Beans and Cornbread D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
October 2009
Arts Happenings
Silver City/Grant County
JW Art Gallery in Hurley will host Victoria Chick's "Coda: Reflecting on Life," with an opening reception Oct. 10, 3-6 p.m. The show, introducing her figurative work as well as exhibiting her well-known cat images, runs through Nov. 8. Enjoy live music by Patricia Prewitt and Don McCracken, along with refreshments. JW Art Gallery in the Old Hurley Store, 99 Cortez. 537-0300. Victoria Chick Studio, 534-4680, www.victoriachick.com
Silver City Arts and Cultural District (see story next section) and WNMU will hold a Town and Gown meeting Oct. 29, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Silco Theatre. Molly Bleeker with the University of New Mexico Bureau of Business and Economic Research will present the results of an assessment of Silver City's arts and cultural assets. Dr. John Counts, WNMU president, will discuss the proposed Expressive Arts Building.
Las Cruces & Mesilla
The Preston Contemporary Art Center will showcase four artists in various mediums in the gallery's 2009 Fall Exhibition, opening Oct. 9, with a reception 6:30-8:30 p.m. The exhibition includes works by Cathy Breslaw, mixed media; Dellamarie Parrelli, painting; Pascal, wood sculpture; and Joshua Rose, painting. 1755 Avenida de Mercado, 523-8713, www.prestoncontemporaryart.com
The New Mexico Watercolor Society, Southern Chapter, will hold its monthly meeting Oct. 11, 2 p.m., at Good Sam's, 3011 Buena Vida Circle. After a brief business meeting, several members will demonstrate techniques for cutting artist mat boards, after which attendees will have the opportunity to practice cutting provided mats. For information, contact Marie Siegrist, 647-1193.
The Tombaugh Gallery of the Unitarian Universalist Church presents new work by The Artists Guild this month, with an opening reception for the artists Oct. 4, 12-2 p.m. This is the fifth annual exhibit by the guild, whose members hone their craft with artist Julie Ford Oliver. Featured are works by Ann Beacht, Don Brenner, Elizabeth Clem, Karen Curry, Carlitta Harvey, Betty Hummer, Linda Gendell, Holly Goettelman, Jonette Goodwin, Janet Jackson, Mary Lacy, Sue Nichols, Margaret Pedreny, Burt Rawlings, Ginny Schoetzel, Kathy Squires, Denise Stark, Betty Sweeney, Mary, Talamini, Fidelia Vasquez, Lucia Wilcox, Beverley Wetter, Bonnie Wetzel and Monica Yarry. 2000 S. Solano Dr.
The Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau will feature the fine art landscape photography of Jack de Blasi this month. 211 N. Water St.,524-1900, photoartbyjoachim.com
Though the annual Renaissance ArtsFaire doesn't kick off until early November, the Rio Grand Theatre galleries will feature works by Alamogordo painter Sue Nichols entitled "Depictions of the Renaissance." The show opens with an artist reception Oct. 1, 5-7 p.m. 211 N. Main, 523-6403.
The Branigan Cultural Center will host the Las Cruces Arts Association Fall Membership Show, with a reception Oct. 2, 5-7 p.m. The show remains on display through Nov. 7. The association was founded in 1962 by artists who sought a way to communicate with other artists and be of service in the arts. Several of the group's earliest members remain active today. Through the years, members have formed a number of local arts organizations.
Also on Oct. 2, 5-7 p.m., the cultural center will host the Fall 2009 Cultural Connections Fair. Area arts and culture non-profit organizations will be on hand to promote their programming, activities in the community, membership, upcoming events, and volunteering opportunities.
The cultural center also will exhibit a new show, "Dia de los Muertos," opening Oct. 2, 5-7 p.m., in conjunction with the First Friday Downtown Ramble. The exhibit remains on display through Nov. 7, and features the work of 19 regional artists in a wide variety of media. In addition to the exhibit, a Dia de los Muertos altar will be opened in the classroom Oct. 28-Nov. 9. Assembling the altar has become an annual tradition for Jose Tena, along with his dancers and students. There will be a performance by Ballet Folklorico de la Tierra del Encanto and posol dinner Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Shannon Gallery. The program and meal are free, on a first-come, first-served basis. 501 N. Main St., 541-2154, www.las-cruces.org/museums
The Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery's featured artists for the month are Roxana Quinnell and Nanci Bissell. Quinell is a mixed media artist emulating portrait personalities of animals in a combination of pencil and acrylic glazes. 2470-A Calle de Guadalupe. 522-2933.
Works of art are being sought for the permanent art collection of the new Federal Courthouse building. Local artists are asked to submit unframed originals, prints and/or gicles. Contact Ron Saltzman at the Frame and Art Center with questions or to submit. 1100 S. Main St., 526-2808.
Luna County
Deming's newest gallery is the Art Space Gallery at 601 S. Silver (enter on Birch). Hours are Monday and Friday, 12-6 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., or by appointment. 546-0673, 544-1724.
The show, "Three Abstract Artists," is on exhibit all month at the Deming Arts Council, with a reception for the artists Oct. 18, 1-3 p.m. 100 S. Gold, 546-3663.
There will be an Art Fest at the Customs House, 301 S. Silver St., Oct. 24, 1-6 p.m. The $10 tickets are on sale now at the Deming Arts Council.
And the Arts Council will host the "Guatemalan Mercado," Oct. 30, 12-6 p.m., and Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for details. 546-3663.
Sierra County
The October Art Hop in downtown Truth or Consequences will be Oct. 10, 6-9 p.m. Galleries, studios, shops and restaurants are open late; see the DGDA website for info on opening exhibits and other special events. www.torcart.com