will celebrate 10 years of business with an art show and open house 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, featuring several pieces of ‘living art’ for viewing and sale, and prize drawing at the end of the night. Admission is free. Information: (575) 524-2000 or crblossomslascruces.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 zianet.com/mvartgallery.
July’s featured artists are Gallery Director Mayanna Howard and Carol Lopez. Howard’s original works includes watercolors of churches, landscapes and objects. Lopez works in a variety of medias, and has studied the ancient art medium of encaustic.
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 July 10-Sept. 27: The 2009 Summer Exhibition featuring works by abstract painters Arturo Loya, Diane McGregor, John Ochs and Allison Renshaw, and digital artist Myriam Lozada-Jarvis. McGregor lives and works in her studio outside Santa Fe and is highly influenced by nature. Kansas City painter Ochs’ work harkens back to the style of the Abstract Expressionists. Renshaw emphasizes forms in motion and the seductive qualities of color. Native New Yorker and Las Cruces resident Lozada-Jarvis’s work reflects the visual details, sounds and feelings of moving through the quick-paced urban environment. Emerging artist Loya, a native of Chihuahua City, has a style ranging from early representational works done in Mexico to abstract pieces that reference the minimalist architecture he designed. Opening reception is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 10.
The gallery offers a series of summer
Digital Imaging Workshops for all experience levels through August. Workshops range from $25-$95, and include such topics as color enhancement and correction, introduction to Photoshop, exercises in Bauhaus and Time/Space, Adobe CS4, image manipulation and more. Call for schedule.
Rio Grande Theatre Galleries -- 211 Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Information: (575) 523-6403.
Showing July 3-31: Watercolors by Marie Siegrist and photography by Joe Dominick. Reception is 5 p.m. Friday, July 3, as part of the First Friday 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 through July 3: “Quilts for All Reasons,” works by the Las Colcheras Quilt Guild.
Showing Aug. 9-Sept. 4 -- Fiber arts by Cindy Clark and Jan Harrison. Opening reception is noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9.
The gallery seeks submissions through Aug. 1 for artists to exhibit in the gallery in 2010. The gallery is also taking submissions through July 17 for its third annual juried 2009 Artshop exhibition “Celestial Seasons.” Applications available at the gallery, at the Doña Ana Arts Council Offices, or uuchurchlc.org.
Other Southern New Mexico
Art Hop -- The Truth or Consequences Downtown Gallery District Association hosts the event 6 to 9 p.m. the second Saturday of each month (July 11), 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.
‘Lights Burn Bright’ art after hours -- The Ruidoso Regional Council for the Arts and Lincoln County Gallery Association’s member galleries will be open until 7 p.m. every Friday through Sept. 4, as part of its summer “Lights Burn Bright on Friday Nights” series in conjunction with the Ruidoso Arts Festival. Brochures of participating galleries available throughout Lincoln County. Information: (575) 257-7272 or ruidosoarts.org.
Lincoln County Art Loop -- Thirty-six artists will host open houses at their studios, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 10-12, during the 14th annual self-guided tour on a scenic route from Carrizozo to the lower Hondo Valley. The tour includes 22 locations throughout the countryside outside of the Ruidoso area. Works include fine-art paintings, pottery, fabric art, glass sculpture, turned wood, jewelry, gourd art, hand-knit clothing, ceramic creations, painted silk, and photographic digital prints. Look for the Art Loop signs identifying each location; maps are available at area chambers of commerce, Ruidoso Regional Arts Council or on the web at artloop.org. Information: Gallery 408, (575) 648-2598 or artloop.org.
Purchase Prize Award submissions -- Entries by New Mexico artists are sought through Aug. 3 for the Grant County Art Guild’s 24th Purchase Prize Award Show, “Southwestern Realism in Art,” this fall at Hearst Church Gallery in Pinos Altos, N.M. (north of Silver City). The juried show features oils, acrylics, watercolors and pastels. Prizes total $2,400. Information: Barbara Kejr, (575) 538-8216.
For a prospectus: Grant County Art Guild, P.O. Box 456, Silver City, NM 88062, or grantcountyartguild@yahoo.com.
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, or by appointment. Information: (575) 894-0572 or riobravofineart.net.
Showing through Aug. 2: “Lightscapes” by Monika Proffitt, a collection of Proffitt’s paintings and two installations, including “Garden of Light,” consisting of fiber optics, LED lights, field recordings and assembled coffee filters.
Studio 54@70 --1201 St. Francis Drive in Tularosa, N.M. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, or by appointment. Closed Monday. Information: (575) 585-5470 or studio54at70.com.
Showing in July: “Visions West: A Florida Girl Paints the Southwest,” featuring original oils and watercolors by Florida artist Karen Leffel-Massengill.
Summer Art Workshops -- Cloudcroft Art Workshops will host its 2009 fine art workshops at the “Old Red School House” (Public Library” in Cloudcroft, N.M. through Aug. 14. Information: Linda Carter, 1-888-682-3601 or CloudcroftArt.com.
The Village of Cloudcroft has hosted the summer art workshops for more than 50 years. Workshops offered for all levels, led by accomplished area artists.
-- July 6-10 -- Cathy McAnally Lubke, “Fun with Color and Design” watercolor and acrylics. $395.
-- July 6-10 -- Gary Greene “Take Control with Watercolor Pencils.” $355 .
-- July 13-17 -- Charles Harrington, acrylic. $495.
-- July 13-17 -- Mike Mahon “Light and Color with Pastels.” $475.
-- July 20-24 -- Ken Hosmer, watercolor painting. $450.
-- July 27-31 -- Carlynne Hershberger and Kelli Money Huff “Creative Colored Pencil Workshop.” $425.
-- July 27-31 -- Frank LaLumia, watercolor. $490.
-- Aug. 3-7 -- Bert Dodson, “Drawing With Imagination.” $400.
-- Aug. 3-7 -- Krystyna Robbins “Southwest Enchantment” oil painting. $455.
-- Aug. 10-14 -- Mary Ann Beckwith, “Brush and Beyond” experimental Watermedia. $495.
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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.