Archive for the ‘Exhibit News’ Category

The 9th annual “5000 Flowers” exhibit commemorating the tragic events of 9/11 will open Friday, September 3 at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces.

Harvest Cooking Class
September 7, 2-4 p.m. Enjoy a variety of creative recipes in our popular monthly cooking class. This month’s recipes feature tomatoes, cucumbers, and figs or peaches. Carol Koenig is the chef. Pre-registration is required. $35.
 
Monthly Lecture Series: A Stitch in Time
September 9, 7 p.m. This lecture by Nancy Benson is an illustrated biography of the colcha embroidery tradition in New Mexico — a tradition born in the arid frontier province and nourished by loving hands for several centuries. The flowing needlework executed in long couching stitches reached maturity, suffered a near-fatal decline, and was nursed back to health by women of determination, passion, and creativity. Benson is an award-winning writer and author of “New Mexico Colcha Club,” which was named a Southwest Book of the Year (2009) by the Arizona Historical Society and the Pima County Public Library. Admission is a suggested donation of $2.
 
Coming Soon: Ghosts of the Past
October 22-23 Visitors may take indoor or outdoor tours where they will encounter and interact with fascinating characters from New Mexico’s past. Refreshments also are part of this fun, family event. Stay tuned for more details about the museum’s most popular fall event.
 
For more information, or to register for a class, please call (575) 522-4100.
 
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road. www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org

The work of several New Mexico and Texas artists will be highlighted during the fall exhibitions at the Las Cruces Museum of Art, September 3 through November 20, 2010.

Artists from New Mexico and Texas have come together through the Ghost Town Arts Collective and will be exhibiting “Down Every Side Street: New Directions in Southwestern Art.” The exhibition will include works in a variety of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, and ceramics.
 
An artist of 40 years, Merry ArtToones uses her knowledge of painting and assemblage to create ceramic sculptures that communicate about serious subject matter through humor. Her latest works are influenced by sources including Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” and J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.”

Abraham Gelbart’s “Shreddings” includes paintings, prints, and sculpture and is “based on the premise that identity theft is all around”. The series began as sculptures, but soon evolved and includes works representing “data” that can easily be stolen.  
 
Joel Smith’s dynamic abstract paintings have been featured in international exhibitions from New York to Japan. He creates paintings that have their own “persona” and uses vivid colors and spontaneous brush strokes. His “oil paintings do not represent emotion, they transcend it.”  
 
An artists’ reception will be held September 3, 5-7pm.   
 
As of June 1, new gallery hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday.  The Museum of Art is closed Sunday and Monday.

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main Street at the end of the downtown mall. For more information, call (575) 541-2137 or visit the website www.las-cruces.org/museums

Saturday, September 11, Michael Martin Murphey in concert
As part of a full weekend of events surrounding the Color Las Cruces Plein Air Festival, competition winners will be announced at the VIP Artist Reception, where attendees can meet the artists, sample food from the best restaurants in town, enjoy wine from local wineries and take in a live performance by Western Music Hall of Fame recipient, Michael Martin Murphey. Murphey is today’s number one selling Singing Cowboy Poet and is a six-time Cowboy Hall of Fame Award winner. His Top 10 hit “Wildfire” is still one of the most played songs on classic radio formats and his Cowboy Songs album was the first Gold Album in the Cowboy Music genre since Marty Robbins. Tickets are $40 for singles, $70 for couples and $34 for military, which includes food and beverage samples. Showtime is 7:30pm, doors open at 6pm for reception. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.  

Wednesday, September 15, Cracker in concert
Normally seen flying high above the Rio Grande Theatre stage, local aerialist dance troupe, Project IN Motion, will don their promotional hats to host Alt Rock icons Cracker, live in concert as a benefit fundraiser for the troupe and the J. Paul Taylor Center in Las Cruces. Best known for their top Indie hits “Low” and “Teen Angst,” Cracker’s 13th album Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey has been receiving rave reviews ever since its release in May of last year.  They will be joined on-stage by opening band, The Liars and Project IN Motion Aerialists. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 day of show. Showtime is 7:30pm, doors open at 7pm. For more information visit www.ProjectINMotion.com, or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Friday, September 17, NMSU Outdoor Rec presents Reel Rock Tour
NMSU Outdoor Rec’s Adventure Arts Series continues with an all new season, showcasing documentaries and guest lecturers on topics ranging from pressing environmental issues to extreme outdoor sports. This year, Reel Rock turns five and co-founders Sender Films and Big Up Productions are celebrating by taking you on a global ride like never before. From death-defying speed link-ups of the wildest faces in the Alps, to Olympian displays of strength and tenacity on the hardest boulders ever climbed, Reel Rock 2010 features a breathtaking journey through the vertical realm with the heroes of rock and snow. For more information, visit www.reelrocktour.com. Showtime is 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $8 in advance; $10 at the door day of show. For more information call (575)646-4746.  

 Sunday, September 19, Mesilla Valley Musical Arts Benefit
NMSU’s Lisa Van Winkle, along with several friends, will present an Inaugural Concert to help us launch our organization. Wonderful music by outstanding musicians, running the gamut from much-loved classical repertoire to some wild and wacky selections! Complimentary champagne reception following the concert. Proceeds will benefit Mesilla Valley Musical Arts.  Tickets are $15. Showtime is 3pm, doors open at 2:30pm. For more information or to make reservations, call (575) 523-6403.  

Thursday, September 23, Deolinda in concert
Rooted in the traditional musical styles of the Portugese motherland and its overseas territories, from fado and morna to their Brazilian echoes, Deolinda offers a vignette of the Lisbon streets, through the eyes of a young woman of the same name. It is her acoustic songs that are voiced by expressive Ana Bacalhau, assisted by three masters of double bass and classical guitar. Intimate songs with as much flair as saudade and sparklingly brought to life on-stage. Showtime is 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 NMSU students, faculty & staff, seniors and children. Available at the Pan Am Center ticket office and all Ticketmaster locations.

Sunday, September 26, RGT 5th Anniversary Celebration
It has been five years since the Rio Grande Theatre reopened its doors as a live entertainment venue and the Dona Ana Arts Council is celebrating with an Anniversary Party! Master of Ceremonies Dr. Jim Shearer will host musical group Oldies But Goodies, nine talented musicians who, according to group founder Frank Cachia, “bring back the memories of the past by singing oldies as close as we can to the original records.” A suggested donation of $10 will go toward continued renovations of the Rio Grande Theatre. Showtime is 5pm, doors open at 4 pm. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Thursday, September 30, LCCCA presents Daniel Narducci
Classic American baritone, Daniel Narducci, performs songs of legendary heroes and villains from Broadway to Hollywood, including Don Quixote, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and the Phantom Of The Opera. Since his debut with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, he has appeared with many of the world’s most prestigious orchestras. One the operatic stage, his recent appearances include Sharpless in Madama Butterfly and Escamillo in Carmen. An increasingly active recording artist, he sang the role of Captain Hook on the world premiere recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Peter Pan.  Tickets are $20. Showtime is 7:30pm, doors open at 7pm. For more information or to reserve tickets, call (575)521-4051.  

Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre
September 7 – LC Symphony String Quartet
September 21 – Natalie Masters
Please note: Every Other Tuesday performances always begin at 5:30 pm and are free to the public.  For more information contact DAAC at 575-523-6403. 

Exhibits in the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries

The Plein Air Painters of El Paso
To help celebrate Color Las Cruces–Las Cruces first ever Plein Air Competition and Festival– the Doña Ana Arts Council has invited The Plein Air Painters of El Paso to exhibit at the Rio Grande Theatre for the month of September. Officially formed in 1997, The Plein Air Painters of El Paso started off as a small group of Plein Air enthusiasts, but grew steadily until they were exhibiting at such locales as The International Museum of Art and The Chamizal National Memorial, as well as the Department of Interior Museum in Washington, D.C. Thirteen artists will exhibit their works, all created in locations throughout the area.  Most of the scenes are in the El Paso area, but some were done in the Mesilla Valley.

Artists in the show will be Corinne Abeyta-Spinnler, Bob Adams, Louise Bagg, Cheryl Bower, Melinda Etzold, Winfrey Hearst, Candy Mayer, Ann Mitchell, Dee Olga MinYoung-Phillips, Krystyna Robbins, Rami Scully, Kathleen Squires and A. Stein. Some of the members, including Candy Mayer will be participating in the Plein Air competition on September 11th. The show will run through the month of September, 2010, in both the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries, beginning with an artist reception on August 6, from 5 to 7pm, as part of the Downtown Art Ramble.

 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.

Friday & Saturday, July 9 & 10
Missoula Children’s Theatre presents “King Arthur’s Quest“
The age of Romance and Heraldry are turned on their ear when characters from legend, including Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin, Lancelot, Mordred and Morgan le Fay, take center stage as Missoula Children’s Theatre brings their annual production to Las Cruces, starring local children ranging in age from 5 to 18. Showtimes for King Arthur’s Quest are 7pm on Friday night and 2:30pm on Saturday. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Saturday, July 24
KRWG presents Steve Smith & Hard Road
Steve Smith and Hard Road evolved into a full working group as a result of the success and chemistry of the musicians who came together to work on Steve’s original live studio recording Hard Road, released in 2004. At the heart of Hard Road is the song-writing team of Steve Smith, one of this generation’s mandolin masters, and Minnesota songbird Chris Sanders. Joining them onstage on select dates are guitarist Aaron McCloskey, banjo player Bill Evans, bass player Bill Amatneek and fiddler Megan Lynch. Showtime is 7pm with doors opening at 6:30pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door for adults; $7.50 in advance, $10 at the door for 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets call (575) 646-2222.

Saturday, July 31
Premiere Entertainment presents Sounds of Motown
Spend an evening reliving some of the greatest hits of the Motown era, featuring number one R&B and Soul classics by such artists as the Four Tops, Gladys Knight, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Temptations and many more. Direct from Las Vegas this electrifying musical experience features the unique style and versatility of Ronnie Rathers, former member of the Funk Brothers (who provided session work for 135 #1 Motown hits) and regular performer with such artists as Ray Charles, The Average White Band, Chubby Checker, Tavares, The Drifters and Percy Sledge, to name just a few. Tickets are $25 general admission and $40 VIP (which includes hors d’oeuvres and a meet and greet with the musicians). A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces. For more information, call (915) 630-2206 or visit www.pre-e.com

Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre Schedule for July 2010
July 13 – Tuba Four
July 27 – Lilis Urban
Please note: Every Other Tuesday performances always begin at 5:30 pm and are free to the public.  For more information contact DAAC at (575) 523-6403.

On Exhibit in the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries
Students of the Career Art Path (CAP) Program
Every year, during the month of June, the Dona Ana Arts Council sponsors a two-week series of hands-on workshops for kids in grades 6 through 9. Called the Career Art Path (CAP) program, the workshops are set up so that students can explore possible careers in exciting creative industries, including printmaking, sculpture and digital photography. For the first time ever, an exhibition of works created in these workshops by the talented students will run for an entire month in both the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries. The show will run through the entire month of July, 2010, beginning with an artist reception on July 2, from 5 to 7pm, as part of the Downtown Art Ramble.

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.
 
 

Friday, June 18
Southern New Mexico Pride’s Gaylapalooza
Over the past 20 years, the GLBTQ community in Las Cruces and surrounding areas has celebrated Pride month with a variety of events aimed at celebrating the diversity of its members and their achievements. This year, the Rio Grande Theatre will host a kick-off event co-sponsored by Southern New Mexico Pride and the Doña Ana Arts Council, entitled Gaylapalooza, featuring three of the best and brightest Queer Indie artists touring today: Daniel Cartier, Namoli Brennet and Eric Himan. The musical extravaganza, hosted by Mistress of Ceremonies Ivonna Bump, will kick off a weekend of family-oriented activities and events. Doors open at 6:30pm and the performance begins at 7pm. Tickets are $20, with a portion of the proceeds going to Southern New Mexico Pride as a fundraiser for its weekend events. For more information visit www.SouthernNMPride.org, www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.

Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre

June 1 – New Horizons Swing Band
Under the direction of Shawn Robinson, this offshoot of the New Horizons Band present such classic standards as  “The Girl from Impanema,” “In the Mood,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Bandstand Boogie” and “The Hawaiian War Chant.”

June 15 – Tuco John Band
A very special engagement with the local Jazz quartet that specializes in standards from the 1930s through the 1950s, with classic rock, R&B and soul tunes thrown in to mix things up a bit.

June 29 – McLaughlin Kids
They first took the Rio Grande Theatre stage a year ago, almost to the day, as part of the David Diaz-created ensemble group Regardless. Now they’re back to show that one doesn’t have to be “seasoned” to rock out old school style.

Please note: Every Other Tuesday performances always begin at 5:30 pm and are free to the public.  For more information contact DAAC at 575-523-6403. 

On Exhibit in the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries
Photographer/Filmmaker Mark Vasconcellos
The world of diverse cultures will be examined through the photographic works of local filmmaker Mark Vasconcellos in the Rio Grande Theatre galleries. The exhibition, entitled One World, features 20 color and black & white images taken during his travels throughout the world and will be on display in both the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries. The show will run through the entire month of June, 2010, beginning with an artist reception on June 4, from 5 to 7pm, as part of the Downtown Art Ramble.

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

The Mesilla Valley Fractal Artists will present their latest work at the Branigan Cultural Center from June 4 through June 26, 2010.  A reception to meet the artists will be held during the First Friday Ramble from 5-7 p.m. on June 4th.

Fractal art is a relatively new form of visual art derived from mathematical formulas and algorithms. Using a computer and specific fractal-generating software, artists create images that are inherently abstract.  Maria Kruse, whose work is included in the exhibit, sums it up best, “it’s magic.” 

A NOVA documentary, “Fractals, Hunting the Hidden Dimension,” will be shown at 10 a.m. on Saturdays in the gallery to help visitors to understand the art and science of fractals.  An after-hours tour of the exhibit, a fractal demonstration, and gallery talk will take place on Friday, June 18th at 5:30 p.m.

The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 N. Main Street, at the north end of the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces.  The exhibits and events are free and open to the public. 

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

For more information, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at www.las-cruces.org/museums.

Harvest Cooking Class
June 1, 2-4 p.m.
Enjoy a variety of creative recipes in our very popular monthly cooking class. This month’s recipes feature beets, carrots and blueberries. Carol Koenig is the chef. Pre-registration is required. $35.

 
Monthly Lecture Series: Buffalo Soldiers: Military Heroes of the Southwest
June 10, 7 p.m.
Fred Hampton will portray Lt. Matthias Day in this Chautauqua program in the Museum’s theater. Hampton, who might be joined by other members of the Buffalo Soldiers Society of New Mexico, will display more than 50 period artifacts used by the soldiers. Admission is a suggested donation of $2.
 
Antique Treasures Day
June 13, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This is the one day a year that visitors are allowed to take guided tours through the Museum’s enormous Collections Room where all of the hundreds of artifacts are stored and preserved. Also, our curators will be on hand to answer questions regarding identification and preservation of your family heirlooms or objects. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and $2 for children 5 to 17.
 
Kids Camps
 
Historic Games and Crafts Camp
June 9-10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ages 6-10
Cost: $40
Love music, dancing and storytelling? Want to learn how to play games that your great-great grandparents may have played? Enjoy some of the popular games, toys, songs and stories of the 1800s. Students in this camp will make a carry-all pail, and a spoon doll, play classic games such as “Kick the can,” and learn to sing traditional Hispanic songs. Please bring lunch each day. Pre-registration and a non-refundable class deposit of $10 is required. Deadline for class deposit is June 9.  

Photography Camp
June 15-17, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Ages 11-15
Cost: $85
This camp will give students a brief overview of the history of photography and will teach them basic photography techniques such as working with lighting and composition. Students will shoot a roll of film, print their own Cyanotypes, or “Sunprints,” and take home their very own camera! Please bring lunch each day. Pre-registration and a non-refundable class deposit of $20 is required. Deadline for class deposit is May 28.

Sheep and Wool Camp
June 23-24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ages: 8-12
Cost: $50
Ever wonder how a sheep’s fleece is transformed into fabric? Join us for a fun-filled exploration of wool crafting. We’ll clean and card wool, and learn the basics of spinning and weaving. Students will take on the challenge of dying wool and will learn wet felting methods. Please bring lunch each day. Pre-registration is required.
 
Living History Camp
June 29-July 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ages 9-14
Cost: $75
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Interested in history? Students will learn the basics of doing living history and improvisational performance as they develop and portray a historical character from the Great Depression. Students will dress in historically accurate costumes and stage an outdoor time travel performance to the New Mexico of 1936 on the last day of the class. Please bring lunch each day. Pre-registration is required. 

 
For more information, or to register for a class, contact the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum at (575) 522-4100 or visit www.frhm.org. The museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Rd.

Take a rare and exciting look at the life of dinosaurs through their eggs, nests and embryos in Hatching the Past: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies. This remarkable hands-on exhibition is composed of more than 50 authentic dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe—including those from each of the major plant and meat-eating dinosaur groups. The exhibition opens at the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History on May 21st from 6:00 pm. to 8:00 pm.

Hatching the Past presents new discoveries about dinosaur reproduction and behavior and introduces the fascinating people and science behind these discoveries. This multi-media experience gives credence to long-debated theories that dinosaurs and birds are closely related.

A captivating experience for all ages, Hatching the Past invites visitors to touch a real dinosaur bone, dig for eggs, experience hands-on exploration stations and view animated video presentations.  Each science-rich section is enhanced with exciting life-like models of embryos and hatchlings, colorful illustrations of dinosaur family life and stunning photographs of some of the world’s most renowned dinosaur hunters and their discoveries. 

Hatching the Past was developed by Charlie and Florence Magovern of The Stone Company, Boulder, Colorado, in association with the Harvard Museum of Natural History. The Museum of Natural History strives to inspire curiosity about the sciences, facilitate life-long learning, and promote stewardship of the natural environment of the Chihuahuan desert and southern New Mexico.

If you need accommodation for a disability to enable you to fully participate in this event, please contact the museum 48 hours before the event at (575) 522-3120.

The museum is located at 700 S. Telshor Blvd. insides the Mesilla Valley Mall. 
 

Who: Abby Osborne
What: New art exhibit
When: March 2010  
Where: Rio Grande Theatre Galleries
Contact: (575) 523-6403

Fiber Artist Abby Osborne to exhibit in the Rio Grande Theatre Galleries
 
As one fiber art show comes to a close in February another takes it place for March, when the galleries of the Rio Grande Theatre present a brand new exhibition entitled Patched Wings by artist Abby Osborne. The exhibition will take place in both the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries. The show will run through the entire month of  March, 2010, beginning with an artist reception on March 5, from 5 to 7pm, as part of the Downtown Art Ramble.
 
Abby Osborne has been a lifelong artist. She creates using several mediums, including painting, drawing and fiber art. Her work combines multiple layers of patterns, symbolism and spirituality. Abby has earned a BFA in painting from Arizona State University, a BA in graphic design as well as an AAS in computer graphics and a Masters in Learning Technologies from New Mexico State University. Abby is an Associate Professor in the Creative Media Technology Program at Doña Ana Community College.
 
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.