Are You with Me? by contemporary Chicana artist Sonya Fe opens May 7, 2021 and runs through July 24, 2021. Fe’s exhibit is both a biographical depiction of her own life and of those who are often overlooked. Fe’s work reflects social and cultural issues with themes centering around women and children. Her use of bold brush strokes and vibrant colors creates beautiful dynamic paintings, visual stories of women’s place in society and childhood innocence in a rough world. Fe encourages the viewer to question, comment, and act.

Fe explains, “I want the viewer to stand with me while looking at the work. I want them to feel, see, and understand what I am saying – to not be left behind. Are you with me?”

Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Las Cruces Museums have instituted new procedures to visit our facilities to ensure the health and safety of our staff and guests.

***Visitation is currently permitted by reservation only. Please call for times.
Please email education@las-cruces.org or call (575)522-3120 to reserve a time to visit.

Guests with COVID-19 symptoms or who are sick will not be permitted to enter. Guests are required to follow health guidelines by wearing a mask over their nose and mouth, maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others at all times, and refraining from touching museum objects. The museum is located at 491 N. Main Street (RoadRUNNER Transit bus route 1, stop 36). For additional information, visit the website at museums.las-cruces.org or call (575) 541-2137.

The Las Cruces museums continue to offer exhibit information and virtual programming
online through social media at Facebook.com/LCMuseums, Instagram.com/LCMuseums, and the LCMS websiteClick for more information.

The City of Las Cruces Music in the Park series is a musical extravaganza that includes an eclectic mix of performances from local, regional, and nationally recognized artists. The series which began in 1994, highlights the great talent and diversity of Las Cruces and southern New Mexico music.  Each year more than 70 percent of the scheduled musicians are from the Las Cruces area.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, concert performances are being brought to you virtually and can be accessed here. All performances were pre-recorded without a live audience and in accordance with current public health and executive orders.

Video performances will be available throughout the series season.

Abe Mac Band

Dzaki Sukarno

Karlos & Satisfied

Blaze the Nation

Double Trouble

Yarbrough Band

The Todo Band

Pure Magic

Joshua Lucero

Uplift Muzik

Daniel Sanchez

Flat Blak

Chris Baker

Steppin’ Up

Natajja

Triple Jack

Allison Reynolds

Blue Note

Theory 7

Never Ending Flame

Steve Smith

The Arts Council is excited to be exhibiting photography by Wayne Suggs during June in a show titled Visions of the Southwest. A Las Cruces native, Suggs was introduced to the wonders of nature at an early age by parents who knew the importance of having a relationship with the Great Outdoors. He has spent most of his life exploring and capturing majestic landscapes and night skies through his photography.

The exhibit will be available for viewing June 1-29, 2021, in the main gallery and from July 2-30, 2021 in the Staszewski Gallery at the Doña Ana Arts & Cultural Center located at 250 W. Amador, during regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays, and Saturday, June 12, 2021, from 12-5. For more information, please visit the website www.daarts.org or call the Doña Ana Arts Council at 575-523-6403.

“Monumental Territory” will be displayed in the Museum’s Arts Corridor through the end of July 2021. The show features 22 creative works by Las Cruces artist Kayla Blundell.

Her artist-in-residence selection for the Friends of the Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks National Monument program in 2016 inspired the art in this show. The exhibit displays abstract paintings, including acrylic spray paint, and photographs. Her work relates to the culture of New Mexico as it captures the beauty of the national monument and the farm life and ranch communities near it. In some of her mixed media work, she uses paper mache to make a 3-D effect to help the viewer experience the sensation of the mountains and the maar volcanic arc known as Kilbourne Hole in southern Doña Ana County.

“One of the first things all the farmers, ranchers, and New Mexicans in the surrounding area see each new day (are the mountains), and it is one great historic landmark that connects all people who live here and continues to be a landmark in our lives,” said Blundell. “We get so used to the areas we live in and tend to be trapped in complacency, forgetting to look around at the gorgeous surroundings.

“If you drive down Baylor Canyon Road, you will see three things: ranchlands with roaming cattle, the river and farmlands in the distance, and the beautiful national monument,” she said “Also, if you drive in the valley, you will see three things: the farmland, the ranching livestock, and of course the beautiful national monument.”

In her photography, Blundell captures the scenes and farm life that she enjoys in hopes to encourage those around her to love the farm and ranch life within the monumental territory. Painting is a passion she carries and uses to express herself through the surrounding nature and culture.

Blundell was born and raised in West Texas. She moved to Las Cruces in 2011 when she married her husband, Josh Blundell, who assisted her with this show. He made all the frames for her work.

****

About the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is a sprawling, 47-acre facility in Las Cruces that shares and preserves the region’s 4,000-year history of growing food. The campus features barns, corrals, livestock, art galleries, indoor and outdoor exhibits, and a gift shop and snack bar. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and is supported by the Friends of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.

NMSU Art Museum will present, “Saint Joseph & The Laborers,”
created through donations from various retablo collectors, including
retablo expert Gloria Fraser Giffords. The exhibit delves into the
role of the laborer through the lens of Mexican retablo imagery.
“Saint Joseph & The Laborers,” will be on display through Nov.
2021 in the newly created Margie and Bobby Rankin Retablo Gallery and
is curated by Courtney Uldrich, MA Candidate, 2021 as part of the
course ART 597.

In this exhibition, the UAM will also display for the first time a
Mexican statue, or bulto, as well as other retablo paintings from the
recent donation to the UAM Permanent Art Collection by leading retablo
expert Gloria Fraser Giffords.

For more information: https://uam.nmsu.edu/saintjoseph/

Event Address/location: University Art Museum 1308 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001

Event Times: 12 pm-4 pm – Open Wednesday – Saturday.

Admission: Free

Event Phone Number: 575-646-2545. Please call to make a reservation.

Event Website: https://uam.nmsu.edu/saintjoseph/
***Please visit our website for more information or questions.

June 11-June 27, 2021 – “Every Brilliant Thing”

By Duncan Macmillan, with Jonny Donahoe, Directed by Ceil Herman, Featuring Autumn Gieb.

You’re six years old. Mum’s in hospital. Dad says she’s “done something stupid.” She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything that’s worth living
for. You leave it on her pillow. You know she’s read it because she’s corrected your spelling. Soon, the list will take on a life of its own.

“Every Brilliant Thing” finds a perfect balance between conveying the struggles of life, and celebrating all that is sweet in it.” —The Independent (London). “Every Brilliant Thing” is sad, but it is also gloriously funny and exceptionally warm. It’s a show that spells out a little of what depression can do to people, but it also highlights the irrepressible resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to find delight in the everyday.” —Time Out (London).

NSTC – No Strings Theatre Company (no-strings.org)

Fridays 6/11, 18, and 25 at 8:00 pm
Saturdays 6/12, 19, and 26 at 8:00 pm
Sundays 6/20, and 27 at 2:30 pm
Thursday 6/17 at 7:00 pm

Our next regular production is Every Brilliant Thing. The normal ticketing system will be used but you may only select the number of seats you require and we will assign seats to comply with NM Covid requirements. The stage is 10 feet from the first row. You may request row 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 and we will do our best to honor your request. Please see the event pages for details.

575-523-1223.

Every Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am until 3:30pm.
Calle Del Norte Bridge behind Old Mesilla.

*3.5 mile/2 hour, river tube floats includes commercial inner tubes, life jackets, shuttle to put in. Ticket cost; $20.00 plus tax per person. No reservations needed * 9 mile/3 hour, kayak paddle, includes hard shell kayak, paddle, life jacket & shuttle to put in from Calle Del Norte Bridge.

Must reserve by phone, 877-808-6877, minimum 4 persons in your group to book Monday thru Friday, and no min persons needed on weekends.

Ticket cost: $35.00 per person.

swexpeditions.com
Facebook.com/swexpeditions
david@swexpeditions.com
1- 877-808-6877

Make Music Day Returns to Las Cruces June 21.

In celebration of International Make Music Day, which takes place June 21 every year, a variety of local organizations are set to host free live concerts throughout the city that will feature local musicians, music demonstrations and music-themed giveaways. The celebration will incorporate live demonstrations and performances as well as an online component.

“Music has a special way of lifting spirits, bringing people together, and making things better,” said Assistant City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau. “Las Cruces welcomes all musicians to dust off your instruments and play loud and proud wherever you are June 21st. Our city is proud to be on the Make Music Day 2021 international roster, allowing us to showcase our talented individuals and diverse venues.”

The free live performances will kick off at Klein Park, 155 Mesquite St, with a variety of regional performers playing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. As part of the performances, there will also be mariachi music and educational demonstrations. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, water, and lawn chairs or a blanket.

Later in the day, the Plaza de Las Cruces, 100 N. Main Street, will host a showcase of local bands of varying genres which will perform on the main stage from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring water, lawn chairs, and umbrellas for shade.

For the most up-to-date schedule or to get involved in the events, visit: makemusicday.org/lascruces or follow the group’s Facebook page at facebook.com/makemusiclascruces

The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces is offering a variety of summer activities and camps for children that can be enjoyed at home and virtually.

Whether you enjoy animals, crafts, or outdoor fun, the Museum has a camp for you. Discover nature, gardening, animals, weaving, cowboys, and many more exciting activities with our 2021 virtual summer camps and activity kits.

For more information or to register please email FRHM.Education@state.nm.us

Down on the Farm
June 22-24
(Ages 5-8)
Recommended $3 cash donation
Camp participants will learn what animals live on a farm and what they need to be able to survive. Campers will learn to identify the source of the food they eat and investigate the processes and people involved in getting food from the farm to their table. All materials will be provided and can be picked up the week before (TBD). Activities can be done at your own pace at home or zoom sessions will be available.

Relying on Yourself
July 3 – 6
(Ages 9-13)
Virtual/At-home
Recommended $3 cash donation
Campers will learn about the struggles and triumphs of the ranch families of the Tularosa Basin. They will also learn about self-sufficiency and demonstrate through included activities on how to be self-sufficient. Campers will be provided the supplies to make homemade butter, playing cards and what is needed to start a small garden. Optional 40-minute Zoom instruction on July 6.

Exploring Fiber: July 13 – 15
(Ages 8-12)
Recommended $3 cash donation
Where does wool come from? Campers will learn about different fibers and potential uses. Activities include weaving, finger knitting, and felting. All materials and instructional videos provided and can be picked up the week prior (TBD).

Cowboy Camp
July 17 – 20
(Ages 5-8)
Virtual/At-home
Recommended $3 cash donation
Campers will receive their materials that include designing their own cowboy gear and learning all the tools of the trade. This will also include information and activities about cattle drives, life on the range, and the cattle of New Mexico. This camp will require ONE 45-minute Zoom instruction on July 20.

Gardening Fun
July 27 – 29
(Ages 5-7 and 8-12)
Recommended $3 cash donation
All participants will explore how seeds sprout and what nutrients they need to survive. Younger campers will explore Ag in the Classroom activity, ‘Farming in a Glove.’ Older campers will explore hydroponics and seed germination. Materials can be picked up the week prior (TBD) and zoom sessions will be available.

For more information or to register please email FRHM.Education@state.nm.us

The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. The Museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces and preserves and shares they 4,000-year history of growing food in the region. (575) 522-4100.  www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org

Every Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am until 3:30pm.
Calle Del Norte Bridge behind Old Mesilla.

*3.5 mile/2 hour, river tube floats includes commercial inner tubes, life jackets, shuttle to put in. Ticket cost; $20.00 plus tax per person. No reservations needed * 9 mile/3 hour, kayak paddle, includes hard shell kayak, paddle, life jacket & shuttle to put in from Calle Del Norte Bridge.

Must reserve by phone, 877-808-6877, minimum 4 persons in your group to book Monday thru Friday, and no min persons needed on weekends.

Ticket cost: $35.00 per person.

swexpeditions.com
Facebook.com/swexpeditions
david@swexpeditions.com
1- 877-808-6877

Every Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am until 3:30pm.
Calle Del Norte Bridge behind Old Mesilla.

*3.5 mile/2 hour, river tube floats includes commercial inner tubes, life jackets, shuttle to put in. Ticket cost; $20.00 plus tax per person. No reservations needed * 9 mile/3 hour, kayak paddle, includes hard shell kayak, paddle, life jacket & shuttle to put in from Calle Del Norte Bridge.

Must reserve by phone, 877-808-6877, minimum 4 persons in your group to book Monday thru Friday, and no min persons needed on weekends.

Ticket cost: $35.00 per person.

swexpeditions.com
Facebook.com/swexpeditions
david@swexpeditions.com
1- 877-808-6877

“Stories of the Stars Summer Camp”

Dates: June 28 – July 2

Registration required by Saturday, June 19

Grades 9-12

Explore the ways that diverse cultures understand and interact with the stars! Stars are guides for those out to sea or in the wilderness and mark the circular passage of time. Youth will receive a kit with the materials to do hands-on activities and will participate in Zoom workshops. Register to attend by emailing Kayla at kmyers@las-cruces.org or calling 575-522-3120.

The Branigan Cultural Center will be closed for construction through June 2021. For up-to-date information on museum reopening, virtual programming, and more, visit the website at: http://las-cruces.org/museums or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @LCMuseums.

Call 575-522-3120 for time and more information.