Archive for January, 2008

HUSTLE UP STREET BALL, in conjunction with JUMPUSA.COM and K1X is bringing the street ball phenomenon that’s been sweeping the major cities of this country for the last few years, right here to Las Cruces, New Mexico! The sensational street ball legends, which have dominated the scene in recent times and have been described as the Generation-X Harlem Globetrotters, will be playing against the best Las Cruces has to offer, the team will be chosen by Las Cruces High School boys basketball Coach Smith.

On Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008 Las Cruces High School Gymnasium will be rocking with the best street ball players in the world. There will be tenacious dunks, incredible passing and the most unbelievable tricks you have ever seen. Doors open at 6 p.m. and tip-off is at 7 p.m.

The HUSTLE UP STREET BALL Team, including ‘PROFESSOR’, ‘HIGHRIZER’, ‘SPRINGS’, ‘G HOST’, ‘ICEMAN’, ‘BIG SWOAL’, ‘AIRBAMA, ‘AO’ ‘SPYDA’and ‘A-MONEY’ is guaranteed to entertain. Each of the players have participated in one or more of the following events, videos and movies: the Mountain Dew/AND1 Mixtape Tour, the Magic Johnson/MTV “Who’s Got Game” Reality TV show, Nike Dribbling Commercials (the Nike Freestyle Team), ESPN & ESPN2′s Street Ball Series, the movies ‘Above the Rim’, ‘On Hallowed Ground’ and/or “Crossover” (2006), various EA Sports Street Ball Video Games for PS2 and Xbox, PS3 or Xbox 360 (representing characters) and played on or captained a team in the legendary NY Rucker Park Basketball Games.

In its fourth year, The Hustle Up Street Ball mission remains the same: bring the best street ball players in the world to your community, not only will the players entertain the audience with their skills and talents on the court, but they are known for devoting their time to every city they visit. During stops in each city, the performers visit local schools and youth organizations, speak to the youth about the importance of education and avoiding drugs and gangs, award certificates to students with outstanding grades, distribute game tickets to the underprivileged, donate a portion of the door proceeds to the high school that hosted the event, and visit the local pediatric units to spend time with children.

The half-time show will feature a Slam Dunk exhibition and pre-expo warm-up using JUMPUSA’s Jumpsoles so you can see how the players got their ups.

The Hustle-Up Street Ball Tour has been touring competitively since 2004. This tour is a guaranteed crowd pleasing and high energy event that has traveled to select cities around the United States and Canada.

Tickets are available at the Las Cruces High School Athletic Department and at the door the day of the game. For more information contact Linda Hill at (917) 806-3700 or visit http://www.hustleupstreetball.com.

by Bianca L. Granado 

Artists use quilts to express messages, experiences, emotions and more through their work at the Art Quilt Exhibit “Textile Messaging” opening Friday, Feb. 1 at the Branigan Cultural Center.

The quilt exhibit offers 14 New Mexico Art Quilters the opportunity to showcase quilts offering a glimpse into their thoughts, experiences, and emotions.

“Whether the work is representational or abstract, the use of color, shape, line, texture, embellishments, and fabric allows each artist to express their inner world with these creative and original art quilts,” said Garland Courts, museum manager.

The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 N. Main St. For more information contact Lynn B. Welsch by email at lbwelsch@hughes.net or Jean Cowie at jean@paintedrockquiltdesign.com.

February Calendar

Harvest Cooking Class

February 5, 2-4 p.m.

Come join us as we learn to prepare foods grown and harvested in New Mexico. This class is a favorite for those who want new ideas for cooking at home. Carol Koenig is our chef. Pre-registration is required. $30

Winter Lecture Series

“A History of New Mexico: Lessons Beyond Our Border.”

February 14, 7 p.m.
Dr. Thomas Chavez, noted historian, author, former director of the Palace of the Governors and the former Executive Director for the Hispanic Cultural Center, will be here to discuss the value of New Mexico’s history to the rest of the world. This will be a special treat! Free.

Blacksmith Conference

February 16-17, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Come learn blacksmith techniques from accomplished smiths of the Southwest! Frank Turley and George Witzke will be sharing their expertise in this two-day conference sponsored by the Museum, the Southwest Artist Blacksmith Association, and the Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association. Pre-registration is required for both the conference and the conference dinner. Space is limited. Registration forms are available at www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org or by calling (575) 522-4100.

Cooking with Class Luncheon

February 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

For a surprising and delightful luncheon, please join us this month for a gourmet cooking class. This class is ongoing and meets the third Tuesday of each month, even months for lunch and odd months for dinner. Local chefs provide instruction on preparing appealing recipes. Pre-registration is required. $30

New Exhibit in the Legacy Gallery: Jewish Pioneers

Opens February 29.

“Jewish Pioneers of New Mexico: 1821-1917″ brings to light the contributions to New Mexico’s cultural, civic, economic and creative life of Jewish merchants, bankers, miners, ranchers and even a governor of Acoma Pueblo..

Attention Teachers! We are currently booking Spring School Tours. Call now and let your students touch the past and experience the cultural traditions that make New Mexico what it is today! (575) 522-4100. Ask for Scott Green.

Coming Up! Don’t miss these special events in March!

Museum Soiree

March 7, 7 p.m.

You are invited to an exciting evening of wine, food, music, and fun. Lorraine Rawls, curator of the exhibit, “Gardians of the Camargue: The French Buckaroo Tradition,” will lead special tours of the exhibit and provide a sneak peek of a documentary about this centuries-old cowboy culture in France. There will be a silent auction as well. We invite you to join us for this fund-raising event to support our educational programs. Call (575) 522-4100 for ticket information. $25 per person.

Cowboy Days

March 8-9

Come enjoy two days of cowboy fun as we pay tribute to New Mexico’s ranching traditions. The festival includes the Dutch Oven Lovn’ Cook-off, music, demonstrations, book-signings, gunfight re-enactments, children’s activities, arts and crafts, and plenty of food. Admission is only $1.

Annual Rag Rug Festival

March 15-16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This is a spectacular event featuring women artisans from across New Mexico. The weekend is sponsored by the New Mexico Women’s Foundation. Rag rugs, hand-woven items, jewelry, fabrics and handmade crafts will be available for purchase. Free admission.

For more information, please call (575) 522-4100 or go to www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org

by Bianca L. Granado

Art lovers everywhere will be able to enjoy a month of art celebration as the City of Las Cruces celebrates the tenth annual For the Love of Art Month in February.

Diverse events all over the city will help support the month-long art celebration sponsored by the ArtForms Artists Association. These include visual art shows, theatre, dance programs, concerts, and a special anniversary gala.

For the Love of Art Month begins with the annual ArtForms Member Show, that opens from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, at the Downtown Ramble. The show will feature 50 artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, and a variety of multi-media art. The show will continue at the Branigan Cultural Center until Saturday, March 1.

Local artists will open their studios and galleries and allow art lovers the opportunity to tour where these artists work, and visit and buy from them directly. Two weekends of Studio and Gallery Tours, Feb. 9-10 and Feb. 16-17, will feature 27 locations and more than 30 artists. Tour maps are available at the Blue Gate Gallery, the Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Cultural Center de Mesilla, The Bean and other locations.

The Town of Mesilla also celebrates For the Love of Art Month. During the Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery’s annual “My Masterpiece” show, the public is invited to test their knowledge of famous artists. The show opens from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb.1. The gallery is also holding an artists reception on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Art can also be found in the form of dance. The New Mexico State University DanceSport Company will present “Rhythm Nights” a dance performance featuring Ballroom, Latin, and Swing Dance. The performances will be held at 7 P.M. on Friday, Feb. 22, and 3 p.m. on Feb. 23, at the Court Youth Center Auditorium located at 420 W. Court Ave. Tickets for these performances are $10. At 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 there will be a dinner, performance, and a dance. Tickets are $35. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (888) 448-7849 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Other events include a reading of love poems, sponsored by the Border Book Festival and the New Mexico Book Association, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 16.

To view a list of all For the Love of Art Month events visit www.lascrucescvb.org

ArtForms Artists Association of New Mexico is a non- profit organization that supports and promotes all artistic forms.

For more information about For the Love of Art Month contact Cheryl Fallstead at (575) 521-3838.

by Bianca L. Granado 

Colorful balloons drifting through the Mesilla Valley will fill the skies at the 16th Annual Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally, Saturday, Jan. 19 and Sunday, Jan. 20 at “Brown Farm” field located off El Camino Real and Armstrong Road.

The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally provides a free, safe and family-oriented event that can be enjoyed by all ages. The fun begins on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. and the mass ascension of hot air balloons will be at 7:30 a.m.

“It’s our 16th rally and everyone involved has worked very hard,” said rally coordinator Michelle Miranda with Wells Fargo Bank. “It is an awesome family event and free to the public.”

Tethered balloon rides, a ride on a hot air balloon that is secured to the ground using long ropes, will be available to the public on Saturday for a $1 donation. The tethered balloon rides are sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank. Line up starts at 8 a.m. and rides begin between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

“We encourage people to come out and not only view the mass ascension but get involved; it is a wonderful experience,” said Miranda.

Wells Fargo Bank is also sponsoring a hot air balloon glow from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be another mass ascension on Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally was first launched in 1982 as part of the Whole Enchilada Fiesta. In 1988, the rally became a separate event. The rally is supported by local and regional businesses in the form of paid sponsorships and services and is organized by an all-volunteer committee. The rally is sanctioned by the City of Las Cruces, Dona Ana County and the Federal Aviation Administration.

For more information contact Patti Havstad at (575) 649-1898.

by Bianca L. Granado 

Las Cruces has been chosen as a stop on the 2008 “Bound for Beijing” tour, which has been designed to help prepare the USA Softball Women’s National Team for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The team is scheduled to play New Mexico State University’s softball team at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at the NMSU Softball Complex.

“Our team is thrilled at this opportunity and I would encourage anyone interested in the Olympic Games or softball to join us for this once in a lifetime opportunity right here in Las Cruces,” said Kathy Rodolph, head coach for the NMSU softball team.

Gates will open at 11 a.m. The team will make over 40 stops across the country, competing against NCAA Division I opponents, regional all-star teams, and international competition.

Admission tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at Sports Accessories, located at 250 N. Solano or by requesting them through e-mail at tourticket26@yahoo.com.

Harvest Cooking Class

January 8, 2-4 p.m.

Carol Koenig, from Celebrations, is our talented chef. Come learn easy ways to prepare foods grown and harvested in New Mexico. Pre-registration is required. $20

Winter Lecture Series:

“El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro and the Butterfield Overland Mail”

January 10, 7 p.m.

Dr. George Torok is a historian, author, and television host. He served as the founding president of CARTA, the Camino Real Trail Association, a group dedicated to preserving this historic route. He currently teaches at El Paso Community College. Free.

New Mexico History Class

Tuesdays: January 15 to March 18, 1:30- 4:30 p.m.

Dr. Jo Tice Bloom, an accomplished historian and popular speaker, will teach this series of classes tracing the history of New Mexico from its beginnings to the present. If you are new to New Mexico you do not want to miss this! Enrollment is limited. Pre-registration is required. $30

Cooking With Class

January 15, 6-8 p.m.

Ready for light and healthy cooking for the New Year? Geetha Pai is our chef and will be preparing foods of East India for the body, the soul, and mind. Pre-registration is required. $30

Calling All Teachers!

January 24, 4-5:30 p.m.

Have you ever wondered what your students will see on a visit to the museum? Come find out during this tour and reception designed especially for you! There will be interesting demonstrations, food and fun. Free. Please RSVP to 522-4100 or to leslie.bergloff@state.nm.us We are looking forward to meeting you!

Beautiful Boots!

January 26, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us for the morning and transform a cowboy boot into a unique and useable purse unlike any you have seen before! All materials are provided. For ages 15 to adult.

Pre-registration is required. $25

Coming Up:

Blacksmith Conference

February 16 & 17, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Interested in learning blacksmith techniques from accomplished smiths of the Southwest? Then register for this two day conference! Frank Turley and George Witzke are our featured instructors. The conference is sponsored by the Museum, the Southwest Artist Blacksmith Association and the Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association.

Fees: $45- individual if paid by January 31. $75- family if paid by January 31. $60 per person at the door. Registration forms are on our web site at www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org

For more information about our daily schedule and upcoming events, visit www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org or call (575) 522-4100.