By Stephany Trego

Las Cruces, NM – Art lovers prepare yourself to tour some of Las Cruces’ finest galleries featuring beautiful works of art from local talented artists. The ArtsHop event will be held on Friday, September 5th from 5 to 9 p.m., and benefits young art students.

The event is sponsored by the Dona Ana Arts Council (DAAC), and showcases a tour of selected galleries and talent in the area’s growing gallery scene. All proceeds will support the DAAC Career Art Path (CAP) for middle school students. CAP is an intensive two-week visual arts program for that introduces students to a variety of art media and to the many art-related careers available.

“Beyond the fact that it benefits middle school students and has the potential to benefit economic growth to the area,” said Cati Waterman, Events Coordinator for the DAAC, “ArtsHop creates more exposure for local galleries and artists.”

Waterman said this year, at least 13 galleries will be participating in the event. Last year’s Tombaugh Gallery  and the Main Street/Blue Gate Gallery will be participating, along with three new galleries;  New Dimension Art, Unsettled Gallery, and In Effect. Local restaurants and caterers will provide light hors d’oeuvres at each location.

Sally Cutter of Glen Cutter Gallery got the idea for the event after visiting Santa Fe’s art crawl. “Our art in Las Cruces has always had the warm flavor of the Southwest, and sometimes back then, people were not really aware of it,” she recalls. “Having an event where art, arts education and food joined together was something we in Las Cruces could do very well.”

Tickets can be purchased at participating art galleries or at the DAAC office in the Rio Grande Theatre located at 211 N. Downtown Mall.  Tickets are $20 dollars in advance or $25 dollars the night of the event.

For more information, contact Cati Waterman at 575-523-6403.

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