NM Farm and Ranch Hertiage Musuem- August 2012 Events
| Plant Sale
Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum’s greenhouse is the site of a summer plant sale, featuring many perennials in 1-gallon containers, as well as shrubs and trees. Admission is not required for visitors attending the plant sale only.
Lecture Series: Juan Patron: A Fallen Star in the Days of Billy the Kid Aug. 9, 7 p.m. Author Paul Tsompanas will talk about his new book that chronicles the life of Juan Patron, an unheralded but important player in the Lincoln County War. He became a prominent politician in New Mexico at an early age and rose from Lincoln’s first school teacher to Speaker of the Territorial House at the age of 25, the youngest in New Mexico history. A friend of Billy the Kid, he held the young desperado under house arrest at the request of Gov. Lew Wallace. Patron, who had ducked at least two other attempts on his life, was shot and killed in a saloon near Santa Rosa in 1884. Tsompanas will sign copies of his book after the presentation. Admission is a suggested donation of $2.
Exhibit Opening: Storm Sermay: The Art of the Cotton Gin Aug. 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Las Cruces photographer Storm Sermay’s exhibit gives a fresh, new look to some old structures in the Mesilla Valley. Cotton gins are the subjects of her photography and the viewer is provided a closer view of these tall, metal buildings that are decorated with light, shadows, angles and shapes. The exhibit includes 20 black-and-white photographs. Admission is free to the opening reception and refreshments will be provided.
For more information, or to register for a class, please call (575) 522-4100. Classes and workshops are co-sponsored by the Friends of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, NM 88011. Visit www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org. |
Museum celebrates 9th Ice Cream Sunday
| LAS CRUCES – America’s favorite summer treat — ice cream — is the star of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum’s most popular event of the summer. The ninth-annual Ice Cream Sunday is set for 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 15. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children 17 and under. The event’s first 500 paid visitors will receive a coupon for a free 5-ounce cup of Caliche’s Frozen Custard, which will be served at the museum throughout the afternoon. The popular annual ice cream sandwich eating contest and race is scheduled to start at 2 p.m., with registration beginning at 12 p.m. The age categories for the contest are: 4-6, 7-10, 11-13, 14-17, and 18-and-over. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. There will be an ongoing living history performance with a 1950s soda fountain theme. Museum visitors may also make their own ice cream by rolling tin cans. Aside from Caliche’s Frozen Custard, the Southwest Dairy Farmers and Price’s Creameries also are sponsoring events and providing treats. For more information, please call (575) 522-4100. |
White Sands International Film Festival workshops announced- Emmy nominated actor Jeffery Tambor among the presenters
| LAS CRUCES, NM – The 2012 White Sands International Film Festival will feature four unique workshops presented by film industry professional along with Emmy nominated actor Jeffery Tambor. This year’s festival will be held August 22-26, 2012 at Cineport 10 at the Mesilla Valley Mall. Workshops will cover independent filmmaking, the history of film in New Mexico, screenwriting, and the art of performance. ‘Independent Filmmaking,’ a panel discussion featuring Stephen Griffin, David Spence, Mark Medoff, Cesar Alejandro, and Rod McCall, will take place August 23 from 2 PM- 4PM at the Black Box Theater. Film professionals will discuss tips for making independent films. ’100 Years of Movie Making in New Mexico,” presented by Jeff Berg and Rod McCall will take place August 25 from 4:30 PM- 6 PM at Cineport 10. The workshop will provide a history of film in the state to include movie clips, audience participation, and a pop-quiz. Mark Medoff will present ‘Screenwriting: the Hero’s Journey’ August 24 from 1 PM- 4 PM at the Black Box theater. This workshop provides information on character development and screenwriting. The final workshop will be presented by Emmy Award-winning actor Jeffrey Tambor on August 25 at 10:30 AM in the Rio Grande Theater. ‘Performing Your Life’ will explore the art and process of performance with insight into human nature and Tambor’s professional experience. It is expected to be both entertaining and informative. Those with VIP Passes have complimentary admission to all workshops but are still required to reserve a space. For non VIP Pass holders, tickets for ‘Performing Your Life’ are $35 per person until July 31 and $45 after. Students are $25. All other workshops are $25 and $15 for students. Those wishing to attend any of the above workshops must register by August 10 due to limited space by emailing Dawn@HelpingHandsEvents.com. VIP Passes and tickets are available online at www.WSIFF.com. |
Spirit Winds Cafe and Gift Source: a hidden treasure in Las Cruces
- The fun and eclectic scene at Spirit Winds. Photo by Stephanie J. Montoya.
by Stephanie J. Montoya
Located just a few blocks from New Mexico State University is the inconspicuous yet exceptional Spirit Winds Coffee Bar and Gift Source. At first glance, visitors will notice Spirit Winds’ bright neon sign and striking exterior paint. Upon entering, mod-style lime green chairs, miscellaneous wall art, and an eclectic yet extensive gift shop give a feeling of fun, youth, and vibrancy to the café.
Despite being locally owned, Spirit Winds has an impressive offering of coffees including Café Americanos, Mochas, Breves, lattés, espressos, cappuccinos and more. There are also more than 30 different varieties of tea, both hot and iced, including flavored blacks, reds, whites, and greens. Be sure to try the Republic of Tea collection, which offers cleverly named specialty teas such as “get smart” and “get some zzz.” Enjoy your own pot right at your table in a customized Spirit Winds mug or buy a package to take home. If caffeine isn’t your thing, take your pick of more than 20 different flavor syrups for a custom Italian soda. Enjoy with a freshly made scone or croissant.
And then there’s the fare. Spirit Wind’s menu offers a healthy yet gourmet variety of wraps, burgers, salads, and paninis, each served with your choice of salad, chips and salsa, or pasta salad. The chicken panini and black bean burger come highly recommended. For those dining in, assorted novelty rubber ducks serve as table markers.
An example of the cafe's unique wall art. Photo by Stephanie J. Montoya
While awaiting your order or sipping your latté, stroll through the Café’s one of a kind gift shop, spanning an entire half of the building. The shop includes an impressive selection of novelty stationary, trendy clothing, sculptures and jewelry by local artists, and charms, toys, and knickknacks of all sorts. A taco-shaped wallet, wind-up toys, and Mexican skull-themed art are among the treasures you’ll encounter.
Spirit Winds is one of Las Cruces’ hidden treasures. With bright and artistic style, friendly service, and a wide range of gifts and novelties, it’s a great place for a quick lunch break or to pass a few leisurely hours. The food is both healthy and delicious, and for around $7 per sandwich combo and $3 per coffee, it’s easy on the wallet.
Spirit Winds is open Monday- Friday from 7 AM – 7PM, Saturday from 7:30 AM- 7 PM, and Sunday 8 AM- 6 PM. Free Wi-Fi, outdoor dining, and takeout are available. Located at 2260 South Locust St., 575-521-1222. Look for the hanging coffee cup.
St Clair Winery & Bistro: “Grape American Music Celebration”
| ST CLAIR WINERY & BISTRO HOSTS
“GRAPE AMERICAN MUSIC CELEBRATION” JULY 3 & 4 IN LAS CRUCES |
| LAS CRUCES – St. Clair Winery & Bistro, a long-time favorite restaurant and intimate music venue, will be hosting the “Grape American Music Celebration” in Las Cruces on Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4. The event will feature live music both days, including country music favorites Josh Grider and Bri Bagwell. “We’re excited to open our front lawn up for this celebration,” said John Furbush of St. Clair. “The view of the city is spectacular, and you won’t believe the panorama of fireworks you can see on Wednesday night!” St. Clair will have a large event tent set up, with special menu items both days.
Tuesday, July 3, gates will open at 4 pm and the Grape American Music Celebration will kick off with live music from The Iveys at 5 pm, followed by Brandon Perrault at 7 pm. Gates will open at 2 pm on Wednesday, July 4, and music will start with Chris Baker at 3 pm. Nashville recording artist Josh Grider will take the stage at 5 pm, followed by CMT’s Next Superstar contestant Bri Bagwell at 7 pm. Then, guests can watch the city’s fireworks show from the front lawn of St. Clair.
$15 admission fee includes a free sample of three “red, white & blue” wines: Mimbres Red, Mimbres White and Blue Teal White Zinfandel. Attendees must be 21 or older or accompanied by a legal guardian. Photo ID required for entry. St. Clair Winery & Bistro is located at 1720 Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces. For more information about St. Clair, visit www.stclairwinery.com |
beautiful: the Works of Michael Ponce at the Branigan Cultural Center
| The Branigan Cultural Center presents beautiful, an exhibition of the works of Michael Ponce. This display of paintings and drawings begins on Friday, July 6, 2012 and concludes on Saturday, August 25, 2012. A reception with the artist takes place at the Branigan Cultural Center from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Friday, July 6 during the monthly Ramble. A native of Las Cruces, Mr. Ponce studied at New York’s Art Students’ League and at the Fashion Institute of Technology where he received his B.F.A. and began a career in commercial fashion art. He soon, however, became more interested in fine art and resumed his studies at the New York Academy of Art and at Oxford University. As he progressed, he incorporated his study of anatomy and his understanding of the human body into his riveting art work. In 2004, he was awarded the “Bruce Stevenson Memorial Award for Portrait” by The National Arts Club of New York City. According to Mr. Ponce, his thirst for knowledge of classical painting was so strong that he “…didn’t stop until I could do it.” This talent has progressed to such a high level that he paints “…right on the canvas, going back and forth between foreground, middle-ground and background so they are seamless.” While Michael Ponce studied the masters, he has the remarkable ability to blend his knowledge of classicism with modernism to create luminous works of art. They are beautiful. The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 North Main Street. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm. For more information, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s website at las-cruces.org/museums. |