Archive for November, 2009

Who: The Alameda House ,The Lundeen Inn of the Arts and Meson de Mesilla
What: Senses of the Seasons Benefit 
When: December 6, 2009
Where: The Alameda House ,The Lundeen Inn of the Arts and Meson de Mesilla
Contact: (575) 526-3326

“Senses of the Seasons” to benefit three local charities in a fun-filled night of music, food and art

LAS CRUCES, NM – The Alameda House ,The Lundeen Inn of the Arts and Meson de Mesilla, will all simultaneously host the “Senses of the Seasons” benefit, Sunday, Dec. 6, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., which features ongoing entertainment, appetizers and beverages at each location in a night of progressive entertainment to benefit three local charities.

Along with the ongoing entertainment, each location will feature original artwork and unique gift items donated by various artists, as well as, two raffles, one for a weekend stay at the respective property and another for the artwork on display at the property. “Los Niños” by Francisco Romero will be displayed at Meson de Mesilla, “A Helping Hand” by Rebecca Courtney will be displayed at the Lundeen Inn of the Arts and “Outcasts” by Virginia Maria Romero will be displayed at The Alameda House.

Tickets for this family friendly event are $30 per person, with free admission for children under the age of 12. Fifty percent of the $30 ticket cost is tax deductible, as, this money will be split equally among each of the three charities which include: the Animal Services Center of Mesilla Valley, Jardin de los Niños and Mesilla Valley Hospice. Tickets are available at any of the Bed and Breakfasts and Charities and will also be available at the door of each property the night of the event.

Proceeds from items within individual locations, not including ticket sales, will benefit each location’s sponsored charity. Meson de Mesilla will benefit Jardin de los Niños, Lundeen Inn will benefit Mesilla Valley Hospice and The Alameda House will benefit Animal Services Center of Mesilla Valley.

As part of the event, assorted appetizers and a wine tasting will take place at Meson de Mesilla from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appetizers and beverages will be served at The Lundeen Inn of the Arts from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Food, sponsored by La Posta, as well as, desserts and beverages will be served at The Alameda House from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All three properties will provide ongoing musical entertainment and the evening will culminate with music and dancing on the patio at the Alameda House.

Ample parking for the event will be available at Meson de Mesilla and the Alameda House. The Alameda House is within a block of the Lundeen Inn of the Arts and doesn’t require crossing any streets. 

This event is being sponsored by the three bed and breakfast properties in cooperation with the Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For more information, please call 526-3326. Tickets can be purchased via credit card over the phone at the 526-3326 number and picked up at the Lundeen Inn of the Arts.

Who: TRACES’ mobile museum
What: Scheduled to be in Las Cruces 
When: November 30, 2009
Where: Thomas Branigan Memorial Library
Contact: (575) 528-4009

Traveling Exhibit Tells Unknown Story of German POWs Held in Camps All Over the U.S. During WWII

By the end of World War II, approximately 425,000 German, Italian and Japanese prisoners of war (POWs) found themselves imprisoned in more than 660 base and branch POW camps in almost all of the then-48 United States and the territory of Alaska.

Millions more Axis and Allied POWs were held in other camps in Europe, the Soviet Union, Canada, Australia and Africa. While Axis and Soviet POWs were both the perpetrators as well as victims of dictatorial governments and state-sponsored violence, POW experiences on all sides embody ageless and timely themes of war and peace, justice under arms and issues regarding human rights, international reconciliation and future conflict avoidance.

The roughly 372,000 German POWs held in U.S Army-operated camps across the United States were sent out to harvest or process crops, build roads and waterways, fell trees, roof barns, erect silos, work in light non-military industry, lay city sewers and construct tract housing, wash U.S. Army laundry and do other practical wartime tasks.

With the high rate of 19th-century German immigration to America, many of those who worked with POWs spoke to them in their native tongue; some even had relatives or former neighbors among them. In the process, they formed significant, often decades-long friendships with “the enemy” and underwent considerable changes as individuals and as a group – thus fundamentally influencing postwar German values and institutions, as well as American-German relations. A number of POWs even chose to immigrate to the United States after the war.

Using ten narrative panels and films about this story, TRACES’ mobile museum—a retrofitted school bus called the BUS-eum 3— is scheduled to be in Las Cruces from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 30th. It will be parked in front of the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave.

TRACES exhibit driver, Irving Kellman, will tour with the exhibit and is available for phone or live interviews as the tour progresses.

To confirm the BUS-eum’s itinerary or learn more about this exhibit, see www.TRACES.org. The exhibit’s texts and photos of the exhibit can be previewed at that web site. Reading the narrative in advance facilitates speedier visitor flow in the bus. Educators are welcome to utilize any teacher material on our web site.

TRACES Center for History and Culture is a Midwest/WWII history museum located in downtown Saint Paul, MN. Each of its more than two dozen exhibits about Midwesterners’ encounters with Germans or Austrians between 1933 and 1948 forms part of a larger mosaic, a fuller image of a war that is often misunderstood or seen in clichés. At TRACES, WWII is a case study to learn from for today and future generations.

For more information, contact Lynette Schurdevin at 575/528-4009 or lschurdevin@las-cruces.org

Who: Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
What: Celbrating their 1 year Anniversary 
When: December 12, 2009
Where: Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
Contact: (575) 523-8009

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park Celebrates 1st Anniversary

The first anniversary of the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, which opened to the public on December 13th, 2008, will be celebrated with an open house on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Park, 5000 Calle del Norte. The Friends group will serve birthday cake and coffee to all visitors. We’ll have a brief presentation at 11 a.m. recapping the milestones of the last year. The regular Park fee of $5 per vehicle will be waived during this event. The public is invited to join the festivities at the Park.

Our new State Park is a true gem. A mix of high desert and wetlands, it is rich with wildlife and flora. More than 300 acres are there to explore. We recognize that having a resource such as this Park is valuable to our community, but that the community is the heart of a place like Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park.

Although we are a new State Park Friends group, our membership now numbers more than 50. We meet the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Park.  The public is invited to attend the meetings.

For more information on this event or other activities of the Friends of the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, call 523-8009.

Who: Town of Mesilla
What: Lighting of the Christmas Tree & extended shopping hours. 
When: December 11, 2009
Where: Mesilla Plaza 
Contact: (575) 524-3262 ext. 116

Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Shopping Late in Mesilla is set for Friday, Dec. 11

Mesilla, N.M. – The Town of Mesilla and Mesilla businesses have teamed up to host Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Shopping Late in Mesilla Friday, Dec. 11.

The Christmas tree lighting will take place on the plaza at 6 p.m., followed by music by San Albino Church Choir members until 6:30 p.m. Town of Mesilla Mayor Michael Cadena will switch on the Christmas tree lights during the ceremony. The tree will be decorated with ornaments created by students from Mesilla Elementary School.

In addition to the restaurants and businesses that are normally open late, many other Mesilla businesses will have extended hours for late shopping. Some businesses will have refreshments for shoppers.

For more information, call the Town of Mesilla at (575) 524-3262 ext. 116.

Who: The Black Box Theatre
What: Monthly Events
When: December 2009
Where: The Black Box Theatre
Contact: (575) 523-1223

The Black Box Theatre December Events Calendar

We are very pleased to present Yazmina Reza’s insightful comedy “Life x 3″ as our next NSTC production at the Black Box Theatre. It opens Friday, November 20 and runs through Sunday, December 6. We will be giving away a Toucan Market gift card at opening night as well as the reception following the show.

More information and photos for “Life x 3″ can be seen at http://www.no-strings.org/Lx3.html. To see a review of “Life x 3″ by the Round Up, visit: http://www.roundupnews.com/a-e/life-x-3-1.935804

thetheatregallery will present a Photographic Exhibit by Nikka Ziemer. There will be a wine and cheese reception in conjunction with the Downtown Ramble on December 4 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
thetheatregallery is open an hour before performances and by appointment. For more information call: (575) 523-1223.

Upcoming Events:

“Life x 3″ runs Nov. 20 – Dec. 6, Fri and Sat at 8 p.m., Sun.
matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 /Dec 6 and Thursday, Dec 3 at 7:00 p.m.

New Play Readings Sunday, November 29, Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. each night

“A Christmas Pudding” on Wednesday, December 2 at 8:00 p.m.

“Ludwig Van B’s Birthday Bash” on Saturday, December 5 at 2:00 p.m.

“A Child’s Christmas in Wales” on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit: http://www.no-strings.org/performances.html.

Who: The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
What: Monthly Events
When: December 2009
Where: The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Contact: (575) 522-4100

NMF&RHM December Events Calendar

Harvest Cooking Class

Dec. 1, 2-4 p.m.

This month’s cooking class with Chef Carol Koenig features recipes that include pecans, sweet potatoes, and eggplant. Pre-registration is required. $35.

Exhibit Opening:

Colcha: Embroidered Connections

Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.

This tradition-rich exhibit features an embroidery method that dates to the 1700s in New Mexico. Colcha, a single and versatile stitch, has succeeded in connecting people of different continents, cultures, and generations. The colorful pieces on exhibit are referred to as colchas, synonymous with the stitch used exclusively to create them. The opening reception is free and includes refreshments.

Stories of Christmas Past: A Living History Evening

Dec. 10, 7 p.m.

The past will come alive in the Museum’s theater with a series of living history performances that focus on New Mexico’s Christmas traditions. Admission is a suggested donation of $2.

A Handcrafted Holiday

Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spend a fun-filled day at the Museum with your child by creating imaginative decorations and ornaments from natural materials. This workshop is for children 4 and older accompanied by a parent. The cost is $25 for two family members, plus $5 each for additional family members (child or adult). Craft materials will be provided. Participants need to bring a lunch and pre-registration is required.

Coming Soon:

New Mexico History Class

This very popular class, taught by Dr. Jo Tice Bloom, begins in January and ends in March. Participants will have a choice of two different days for this fun and informative weekly class – Wednesdays or Thursdays, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The course is $35 per person and pre-registration is required.

For more information, or to register for a class, please call (575) 522-4100.

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

4100 Dripping Springs Road

Las Cruces, NM 88011

www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org

Who: The Rio Grande Thatre
What: Monthly Events
When: December 2009
Where: The Rio Grande Theatre
Contact: (575) 523-6403

Rio Grande Theatre December Calendar of Events

Tuesday, December 1
Christmas Jams
“Christmas Jams” is an evening of Christmas Music in the style of Trans-Siberian Orchestra or Mannheim Steamroller. An upbeat and fun Christmas experience presented by Calvary Baptist Church’s Worship Arts Ministry. Showtime is 7pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $7, or two or more for $5 each. Call (575) 522-7900 for more information.

Wednesday, December 2
ASNMSU presents Teada
ASNMUS presents one of Irish music’s leading exponents on the international world music stage. With lush orchestration, Teada, meaning “strings” in the Irish language, revels in the vibrant traditional music of Ireland, deftly playing up its structural intricacies while preserving the timeless energy of the reels, jigs, hornpipes and other lesser-known tunes in the repertoire. Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and can be purchased at the Pan Am Boxoffice, via www.Ticketmaster.com or at the Rio Grande Theatre box office the night of the show. Shows tend to sell out, so it’s best to buy early to avoid disappointment.

Thursday, December 3
Screening: “Our People, Our Faith… Our Lady”
The Branigan Cultural Center and the Las Cruces Public Information Office present a special screening of a documentary about the Guadalupe Day Ceremonies, which are celebrated throughout the Americas. This is the story of the culture, faith and dedication of the people who participate in the Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe held in Tortugas, New Mexico. The celebration is legendary. A local tradition more than 100-years old captured on film. Doors open at 6:30pm. Show starts at 7pm. Admission is free to the public. Tickets available at City Hall. Go to www.CLCTV.com for more information. 

Friday, December 11
 NMSU Campus and Gospel Choirs
Get into the holiday spirit with NMSU’s Concert Choir, Gospel Choir and Campus Choir, delivering messages of hope through music that transcends demographic boundaries and connects people through song. Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 7:30pm. For more information, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Sunday, December 13
Mesilla Valley Chorale
The Mesilla Valley Chorale, under the direction of Nancy Ritchey, presents Love Is The Reason, a diverse program including holiday music from Classical to Pops. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to benefit the Community of Hope. Call (575) 647-2560 for more information.

Wednesday, December 16
KRWG presents El Paso Brass
KRWG presents one of the longest continually-performing brass quintets in America, composed of key members of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and other distinguished artists from across the Southwest. Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 7:30pm. For more information, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com

Friday, December 19
Johnny Rawls
Hailed throughout North America and Europe as one of the premiere soul and blues artists active today, Johnny Rawls has earned rave reviews from critics and tremendous amounts of radio airplay for his albums. According to the Blues Review, “his gritty, seasoned vocals follow in the grand tradition of Southern soul giants such as Otis Redding, James Carr and Rawls’ former employer O. V. Wright.” The London Times says, “Johnny Rawls has the earthiness of B.B. King and the Memphis Soul of Al Green.” His latest album, Ace Of Spades, just hit the stands in September 2009 and has already received a nomination for a prestigious Blues Music Award. Doors open at 7:30pm. Show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Monday, December 27
Bite Of The Apple Cabaret
This is the story of four young artists, friends and lovers beating the streets of New York City chasing their dreams.  Let them take you on a funny and inspirational journey through the trials, tribulations and triumphs of seeking a professional music career in the Big Apple.  Prepare your self for an evening of great variety as these rising stars perform works ranging from the virtuosic piano repertoire, opera, musical theater and pop – there is nothing these kids can’t do!  After all, if they can make it there they can make it anywhere!  Doors open at 6:30 pm. Show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $15 and $12. For more information, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre
December 1 – Mick Harris
December 15 – Trails West & New Horizons Symphony
December 29 – TBA
Please note: Every Other Tuesday performances always begin at 5:30pm and are free to the public. 

On Exhibit in the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries
Marjorie Moeser
Internationally-acclaimed artist Marjorie Moeser will present her latest exhibition in the galleries of the Rio Grande Theatre, entitled Works On Paper: Canyon Suite and Collages, throughout the month of December, beginning with a reception for the artists to coincide with the First Friday Downtown Arts Ramble, on December 4, at 5pm. Moeser is a Toronto artist based partly in New Mexico, partly in the South of France, whose paintings are primarily about time and change and how they impact the environment. The exhibition, featuring two very different approaches to working on paper in both size and technique, will take place in both the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries.  The public is cordially invited to both the reception and the exhibit as it continues through December 29.

The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Main, in Las Cruces, NM. For clarification, photos or additional information, please visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or contact the Rio Grande Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at 575-523-6403.

Who: The New Desert Harmony Singers
What: Benefit Christmas concert
When: December 3, 2009
Where: NMSU Corbett Center Ballrooms
Contact: (575) 646-3587

The New Desert Harmony Singers concert gala  to benefit the NMSU Center for the Arts

Ready to ring in the holidays? What better way than with beautiful music, exquisite desserts, and champagne? The New Desert Harmony Singers (NDHS), a well-respected Las Cruces community chorus, and the Center for the Arts at NMSU are collaborating to offer a Benefit Christmas Evening of Song on Thursday evening, December 3, in the ballrooms of Corbett Center on the NMSU campus. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7. NDHS has traditionally performed a Christmas concert, but this year has chosen the Center for the Arts project to be the recipient of the concert proceeds.

This is the first time the NDHS has performed a benefit concert. NDHS Director Dave Kinkaid promises, “This one will be very different and lots of fun. Patrons will enjoy specialty desserts, and champagne or other beverages during the concert.” The festive atmosphere will be augmented by table seating rather than theatre-style rows.

The chorus has chosen to perform many traditional holiday songs, such as “Sleigh Ride,” “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Merry Christmas Darling,” “Santa Baby,” “O Holy Night”, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” “Silent Night,” “Breath of Heaven” and more, including a sing-a-long or two.  Special guest performers at the concert will be the Crimson Chord Company, a popular barbershop quartet. It is rumored that Santa himself will make a brief appearance.

Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available at several locations: the NMSU Foundation offices in Dove Hall; Hubbard’s Music-n-More, 1108 Wyatt Drive; Cutter Gallery, 2640 El Paseo Road; and White’s Music Box, 200 S. Downtown Mall.  You may also call 575-646-3587 or purchase tickets from any member of The New Desert Harmony Singers.

The Center for the Arts, a major project of New Mexico State University, will bring the university’s arts programs to one central location, providing the opportunity for increased collaboration and giving the community far easier access to creative programs offered by the university. The scope of this project makes collaborations such as this very welcome.

“The Center for the Arts complex is going to be a vehicle to bring the university, the students and the community to one place to experience the arts and culture of our community,” explained Sally Cutter, a member of the Center for the Arts @ NMSU Leadership Advisory Committee. “We need the full support of the community for this project and for the community to feel ownership of the center, so we need everyone’s help. Small or large gifts, they’re all important.”

The New Desert Harmony Singers is a mixed community chorus that performs popular music. Recent concerts have featured Broadway show tunes, Beatles songs, and other favorites. The New Desert Harmony Singers evolved from a former Sweet Adelines chorus that sang barbershop harmony, to the group that now includes men and women. Kinkaid also comes from a barbershop background. He has sung and directed barbershop since 1971, beginning with the El Paso Border Chorders. He then directed the Las Cruces Grande Sweet Adeline Chorus and later the El Paso Sun Gold Chorus.

Kinkaid says, “We are doing choral music that nobody else in town is doing and it is all popular music from Big Band to Broadway, gospel to patriotic. We have a lot more fun singing songs that we all know and love.”

For additional information about the New Desert Harmony Singers, contact Jane Jurrema at 575-526-9618 or go to www.newdesertharmonysingers.blogspot.com. For more information about the Center for the Arts, go to their website at www.artscenter.nmsu.edu.

Who: Rio Grande Theatre Galleries
What: Collection of Marjorie Moeser’s artwork on display
When: December 2009
Where: Rio Grande Theatre Galleries
Contact: (575) 523-6403

Artist Marjorie Moeser brings a new approach to working with paper to the Rio Grande Theatre Galleries

December will be off to a festive start with WinterFest on the Downtown Mall and the galleries of the Rio Grande Theatre will be right in step with brand new exhibition called Works On Paper: Canyon Suite and Collages by artist Marjorie Moeser. Moeser is a Toronto artist based partly in New Mexico, partly in the South of France, whose paintings are primarily about time and change and how they impact the environment. The exhibition, featuring two very different approaches to working on paper in both size and technique, will take place in both the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries. The show will run through the entire month of December, 2009, beginning with an artist reception on December 4, from 5 to 7pm, as part of the Downtown Art Ramble.

In her Canyon Suite, Moeser presents her response to canyon walls she saw in the canyons of Arizona, near the Grand Canyon. These paintings are all done on oversized paper, using oil stick and some oil pastel. The rocky canyon walls express themselves as sinuous, undulating amorphic shapes. Moeser makes the intrinsic nature of paper come alive, moving along as it does with the walls which in turn seem to become like giant torsos, sensuously moving across the surface of the paper. Colors are deep and rich, and seem to glow from within. Moeser’s choice of oil stick as a medium helps create this richness of hue. Her process is an additive and subtractive one, in which she scrapes away colors to reveal underlying hues, which at times are left subtly present and at other times get colored over to create deeper and richer tones. A sense of pattern within the rock structure is definitely present. Her colors seem to dance across the paper and spill right out into the surrounding space.

In her Collages, Moeser hones her compositions as a jeweler would with little gems. Paper, mostly exquisite Japanese paper, is her medium and the scale is a very small format (10” x 10”). She is comfortable with abstraction, allowing shapes, lines, colors and texture free rein to interact, overlay, show color through or block it out with built up textures and opaque shapes. All of the collages use Japanese papers with some paint, some fabric or found material. Each composition can be envisioned as a miniature large scale painting. Hers is a fresh look at an old medium.

The Rio Grande Theatre galleries, located in the lobby of the historic Rio Grande Theatre at 211 N. Main in Las Cruces, are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.  For more information, contact the DAAC office at (575) 523-6403.

Who: Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau
What: Collection of Virginia Romero’s artwork on display
When: November 2009
Where: Convention & Visitors Bureau’s visitors lobby gallery
Contact: (575) 541-2150

Local artist chosen as artist of the month for the Convention & Visitors Bureau’s visitors lobby gallery

LAS CRUCES, NM – During the month of November, a collection of Virginia Maria Romero’s work will be on display and available for sale, in the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau lobby, located at 211 N. Water Street.

Using hand collected ground pigments, water-soluble pigments, hand carved pine and homemade piñon sap varnish and wax, it’s easy to see the sheer level of pride and craftsmanship Romero puts into her work. 

Using a variety of different formats and mediums, Romero creates contemporary designs with unique colors and styles that often include southwestern inspired elements that often encompass the culture and traditions of the Mesilla Valley.

With art pieces featured both nationally and internationally in museums and private collections, Romero’s art has spanned the globe exhibiting its unique contemporary designs and Northern New Mexico style. Romero’s work has been selected for collections that include: Basilica of San Albino, El Museo Cultural of Santa Fe, the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, Mesilla Town Hall, Maria Stein Heritage Museum/National Marian Shrine of the Holy Relics, Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine and Parish, and The Friars of the Sick Poor of Los Angeles.

Self-taught, Romero describes her artwork as, “inspired by life’s changes,” and often features religious and nature inspired elements in her artwork.

Each month the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau features artwork from a local artist in the visitors lobby gallery. The Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau is located at 211 N. Water Street in Las Cruces, NM. For more information contact the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau at (575) 541-2150.