Las Cruces New Mexico

Spaceport Community Council Meeting - Today 7-21-09

2009-07-21T12:59:00.001-06:00

Doña Ana County will hold its first Spaceport Community Council Meeting today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the commission chambers at the Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 Motel. Blvd. This event is free and open to the public. More information is available on-line: www.mveda.com/blog/.

2nd Annual Railroad Days at the Las Cruces Railroad Museum - May 8 - 9, 2009

2009-04-24T17:35:00.003-06:00

All aboard! Back by very popular demand, the Las Cruces Railroad Museum will be hosting the second annual Railroad Day May 8 - 9, at the historic railroad depot in Las Cruces.

All three days will feature events and activities for train enthusiasts of all ages, including a special appearance by the New Mexico Rail Runner Express and a modern Burlington Northern Santa Fe diesel engine, both available for tours on Saturday.

Inside the museum, the Dona Ana Modular Railroad Club will have model train layouts running throughout the museum and the Harvey Girl reenactors from the Railroad and Transportation Museum of El Paso will be on-hand to recant stories of early railroad life in New Mexico.

Outside, the "Van of Enchantment" mobile visitor center sponsored by the New Mexico Tourism Department, will be passing out New Mexico information. There will also be railroad related musical entertainment.

A welcome ceremony on Saturday morning will begin at 10 am with the Sierra Middle School "Sierra Soundsations" followed by opening remarks from Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagashima, City Manager Terrance Moore, District 1 Councillor Miguel Silva and the Rail Runner's Lawrence Rael.

Prior to Saturday's big events, Thursday, May 7, is Senior Appreciation Day. Friday, May 8, is Students' Day, special tours by appointment for large groups and activities for the kids throughout the day.

For more information, call (575) 647-4480 or visit www.las-cruces.org/museums. The museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. The event is free and open to the public. The Railroad Museum is located at 351 N. Mesilla Street (at Las Cruces Ave.).

MVEDA Business on the Border Forum

2009-04-04T13:50:00.001-06:00

The April meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Day’s Inn Columbus Conference Center, 901 Avenida de Mesilla. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet.

The April Forum will feature a panel of local commercial real estate brokers and developers discussing the local commercial real estate market and opportunities in a changing market. Panel members will include: John L. Hummer, Owner/Broker with Steinborn TCN Commercial Real Estate; Randy McMillan, Owner/Broker with NAI 1^st Valley Commercial Real Estate; Donnie Brainard, President/Qualifying Broker with Alameda Property Group; and Rick Stoes, Managing Director for Grubb & Ellis.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

National Security Technology Conference hosted by New Mexico State University, Las Cruces

2009-03-06T09:36:00.002-07:00

Bringing together key players in national security and nonproliferation technologies to facilitate networking and discussions of critical issues

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Businesses, research institutions and all interested in national security technology requirements, gaps, and business solutions to meet those requirements.

WHAT: National Security Technology Conference: This conference is designed to bring together key players in national security and nonproliferation technologies to facilitate discussion of critical issues:

Remote Detection: Technology Requirements & Gaps for Detection of Weapons of Mass Destruction
Homeland Protection: Technology Implementation & Future Technological Requirements
Transport, Handling & Disposal of Nuclear Materials: Regulatory Environment & Technical Requirements
Business and Workforce Solutions: Training & Incentives for Doing Business in New Mexico

WHERE: Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces - Las Cruces, New Mexico

WHEN: March 31 – April 2, 2009

WHY: To better understand the technological requirements of various federal agencies including DoD, DOE, DHS, Sandia National Laboratories, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

DATE TO REMEMBER: March 13, 2009 – Last day for Early Bird Rates

Please visit our agenda, at the link below, to view the complete list of speakers and session topics.

WEBSITE: http://arrowhead.nmsu.edu/nsti-nm/nsti-advanced-technology.html

CONTACT: Barbara Nelson (575) 646-7833 nsti-reg@nmsu.edu

Introduction to DAFO Bracing Workshop Mountain View Regional Medical Center

2009-02-26T20:04:00.001-07:00

Steinmann Prosthetics & Orthotics Presents 6 Hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU)

You are Invited to attend a Free Seminar by Educators from Cascade Dafo, Inc. for Medical Professionals who work primarily with Children.

Cascade Dafo, Inc. is a leader in design, innovation and manufacture of Dynamic Ankle-Foot Orthotics (DAFO) to help kids lead happier and healthier lives.

Title: Introduction to DAFO Bracing
Date: Friday, March 6th, 2009
Time: 8:30-4:00. Lunch 1 hour. Two 15-minute breaks.
Location: Mountain View Regional Medical Center, Community & Education Room (first floor)

Lunch will be provided by Steinmann Prosthetics and Orthotics.

Reservations are required. Space is limited so call our office at 532-5900 by March 2 to reserve your spot.

Steinmann Prosthetics and Orthotics wishes to thank Cascade Dafo, Inc., Mountain View Regional Medical Center and the NM Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for their assistance in providing this workshop to our community. Cascade Dafo, Inc. has applied for 6 Hours of CEU with APTA.

Learn to Paint at Las Cruces Museum of Art

2009-02-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

Registration has already begun for the spring session painting classes at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. Class schedules and registration forms are available at the Museum and on the website http://museums.las-cruces.org. Classes will begin the week of March 9 and end the week of April 27. Classes will not meet the week of March 23-28.

Acrylic Painting, meeting Thursday afternoons, will focus on creating from, value, and composition. With a variety of projects, subject matter will include organic form, still life, landscape, and aspects of the figure. Beginning and advanced students are welcome.

Beginning Oil Painting will introduce students to the basic techniques and tools to paint with oils. Class will begin with proper canvas stretching and preparation. Students will then be introduced to still life and landscape painting and will have the freedom to experiment with different effects that can be achieved with oil paint. Class meets Tuesday evenings.

Classical Oil Painting will introduce students to the European realism technique known as Mixte. This is the style of painting used by the Old Masters and is often not taught. Students will learn the basic step-by-step procedure and recipes used to create luminous works of art. Help keep this classic style of painting alive in the world of modern art. Beginners welcome. Class meets Wednesday evenings.

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main St., on the north end of the Downtown Mall. For more information, please call 575-541-2137.

Black Range Artists Spring Show at Branigan Cultural Center

2009-02-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

Las Cruces, NM – Black Range Artists, Inc. presents its 2009 Spring Show at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces. The show offers a mix of works in seven categories: oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, mixed media, graphics and three-dimensional. An artist reception will be held during the 1st Friday Downtown Ramble on March 6th from 5 – 7 pm. The show will be on display March 6th – 28th.

Black Range Artists, Inc. was established in 1962 to promote and encourage art in the southwest by providing quality exhibitions, information and beneficial programs to artists and their communities. The artists are from southern New Mexico and West Texas.

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, is located at the north end of the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. The exhibit and reception is free and open to the public. Galleries are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about exhibits, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at http://museums.las-cruces.org.

Register Now for Spring Art Classes at Las Cruces Museum of Art

2009-02-09T15:49:00.001-07:00

Registration has already begun for the spring session of art classes at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. Class schedules and registration forms are available at the Museum and on the website http://museums.las-cruces.org. Classes will begin the week of March 9 and end the week of April 27. Classes will not meet the week of March 23-28.

For adults and teens, the Museum offers several painting classes: Acrylic, Classical Oil Painting, and Beginning Oil Painting. Weaving, with the use of floor looms, and Triangular Shawl Weaving are also offered. A new class, Drawing and Design Fundamentals, explores the basics of perspective, proportion, and composition for those beginning to explore their artistic side or looking to reinforce the fundamentals.

Classes for young artists include ceramics, with classes to accommodate ages 6 – 8 and 9-12. Art-o-Rific Art Class, for ages 6-8, features drawing, painting, and block printing projects inspired by famous painters. Students will work with watercolors, oil pastels, chalk pastels, tissue touch painting, and acrylic splatter work.

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main St., on the north end of the Downtown Mall. For more information, please call 575-541-2137.

Lecture at Railroad Museum Feb 10 & Feb 14

2009-02-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Brown Bag Lecture: Lessons Learned During My 38 years with the Railroad by Arturo Diaz

Tuesday, February 10 @ 12 noon at the Las Cruces railroad Museum

Las Cruces, NM - The Las Cruces Railroad Museum will host a lecture on Tuesday, February 10 and again on Saturday, February 14. Arturo Diaz will talk about “Lessons Learned during My 38 years with the Railroad”. Mr. Diaz retired after 38 years working on the railroad and will discuss his career working for the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe and then the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads. Mr. Diaz’ experiences ranged from telegraph operator, to relief agent, to engineer, to engineer trainer. Mr. Diaz retired in 2002 and lives in Las Cruces.

Light refreshments served. The Railroad Museum is located at 351 N. Mesilla Street (at Las Cruces Ave). For more information, call 575-647-4480 or visit the website http://museums.las-cruces.org. RSVP appreciated.

Las Cruces Museum of Natural History Sky Safari - February 28th

2009-01-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

View the night sky with the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History on Saturday, February 28th at 7:00 pm at La Llorona Park. We will be viewing the Bee Hive Cluster, M45 (Pleiades) and the Winter Hexagon. We furnish high-powered telescopes and expert guidance from the NMSU Astronomy Department. Instructors are funded by the Southern New Mexico Natural History Foundation. For more information, please call (575) 522-3120. Free.

Weaving at Las Cruces Museum of Art

2009-01-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

Treat Yourself to Triangular Shawl Weaving at Las Cruces Museum of Art

Awaken your inner fiber artist and learn to weave a one-of-kind, triangular shawl during a four-day workshop at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. This "hands-on" technique requires no previous weaving experience. There is no loom preparation and no wasted fiber. With a minimal amount of yarn you can create a beautiful one-of-a-kind product. Frame looms are provided & studio time is flexible. To learn more about this unique approach, see instructor Nancy Anderson demonstrate each Saturday morning at the Farmers and Crafts Market on the Downtown Mall.

The first session of this workshop will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 10th- 19th, from 12:30 – 2:45 pm. The second session is Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 14th – 23rd at the same times. The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main St. in the downtown mall. To see a complete schedule of our classes, please visit http://museums.las-cruces.org or call 575-541-2137 for more information.

Reading Art Book Club Meets at Las Cruces Museum of Art

2009-01-30T09:10:00.001-07:00

The Reading Art Book Club (RABC) will hold its next meeting at 2:30 on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. The meeting will focus on the book I am Madame X by Gioia Dilberto. Set during the Belle Epoque period in Paris, this novel is the story John Singer Sargent and the unveiling of the scandalous painting “Madame X.” Upcoming book selections include Frederick Turner’s In the Land of the Temple Caves for March 11th and The Madonna’s of Leningrad by Debra Dean for April 8th.

The Reading Art Book Club is dedicated to exploring the connections between art and literature by reading and discussing books. As much as possible, books selected will relate, echo, or enhance the Museum’s varied exhibitions. The club meets the second Wednesday of every month.

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main St. in the downtown mall. For more information about exhibits and Studio Programs art classes call 575-541-2137 or visit the website http://museums.las-cruces.org

MVEDA Business on the Border Forum - February 3rd

2009-01-30T09:06:00.001-07:00

The February meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Day’s Inn Columbus Conference Center, 901 Avenida de Mesilla. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

The February meeting will focus on recent and upcoming events at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center. Dr. Kevin Boberg and Sara Pirayesh-Sanders will provide brief updates on the Arrowhead Research Park and the Entrepreneurship Institute. Chris Kientz, Director of Technology Innovation, will provide an overview of the upcoming 1st Annual Security Technology Conference hosted by the National Security Technology Incubator (NSTI) of the Arrowhead Center.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299 Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707 www.mveda.com

11th Annual ArtForms Membership Show at Branigan Cultural Center Las Cruces, NM

2009-01-14T16:40:00.001-07:00

Las Cruces will celebrate the 11th Annual For the Love of Art Month at Branigan Cultural Center with an ArtForms member show, that includes paintings, watercolors, prints, photography, sculpture, jewelry, digital media, and more. The show opens on Friday, February 6 with a reception from 5 – 7 p.m. The Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music will perform during the reception. The show remains on display through Saturday, February 28, 2009.

ArtForms is a non-profit organization that supports art in all its forms. More than 50 artists are participating in this year’s show. For more information on ArtForms or the additional Love of Art Month activities they have planned visit www.artformsnm.org.

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, is located at the north end of the downtown mall in Las Cruces. The exhibit and reception is free and open to the public. Galleries are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about exhibits, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at http://museums.las-cruces.org.

Las Cruces Museum of Art Presents Unidentified Flowering Objects

2008-12-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

The new exhibition “Unidentified Flowering Objects,” collaborative drawings by Chuck Dunbar and Edna Casman, opens Friday, February 6 at the Las Cruces Museum of Art, with a reception as part of the First Friday Ramble from 5-7 pm. The exhibit will be on display through Saturday, April 4.

Chuck Dunbar and Edna Casman have been drawing together for three years, creating spontaneous pastel drawings. Their process is a series of moves and counter moves, like playing a game, to create an improvised floral image. According to their joint artist statement, “these drawings are not abstract. The subject of these drawings is the marks and rhythm and the spatial illusion they create.” Both artists currently reside in Albuquerque.

All exhibits and receptions at the Museum of Art, located at 491 N. Main St. in the downtown mall, are accessible and free to the public. For more information about exhibits and Studio Programs art classes, please call 575-541-2137 or visit the website http://museums.las-cruces.org

Exhibitions at the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History

2008-12-30T17:15:00.001-07:00

Wild About Plants January 16th – May 3rd, 2009
Wild About Plants is a botanical adventure that engages children and families in an exploration of plants that are part of everyday life. Wild About Plants lets families touch, smell, magnify, build, watch and listen to plants while learning about the role plants play in nature and science. This hands-on exhibit is presented by the Brooklyn Childrens Museum, Brooklyn, NY.

The Nature Center Permanent Exhibit
Want to learn more about the wildlife of Southern New Mexico? That’s exactly what you will see on display in the Nature Center at the LCMNH. The Nature Center has a broad collection of amphibians, reptiles, fish and arachnids native to the Chihuahuan Desert, the most ecologically diverse desert region in the entire world.

Business on the Border Forum in Las Cruces, NM

2008-12-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

The January meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Day’s Inn Columbus Conference Center, 901 Avenida de Mesilla. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

The January meeting will combine two timely presentations. Bill Connor will present the priority issues developed by the Doña Ana County Legislative Coalition to be presented to state legislators at the upcoming Legislative Session.

Former County Commissioner Bill McCamley will present the findings of the County Spaceport Education Committee. These findings are the basis of the proposed use of the portion of the Spaceport gross receipts tax dedicated to local education.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Ceramicist Michael Corney to Speak at Las Cruces Museum of Art

2008-12-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with the exhibit “Innovation and Change: Great Ceramics from the Ceramics Research Center, Arizona State University Art Museum Collection,” ceramicist Michael Corney will present an artist talk on Saturday, January 10 at 11:30 am at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. The exhibition will run through January 24 and includes work by Mr. Corney.

Michael Corney is a studio artist and has taught at the University of New Mexico. He is currently living in Albuquerque, NM. He received his BFA from California State University, Fullerton and his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. He has been an Artist in Residence at Cleveland Institute of Art, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and the California College of Arts and Crafts.

Michael received an individual Artist Fellowship Grant from the Idaho State Commission on the Arts and his work is included in numerous public and private collections including the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, the Racine Art Museum and the Boise Art Museum.

“Innovation and Change: Great Ceramics from the Ceramics Research Center, Arizona State University Art Museum Collection” highlights seventy-nine masterworks by many of the leading international artists of our time, offering a panoramic survey of the potential of clay as an expressive art form. The showing here in Las Cruces is part of a ten city national tour over a three year period.

All exhibits and receptions at the Museum of Art, located at 491 N. Main St. in the downtown mall, are accessible and free to the public. For more information about exhibits and Studio Programs art classes, please call 575-541-2137 or visit the website http://museums.las-cruces.org

Studio Art Classes at Las Cruces Museum of Art

2008-12-12T12:36:00.002-07:00

Registration will open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16 for Winter and Spring Sessions of art classes for children and adults at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. Class schedules and registration forms are available at the Museum and on the website http://museums.las-cruces.org. The first session of classes will begin the week of January 5 and run through the week of February 16. The second session will begin the week of March 10 and end the week of April 28.

Classes for adults include ceramics, mixed media sculpture, drawing, classical oil painting, watercolor, weaving, and digital photography. A new class entitled Creating Images with Photoshop: Retouching, Restoring and Refinishing will be offered and is designed for students at all levels.

Classes for young artists include ceramics for 4 – 5, 6 – 8, and 9 – 12 years olds. Art-o-Rific Art Class offers an exploration of drawing, painting, and block printing for students ages 6 – 18. The Museum’s Saturday Studio for Kids is open every Saturday for kids ages 5 – 12 from 10 – 11:30 am. The cost is $5 per student, and there is no pre-registration. Classes are limited to 10 students, first come first served. Sign-up begins at 9:00 am. Project varies.

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main St. in the downtown mall. For more information about exhibits and Museum Studio art classes, call 575-541-2137.

Reading Art Book Club - Las Cruces Museum of Art

2008-12-12T12:20:00.001-07:00

The Reading Art Book Club (RABC) will hold its next meeting at 2:30 on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. The meeting will focus on Sharon Waxman’s book Loot: The Battle Over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World. The topic is the on-going debate about ancient artifacts that are held in museums far from the countries of origin.

The Reading Art Book Club is dedicated to exploring the connections between art and literature. Books selected often relate to, echo, or enhance the Museum of Art’s varied exhibitions. The club meets the second Wednesday of every month. Future titles will be selected by consensus.

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main St. in the downtown mall. For more information about exhibits and Studio Programs art classes call 575-541-2137 or visit the website http://museums.las-cruces.org

The Las Cruces Museum of Natural History lecture - The Coming of the Civil War in New Mexico

2008-12-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Las Cruces Museum of Natural History is hosting our monthly lecture series, Descubra el Desierto, on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, at 7pm. The lecture will be held at the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History at the Mesilla Valley Mall. Our December topic is The Coming of the Civil War in New Mexico presented by Dr.Dwight Pitcaithley of the NMSU History Department.

In a little over two years, this nation will begin a four-year-long commemoration of the American Civil War. Few who participate in the activities of that event will pause to consider the importance of New Mexico’s central role in the coming of the war or be aware that the New Mexico Territory was at the center of the Republican Party’s platform, and that intra-party differences regarding the management of the territory split the Democratic Party in 1860. Historian Dwight T. Pitcaithley will discuss how the fateful election of 1860 turned not upon the abolition of slavery in the states, but on the future of the slavery in the New Mexico Territory.

Dwight T. Pitcaithley is a Professor of History at New Mexico State University. He retired from the National Park Service in 2005 as Chief Historian, a position he held from 1995 until 2005. His research interests include Public History, Historic Interpretation, Civil War & the Western United States.

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

For more program information: Museum of Natural History (575) 522-3120

Tattoos from an Artist’s Perspective at Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces, NM

2008-11-26T08:42:00.001-07:00

Las Cruces, NM – In conjunction with the exhibit INK: Tattoos as Personal Expression now on display at Branigan Cultural Center, Alex Trujillo will present “Tattoos from an Artist’s Perspective” on Friday, December 5th at 6:00 p.m. The program takes place during the City’s Winterfest celebration and the 1st Friday Ramble.

Trujillo, a local tattoo artist, will speak about tattoos from the artist’s perspective. He has been tattooing for over five years and is an undergraduate student at NMSU. Following his 30 minute presentation, Trujillo will be on hand for a question and answer session.

Cheryl Fallstead, President of the Foundation for Las Cruces Museums, recently wrote, “INK: Tattoos as Personal Expression, explores tattoos, equipment and the culture from around the world and across time.” The exhibit also includes a recreated tattoo parlor, allowing the visitor to see what a contemporary shop looks like. The exhibit will remain open through January 24, 2009.

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, is located at the north end of the downtown mall in Las Cruces. The exhibit and program is free and open to the public. The Cultural Center will be open from 5-9 pm on Friday December 5th as part of the monthly downtown ramble. Regular galleries hours are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about exhibits, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at http://museums.las-cruces.org.

Decorate a Train Workshop at the Las Cruces Railroad Museum

2008-11-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Las Cruces, NM – Need some time to shop without the kids? We have a solution for you. On Saturday, December 20, join our Decorate a Train Workshop. Pre-register your 8 to 12 year old and then drop them off from 1 to 3pm while you get those last minute errands done. Each participant will decorate a hand-made wooden toy train and make an ornament. The cost is $10 per person. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Please register by calling Joanne at 647-4480. The event is free and open to the public. The Railroad Museum is located at 351 N. Mesilla Street at the intersection of Las Cruces Avenue.

Business on the Border Luncheon Dec 2, 2008

2008-11-19T15:26:00.001-07:00

The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las Cruces, New Mexico State University, Doña Ana Community College, Las Cruces Public Schools, and The Bridge have joined with MVEDA to bring to our community a very exciting guest speaker for the Business On The Border Luncheon on Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 11:15 AM until 1:00 PM at the Columbus Conference Center, 901 Avenida de Mesilla (note earlier starting time).

Dr. Armando Aguirre will be sharing with us an innovative educational concept happening in various parts of the nation called Early College High School. Dr. Aguirre serves as the Principal of Mission Early College High School, the first of its kind in El Paso. In addition to his presentation, lunch attendees will also be provided with a brief update-progress report from The Bridge.

We strongly encourage you to attend this luncheon and see how education, business, and government are working effectively together toward the continued improvement of education and workforce development in our community.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable at the door by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public, but due to space constraints, RSVP is required for this event. Please send your RSVP to rsvp@mveda.com or by calling the MVEDA office – (575) 525-2852.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Ceramics Exhibition to Open at Las Cruces Museum of Art

2008-11-14T15:38:00.001-07:00

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is proud to present “Innovation and Change: Great Ceramics from the Ceramics Research Center, Arizona State University Art Museum Collection.” The exhibition will open December 12, 2008 and run through January 24, 2009.

“Innovation and Change: Great Ceramics from the Ceramics Research Center, Arizona State University Art Museum Collection” highlights seventy-nine masterworks by many of the leading international artists of our time, offering a panoramic survey of the potential of clay as an expressive art form. The objects on view range from functional ware for everyday use to more expressive art forms. The exhibition features works by such prominent artists as Peter Voulkos, Stephen DeStaebler, Jun Kaneko, Tanya Batura, and Eddie Dominguez, to name just a few. Influenced by European modernist design, as well as Asian pottery traditions, these ceramic pioneers created a new American aesthetic.

The showing here in Las Cruces is part of a ten city national tour over a three year period. The exhibition was curated by Peter Held, Curator of Ceramics and was developed and managed by Smith Kramer Fine Art Services, as exhibition tour development company in Kansas City, Missouri.

All exhibits at the Museum of Art, located at 491 N. Main St. in the downtown mall, are accessible and free to the public. For more information about exhibits and Studio Programs art classes, please call 575-541-2137 or visit the website http://museums.las-cruces.org

Las Cruces Museum of Art Call for Artists

2008-11-04T15:17:00.001-07:00

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is currently accepting proposals for solo and group exhibitions by artists living and working in New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas to exhibit work in 2010. The prospectus is available online at the Museum of Art website http://museums.las-cruces.org and includes more information on proposal requirements. The deadline for submissions is June 19, 2009.

Artist proposals must include a brief statement on the proposed exhibit including mediums, general content of the show, and proposed use of floor space. The proposal package should also include artist resume, artist statement, and 10-20 thumbnail images of works for each of the artists included in the proposal.

Prominent members of the New Mexico artist community have been selected as the jurors including Cyndi Conn the Visual Arts Director/Curator of the Center for Contemporary Arts in Santa Fe, Arif Khan the Gallery Director of the Tamarind Institute in Albuquerque, and Preston Thayer the Director of the University Art Gallery at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. This is a wonderful opportunity for regional artists to show their highest quality work and receive museum level exposure. Past exhibitions have included installations, sculpture, large scale drawings, and a variety of other media.

For more information, call 575-541-2221 or e-mail jmiller@las-cruces.org.

Art Historian Matthew Palczynski to Speak at Rio Grande Theatre

2008-10-30T17:08:00.004-06:00

In conjunction with the exhibit “Rodin: In His Own Words; Selections for the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation,” currently showing at the Las Cruces Museum of Art, art historian Matthew Palczynski will be presenting his lecture “Rodin in Context” on Saturday, November 15 at 12:30 pm. The lecture will take place at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 North Main Street, in Las Cruces. Admission is free.

Matthew Palczynski is the full-time Staff Lecturer for Western Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, internationally known for its Rodin collection. He has taught art history at the university level since 2000, including advanced courses in 19th and 20th century art at Temple University this academic year. Upcoming lectures by Palczynski will occur at such institutions as the Rodin Museum, the Fleisher Art Memorial, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.

The gallery hours for “Rodin: In His Own Words” are as follows: Monday through Thursday 10 am to 5 pm, Friday 10 am to 7 pm, and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main St., on the north end of the Downtown Mall. For more information on exhibits or our Studio Programs art classes, please call (575) 541-2137 or visit http://museums.las-cruces.org

Friends of Chamber Music to Perform at Las Cruces Museum of Art

2008-10-30T16:58:00.001-06:00

In celebration of the exhibition “Rodin: In His Own Words; Selections from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation,” the Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music will be performing “Musical Reflections on the Life and Times of Rodin” at the Las Cruces Museum of Art on Saturday, November 8 at 1 pm. Admission to the exhibit and this performance is free.

The Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music, founded by John Pleasant, Joseph Sylvan and Barbara Toth, is a local not-for-profit organization. Committed to sharing the joy of music across Southern New Mexico, the group combines skilled musicians with an intimate setting. “We are delighted to have the Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music performing music inspired by Rodin as part of this historic exhibit,” said Exhibitions Curator Joy Miller.

The gallery hours for “Rodin: In His Own Words” are as follows: Monday through Thursday 10 am to 5 pm, Friday 10 am to 7 pm, and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main St., on the north end of the Downtown Mall. For more information on exhibits or our Studio Program art classes, please call (575) 541-2137 or visit http://museums.las-cruces.org

La Charreada: Fotos de ¡Los Charros Magnificos! opens at Branigan Cultural Center

2008-10-30T14:08:00.002-06:00

Photographer David Shaw happened on a procession of pick-up trucks and horse trailers traveling down a dusty road in Encinitas, California, and on impulse followed them. This lead to Shaw’s discovery of the world of La Charreada, the Mexican Horse Rodeo. An exhibit of silver gelatin prints celebrating the people, Los Charros, and the event, La Charreada, is the culmination of three years of travel into this centuries old competition and exhibition of horsemanship. The exhibit opens on Friday, November 7, 2008 with an artist reception from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces. “La Charreada: Fotos de ¡Los Charros Magnificos!” remains on display through December 27, 2008.

Supplementing the photography will be information panels providing the history of La Charreada and describing the various events and feats. The panels will be presented in both English and Spanish.

David Shaw has been involved in photography for over forty years. Inspired by Edward Weston’s Daybooks, he began working in black and white using a 4x5 view camera. For the Charreada series, Shaw used a twin lens Mamiya camera. Now settled in Las Cruces, he has established Estudio Azul and continues exploring new subjects with his camera.

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, is located at the north end of the downtown mall in Las Cruces. The exhibit and reception is free and open to the public. Galleries are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about exhibits, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at http://museums.las-cruces.org.

Exhibitions at the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History

2008-10-30T13:09:00.002-06:00

EVERY BODY EATS - September 26th, 2008 – January 4th, 2009
What's in the food you eat? Is breakfast really that important? How have food and portion sizes changed over the years? Are you eating enough fruits and vegetables? Families, children, and school groups can find out the answers to these questions and more in Every Body Eats a highly interactive exhibition that explores nutrition and how to make informed healthy choices. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry's newest small exhibit, Every Body Eats. The 800 sq. ft. exhibit will feature hands-on interactives on nutrition that appeal to children and their families. The exhibit will feature bilingual (English/Spanish) text panels.

The LCMNH is free and open to the public. If you need an accommodation for a disability to enable you to fully participate, please contact us 48 hours before the event or program at (575) 522-3120.

The Las Cruces Museum of Natural History is located next to JCPenney in the Mesilla Valley Mall and is funded by the City of Las Cruces. Call the museum at 522-3120 for more information on hikes, exhibits, classes or tours. Our web address is: http://www.las-cruces.org/Public-Services/museums/nmh.stm

November 2008 Business on the Border Forum

2008-10-30T08:57:00.000-06:00

The November meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

John Munoz, site director for Sitel, will be the featured speaker for November’s luncheon. Sitel is one of Las Cruces’ major employers and provides customer and technical support services for Direct TV.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Mesilla Digital Imaging Workshops in Southern New Mexico

2008-10-20T14:15:00.004-06:00

The Mesilla Digital Imaging Workshops is in its first season of operation in southern New Mexico, offering 2-5 day intermediate and professional level workshops in all aspects of digital imaging, as well as commercial, aesthetic and composition workshops for photographers and artists.

The Mesilla Workshops are directed by professional staff from across the nation with years of expertise. The faculty is comprised of photographic educators and writers who are widely published and exhibited photographers and artists in every aspect of the medium: aesthetic, technical and studio.

A state-of-the-art digital lab offers large format printers, professional scanners, a Smart classroom, and a commercial studio set-up in a comfortable, professional environment. Educational partners include Adobe, Alien Skin, Canon USA, DXO, Giottos, Lexar, Microtek, Moab/Legion, Photo Techniques magazine and Wacom.

The MDIW facility is part of the Preston Contemporary Art Center, located in Mesilla, NM near the historic “La Mesilla” Plaza and a short drive to White Sands National Monument, where some on-location workshops are scheduled.

Visit www.mesillaworkshops.com for current class schedule and descriptions, faculty bios and easy online registration.

The October meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum

2008-10-12T21:59:00.001-06:00

The October meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

This month’s featured speaker will be New Mexico Deputy Land Commissioner Dennis Garcia. As Deputy Land Commissioner, his duties include negotiations with federal, state and private land owners to protect natural resources, and to generate economic growth when feasible.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

For those that missed last month’s Business on the Border Forum, the International Symposium for Personal and Commercial Spaceflight (ISPCS) will be held October 21-24. “Space Week in New Mexico” will kick off with the Leonard R. Sugerman Public Forum on Tuesday, October 21 at the Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. This free event will focus on who in the local area is making money now from space related business and current opportunities for local businesses at Spaceport America.

The Symposium will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, October 22-23, at the Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, focusing on “Positioning for Profit”. ISPCS registration and information is available on the web @ www.ispcs.com or by e-mail to nmsgc@nmsu.edu.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Upcoming Economic Development Events

2008-09-05T17:22:00.000-06:00

The 24th Annual Career Expo is a two-day career fair, co-sponsored by the College of Engineering and Career Services. The event is coordinated by Career Services and will be held in the Corbett Center Ballrooms. Tuesday, September 16th, is reserved for those who major in Business, Agriculture & Liberal Arts; Wednesday, September 17th, is for Engineering, Science, and Technology majors. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on both days. For more information contact Roseanne Bensley, Event Coordinator, Career Services at 646-1631 or by e-mail expo@nmsu.edu.

On Tuesday, October 7, 2008, MVEDA will host the monthly “Business on the Border Forum” luncheon at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn beginning at 11:30 a.m. State Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons will be the featured speaker.

On Wednesday, October 8, 2008, Doña Ana Community College will host the “Workforce Summit 2008” at the Hotel Encanto beginning at 7:30 a.m. The event will feature Franklin-Covey Facilitator Clyde Burch. Early bird registration of $60 ends September 10th. For information or registration call 527-7776 or see http://dacc.nmsu.edu/ctp/summit08.shtm.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Guggenheim Fellow David Taylor Featured in Artist Dialogue at Preston Contemporary Art Center Friday, Sept. 5

2008-08-14T17:42:00.001-06:00

Photographer David Taylor, winner of a 2008 Guggenheim Fellowship, will be featured in the next of a series of Artists Dialogues hosted at the Preston Contemporary Art Center on Friday, Sept 5 at 7 pm. The event is free of charge. The Center’s Artists Dialogues series takes the format of a conversation, rather than a lecture. Artist and audience members will have the opportunity to react and interact with comments and questions about the artist’s works.

Taylor, assistant professor of art at New Mexico State University, will be recognized for his current body of work that focuses on his experiences on both sides of the US-Mexican border. His working relationship with Border Patrol offices from Texas to Arizona has led to photographs of the daily routine of officers and their interactions with the people attempting to cross the border.

Taylor earned a MFA in Visual design/Photography from the University of Oregon in 1994. His BFA is from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Taylor has taught at NMSU since 2003. His photographic career includes numerous awards, exhibition and publications, and his photographs are found in both private and public collections. His recent fellowship is one of only 200 awarded in 2008 from among 2,600 US and Canadian applicants. Taylor received a $45,000 grant from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation for three projects: photographing all 275 mile-markers along the US -Mexican border; riding with Border Patrol officers and chronicling their work; and photographing the areas around Asarco, Mount Cristo Rey, the Juarez landfill, Sunland Park Racetrack and western El Paso .

The Preston Contemporary Art Center is located off I-10 Exit 140, 1755 Avenida de Mercado (at the end of Calle de Mercado), Mesilla, NM. For information, call 575-523-8713 or visit the website www.prestoncontemporaryart.com.

Business on the Border Forum - Las Cruces New Mexico

2008-06-24T10:46:00.001-06:00

The July meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

Christine Logan, Economic Development Administrator for the City of Las Cruces, will present an update on activities at the West Mesa Industrial Park and the new business registration office.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

On August 20-22, 2008, NMSU is hosting the Domenici Public Policy Conference on the NMSU campus. The Domenici Legacy Conference will focus on areas important to the senator during his time in Congress, including economic development, energy, mental health and budgetary and fiscal matters. Dignitaries and friends of Sen. Domenici will be invited to speak during the conference. The conference is meant to be a recurring event at the beginning of each fall semester at NMSU. For more information, please visit the Domenici Legacy website: http://domenici.nmsu.edu.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

The June meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum

2008-05-28T17:45:00.000-06:00

The June meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

This month’s program will feature the Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Convention Sales Manager Kristina Martinez and Sports Sales Manager Ed Carnathan. They will discuss the growth of the tourism and convention industry in Las Cruces, showing examples of advertising and marketing and describe opportunities for future growth.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

2008 NAFTA Institute/Supplier Meet the Buyer Conference

2008-04-30T11:37:00.001-06:00

The New Mexico Economic Development’s Office of Mexican Affairs, the City of Juarez, the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, the New Mexico Small Business Development Network, Western New Mexico University, and the International Business Accelerator have joined together to co-host the “2008 NAFTA Institute/Supplier Meet the Buyer Conference,” which will take place on June 26 and 27, 2008 at the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino in Sunland Park, New Mexico. Detailed information on the agenda can be found at www.nmiba.com. For questions or specific information, please contact the International Business Accelerator at 505-589-2200 or info@nmiba.com.

MVEDA Regional Economic Development Forum - Friday, May 9, 2008

2008-04-29T17:29:00.000-06:00

As a reminder, the MVEDA Regional Economic Development Forum will be held on Friday, May 9 from 8:00am until 1:00pm at the Hotel Encanto. Registration is $25.00 per person and registration is required by Friday, May 2. You may register by phone (credit card payment) by calling the MVEDA office, 525-2852.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Business on the Border Forum - Tuesday, May 6, 2008

2008-04-29T17:27:00.000-06:00

The May meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 from 11:30am until 1:00pm at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

May’s program will feature representatives from the Physical Science Laboratory’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Technical Analysis and Applications Center (TAAC). TAAC regularly conducts UAV flight operations from the Las Cruces International Airport.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Wilderness Proposal Reception

2008-04-14T10:20:00.000-06:00

How important are wide, open spaces to you? A few years ago, country singer Dan Seals sang, "God must be a cowboy at heart. He made wide, open spaces from the start. ..."

I’ve always liked that song ... even more since I moved to Las Cruces.

You are undoubtedly aware of the Citizen’s Proposal for Wilderness which would protect thousands of acres of open space in Dona Ana County from development and destruction. For those ranchers who think it will deny them access, the Wilderness Act of 1964 actually protects their grazing rights.

To date there have been hundreds of businesses, government leaders, educators, and ranchers who have endorsed the Citizen’s Proposal. It has the support of the majority of residents of Dona Ana County. However, there is a small group of ultra-conservative ranchers who are vehemently opposed to the proposal.

Our opponent’s agenda is not about land – wilderness or otherwise. If it were, they’d be happy to sign on since their ranching rights are all but guaranteed.

Our opponent’s agenda is about control. While public lands belong to each and every one of us, this small group seems to think they alone have the right to these public lands and are doing everything they can to stop the Citizen’s Proposal. And they have some big money behind them – namely the ultra-conservative Paragon Foundation. If you have access to the Internet, take a look at the kind of propaganda Paragon is pushing. Take a look, also, at the Baxter Black column I’ve attached. It’s from the April 11 edition of The Las Cruces Bulletin. Notice how much of the information provided is slanted, inaccurate, devoid of facts. These are the same people opposing the Citizen’s Proposal.

Then ... if you favor wilderness areas surrounding Las Cruces, join me.

I am hosting a reception with the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance at the Southwest Environmental Center at Main Street and Las Cruces Avenue, Wednesday, April 23. The reception will begin at 7 p.m. and last about an hour. While we’ll all have a chance to meet and talk with Alliance personnel, the key to this reception is a brief presentation on the status of the Citizen’s Proposal.

If you favor wilderness, you won’t want to miss this. I’ll be there. Please mark your calendar and join me – April 23, 7 p.m., Southwest Environmental Center.

Thanks ... Bud Russo

April meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum

2008-03-21T11:54:00.000-06:00

The April meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

Steven Landeene, Director of Spaceport America, will be April’s featured speaker. Landeene assumed the position in January. His experience in aerospace-related fields includes 20 years with Honeywell Aerospace and three years with Landmark Aviation.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Las Cruces Readying for 2008 Western Athletic Conference Tournament

2008-03-05T12:06:00.001-07:00

The City of Las Cruces continues its participation for the 2008 WAC Men and Women's Basketball Tournament set for Tuesday, March 11 through Saturday, March 15 at the Pan American Center.

The CVB and the City of Las Cruces have played vital roles in the tournament including seats on the tournament steering committee and the contribution of funds to assist with housing for players and officials. Additionally, the CVB has put together a community awareness public relations campaign to include banners and signs around town and a welcome billboard on I-10 just outside of Las Cruces. Estimates suggest the tournament could generate more than $4 million for Las Cruces, including nearly $200,000 in tax revenue. Tickets are available at the New Mexico State University Ticket Office at 646-1420 or on line at www.ticketmaster.com. and click here for more info about the WAC Fan Fiesta Activities and Entertainment!

Call for artists for Las Cruces CVB visitor center displays

2008-03-05T12:04:00.001-07:00

Due to recent renovations to the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau's (CVB) visitor center lobby, the bureau has made some changes to its monthly featured artist policy. As of February 11, 2008, all artists interested in exhibiting their work at the CVB will be required to abide by the following guidelines:

All submitted work must be of professional gallery quality and will be subject to review by a selection committee comprised of CVB and the City of Las Cruces Museum staff.

Three Digital or printed samples of artist work must be made available to the committee for review by submission deadline. Deadlines are as follows:

Artwork to be on display April thru September 2008 must be submitted by March 14, 2008.

Artwork to be on display October 2008 thru March 2009 must be submitted for review by September 1, 2008

All works must meet the space requirements for canvas art and space and weight requirements for 3dimensional works. Canvas art can be no larger than 24 inches wide or 45 inches tall. 3dimensional art can be no larger than 22 inches tall x 65 inches wide x 22 inches deep. Total weight of 3dimensional art, including all display materials, must be no more than 35 lbs.

Artists are only eligible to display once a year for a one month period and will receive use of four easels for display.

Placement is not guaranteed, decision of committee is final.

For more information, please contact the CVB at 541- 2150, or lccvb@lascrucescvb.org. To submit your samples, send to:
Chris Faivre 211 N. Water Street or by email at cfaivre@las-cruces.org

WAC fan fiesta begins March 12 at New Mexico State University

2008-02-27T17:10:00.001-07:00

LAS CRUCES, NM - Feb. 27, Basketball won't be the only entertainment at the 2008 WAC Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament. Beginning Wednesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 15 there will be a variety of activities and entertainment outside on the north side of the Pan American Center parking lot for fans to enjoy.

The following is a list of scheduled events and times:

Wednesday, March 12th - "Family Day" 4 to 6 p.m. Magician, face painting, balloon artist, jumping booth, Pistoleros, twister, fire trucks, National Guard basketball, poster making station, free popcorn and live radio remote

Thursday, March 13th - "Up, Up and Away" 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Tethered hot air balloon rides w/ photo ops, balloon glow in the evening, rocket launchers, piñatas, various food vendors, mariachi music, and ballet folklorico

Friday, March 14th - "The WAC Goes Back" 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m Antique car show, swing and other types of "oldies" music (live performances), dancing, various food vendors

Saturday, March 15th - "Wild, Wild, West" 12 to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, gun fight, dancing, Native American performances, live performance by Josh Grider, various food vendors

March 13th - 15th - "New Mexican Shopping Experience" Th. - F. 11am - 6pm & Sat. 3pm - 6pm Tents showcasing local vendors selling New Mexican products.

For more information contact Maria Roth, assistant athletics director of NMSU, at (575) 646-4126.

Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau
Chris Faivre
Media/Publications Manager
email: cfaivre@las-cruces.org
phone: (575) 541-2150

March meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum

2008-02-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

The March meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

This month, a panel of local commercial real estate brokers and developers will discuss the local commercial real estate market and opportunities in a changing market. Panel members will include: John L. Hummer, Owner/Broker with Steinborn TCN Commercial Real Estate; Randy McMillan, Owner/Broker with NAI 1st Valley Commercial Real Estate; Donnie Brainard, President/Qualifying Broker with Alameda Property Group; and Rick Stoes, Managing Director for Grubb & Ellis.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

All-session passes to 2008 WAC Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament on sale now

2008-02-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

LAS CRUCES, NM - Feb. 22, 2008 All-session passes for the 2008 WAC Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament are on sale now at the Pan Am Ticket office at New Mexico State University.

Student all-session passes both reserved and general admission for the tournament are $30 each, while all-session passes for the general public range from $60 to $450 for reserved seating and $35 for general admission. All-session passes include 16 games set-up in nine sessions.

Students from other WAC member institutions can also purchase their all-session pass for a separate reserved seating section.

Seating in the lower bowl for students is reserved seating, while seating in the upper bowl corners are general admission. Students must present a valid student I.D. to purchase student tickets and will be limited to two tickets per I.D.

Single game tickets will go on sale March 10.

For more information call the Pan Am Ticket Office at (575) 646-1420.

Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau

Chris Faivre

Media/Publications Manager

email: cfaivre@las-cruces.org

phone: (575) 541-2150

Doña Ana County Economic Development Plan Public Input Meetings

2008-02-21T17:55:00.001-07:00

New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center is assisting the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA) in preparing an economic development plan for Doña Ana County. This plan will include community assessments and public input from a number of communities throughout Doña Ana County.

We invite you to be a public participant to provide feedback on a wide-ranging series of questions that will be incorporated into the final community assessments and the plan itself. Your opinions and observations are important and you are encouraged to attend.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008
6:00pm
Hatch Community Center
837 W. Hall, Hatch

Wednesday, February 27, 2008
6:00pm
Doña Ana County Government Center
845 N. Motel Blvd, Las Cruces

Thursday, February 28, 2008
6:00pm
Doña Ana Community College Gadsden Center
1700 E. O’Hara Road, Anthony

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Preston Contemporary Art Center Galleries and Mesilla Digital Imaging Workshops Opening in Mesilla, NM Summer 2008

2008-02-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Exhibition and sale of cutting-edge, high-quality contemporary art in all media by international professional artists will come to Mesilla, NM when the Preston Contemporary Art Center opens in the Mercado district in the summer of 2008. The 9,000 sq. ft. Art Center will also house the Mesilla Digital Imaging Workshops offering computer arts instruction in a series of weekend workshops.

Four galleries will show the works of international artists who are either mid-career artists who have established credentials over the past three decades or emerging artists with a strong body of sophisticated work. Artworks will include painting, drawing, textiles, mixed media, jewelry, glass, photography, printmaking and digital arts. An outdoor gallery will display large sculpture. The direction and level of the contemporary work is meant to be competitive with the highest end galleries in a six-state region.

The Gallery will be open Wednesday and Thursday 1 - 5 pm, Friday 1 – 7 pm, Saturday 9 am – 2 pm, Sunday 2 – 4 pm; closed Monday and Tuesday except by appointment. Opening receptions for seasonal exhibitions will be held on the second Friday of January, April, July, and October annually. Additional hours by appointment are easily arranged and encouraged to accommodate collectors, critics, groups and visiting artists.

The Mesilla Digital Imaging Workshops will use the gallery’s 20-station digital imaging lab and conference/classroom, offering 2 – 4 day workshops in all forms of digital imaging, as well as commercial and aesthetic shooting and composition workshops for photographers. Workshop instructors are nationally established teachers from the artistic educational community and industry. Mesilla Digital Workshops will also work closely with companies to provide corporate training sites.

In addition to on-site instruction in a variety of imaging systems and methods, the Workshops will offer field instruction at locations that include White Sands National Monument, Historic Old Mesilla, Lincoln National Forest, Gila National Forest and Cliff Dwellings, the Organ Mountains, a variety of Mission ruins and Petroglyph sites, as well as Chihuahuan desert landscapes and ghost towns located in the region.

Construction of Preston Contemporary Art Center is progressing rapidly at 1755 Avenida de Mercado in Mesilla, NM, a small historic community associated with the signing of the Gadsden Purchase of 1854, as well as Wild West legendary figures Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. The town is adjacent to the City of Las Cruces, second largest urban center in New Mexico. In addition to beautiful scenery in a multi-cultural setting, local amenities include hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, museums, shopping, and seasonal festivals and other entertainment.

Most air travel is through the El Paso International Airport, less than one hour south of Las Cruces. The City of Las Cruces is located at the intersection of Interstates 10 (east-west) and 25 (north-south) in southern New Mexico. Travel to the Town of Mesilla on highway 28, just minutes south of Las Cruces.

For more information about the Preston Contemporary Art galleries and workshops, contact Paul Schranz, Director, at 575-523-8713 or email pschanz@prestoncontemporaryart.com

Jakki Kouffman’s “Sandstone, Rivers and Sea” Landscape Painting Exhibition at the Las Cruces Museum of Art Opening March 7.

2008-02-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

Award-winning Santa Fe artist and teacher Jakki Kouffman will exhibit brightly colored, gestural landscape paintings in “Sandstone, Rivers and Sea” at the Las Cruces Museum of Art from Friday, March 7 – Saturday, April 5. An opening reception for the artist will be held on Friday, March 7 from 5 – 7 pm.

The exhibit features recent works in acrylic with imagery drawn from nature, memory and the imagination. Kouffman has shown her work across the country and won awards in many venues. Her painting, “Cholla Blossoms, River Below,” was recently installed at the Mesilla Community Center through New Mexico Arts, Art in Public Places.

Kouffman was elected a Master Pastellist with the Pastel Society of America in 1992. She has had solo exhibits at the Wichita Museum, the Hutchinson Museum and the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. Her work appears in several books, including The Artist and the American Landscape by John Driscoll and Arnold Skolnick, Painting Alaska by Kes Woodward, and Messages from Alaska, published by the M.J. Murdock Foundation.

A native of Boston, Kouffman resides in Santa Fe. A graduate of Brandeis University, she was awarded a Sachar International Fellowship to study in Pietrasanta, Italy, and studied painting at the Art Students League of New York. Kouffman has taught workshops around the country for more than 20 years. She presently teaches at Santa Fe Community College Continuing Education.

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 501 N. Main St. in the downtown mall. It is accessible and free to the public. For more information about Museum exhibits, programs or Studio art classes, call 575-541-2137 or visit the website http://museums.las-cruces.org.

“From the Ground Up 2007” Exhibit at the Las Cruces Museum of Art Named One of Year’s “Most Notable” by Ceramics Monthly Magazine

2008-02-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Las Cruces Museum of Art announces that the “From the Ground Up 2007” exhibition is featured in the February 2008 issue of the United States’ premier ceramics magazine, Ceramics Monthly. The “Upfront” section of the magazine presents the annual summary of the “most notable exhibitions of 2007.” The regional juried exhibition was sponsored by the Las Cruces Potters’ Guild and the Museum of Art.

The article quotes juror Miranda Howe, visiting professor at New Mexico State University, and includes multiple mentions of the Museum of Art. Howe says that the exhibit provided “a lovely slice of the caliber of work taking place in both national and global levels in contemporary ceramics.” She continues, “Though the work greatly ranged in scale, firing and technique, ‘From the Ground Up’ demonstrated harmony through diversity, further revealing the expanding scope of the ceramic field.”

The article features an image of work by artist Marie Weichman, who is among the three ceramic artists opening in the “After China” exhibition Friday, Feb 1 running through Saturday, April 5. Work by Dryden Wells, another of the “After China” artists, is also highlighted in the issue.

“Employment Extravaganza 2008”

2008-02-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 – 9:00am – 3:00pm – Corbett Center Ballroom

Employment Extravaganza 2008 is a venture to unite the students of New Mexico State University with employers in the state of New Mexico and regionally. However, any employers still addressing staffing requirements in the area of Internships, Cooperative Education, temporary summer work, or Professional Employment are cordially invited to attend. This is the last general career fair of the academic year. For more information see the attached flyer of visit http://careerservices.nmsu.edu/EE/home.html. Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance

505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Brown Bag Lecture “Railroads in New Mexico Agriculture and Rural Life”

2008-01-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, February 12 at the Las Cruces Railroad Museum

February’s Brown Bag Lecture will feature Cameron Saffell, who will speak on the railroad’s impact on the agriculture of Las Cruces and the region. The event will be held at the Las Cruces Railroad Museum at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Light refreshments will be provided. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Saffell has been Curator of History at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum since 1999. A native of Lubbock, TX, his personal research specialties include cotton agriculture in the American West, subject of his recent Ph.D. dissertation from Iowa State University, and the history of Texas and the American Southwest in the 19th & 20th centuries.

The Railroad Museum is accessible and located at the intersection of Las Cruces Avenue and N. Mesilla Street. For more information, call 575-647-4480 or visit the website http://museums.las-cruces.org//rrmuseum.shtm.

Feb 5 Business on the Border Luncheon

2008-01-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

The February meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

This month’s featured speaker will be Charles R. Garcia, President and CEO of NewTec. NewTec is a prime contractor at Whites Sands Missile Range.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

“After China,” at the Las Cruces Museum of Art Feb 1 – April 5; American Ceramics Artists Exhibit Work Following Residency in China

2008-01-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

“After China,” showing at the Las Cruces Museum of Art Friday, Feb. 1 through Saturday, April 5 features works of ceramic artists Marie Weichman, Ian Thomas and Dryden Wells produced during and after their two-month artists’ residency in Jingezhen, China. An opening reception for the artists will be held on Friday, Feb. 1 from 5 – 7 pm.

Mixed-media artworks in ceramic porcelain with additions of wood, fiber, and metal make up the “After China” exhibit. By working closely with craftsmen during a residency in China, the three American artists were able to create works that focus on the relationship between art and society. Their investigation into current cultural, social and artistic issues through the methodology of Process Art was a primary goal of the project, they explain.

Marie Weichman, a Houston, TX resident, received her MFA degree from Texas Tech University in 2000. Her ceramic work has been exhibited in numerous venues in Texas and in Lima, Peru; and was included in the 2007 “From the Ground Up” Regional juried exhibition at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. Her artwork is based in the social commentary of individual identity as part of a greater whole, a theme she says was able to pursue during her residency through visits with professional mold makers, casters and other Chinese craftsmen.

Ian Thomas of Butler, PA works in mediums of both drawing and ceramic sculpture. An Instructor of Ceramics at the Carnegie Museum of Fine Art, he holds an MFA degree from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; a BFA from Slippery Rock University, PA and participated in an international exchange program at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava, Slovakia. In addition to this exhibit, Thomas’ work will be shown in two exhibitions this year in Pittsburgh, PA. Other recent venues include Kentucky, South Carolina and Nebraska. He explains that this body of work is a departure from previous work, choosing to focus on form and surface rather than heavy-handed drawing techniques. The high luster surface of the artworks will attract the viewer, as well as reflect their own image back as they interact and respond to the pieces.

Dryden Wells will complete his MFA degree at Texas Tech University this year. His works have been exhibited in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. Using animal forms as a subject and vehicle, he addresses interior and exterior spaces literally and metaphorically. He says he began drawing on clay during the China residency. In this exhibit, Wells presents forms created through the use of multiples, segments of animals made with both hand-built and molded forms. Through fragmenting and stacking them, the initial subjects are obscured, making the work more provoking and engaging for the viewer.

Showing at the Museum concurrently with “After China” through Saturday, March 1 are “Art to Heart,” works by students from the Tresco Therapeutics art class held at the Museum; and “Love & Chocolate,” works by Dona Ana County, NM residents inspired by or created from chocolate, celebrating “For the Love of Art” 2008. All Museum of Art exhibits and receptions are accessible and free of charge. For information about exhibits, programs or Museum Studio classes, call 575-541-2137 or visit the website: museums.las-cruces.org.

“Heart to Art” Tresco Students Exhibit at the Las Cruces Museum of Art, Opening Feb 1

2008-01-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

"Heart to Art,” artworks by clients of the Tresco art class under the direction of Laurie Shade-Neff, will be on exhibit at the Las Cruces Museum of Art Friday, Feb 1 through Saturday, March 1. An opening reception for the artists will be held on Friday, Feb 1 from 5 – 7 p.m.

The exhibit features works by participants in a weekly class at the Museum of Art. The class provides experiences with a variety of projects in a wide choice of media. Participants also visit art museums and galleries. Tresco is a non-profit company organized, governed and staffed for the sole purpose of making a positive impact on the lives of children with learning delays and people with disabilities in our community. Shade-Neff explains, “In an inclusive creative atmosphere, individuals are encouraged to express themselves, communicate and find independent ways of enjoying the creative process. The emphasis is on the process more than the product. Shade-Neff, who grew up with a brother with Downs Syndrome, says she enjoys helping people with disabilities discover the wonderful world of art. For more information about this program, call 525-3225.

Exhibitions opening concurrently at the Museum of Art on Feb.1 are “After China,” works of American ceramics artists Marie Weichman, Dryden Wells and Ian Thomas created during and following their artists residency in Jingezhen, China; and the “Love & Chocolate” exhibit for 2008’s “Love of Art” month in Las Cruces, works by Dona Ana County, NM artists about chocolate or made of chocolate. All Museum of Art exhibits and receptions are accessible and free of charge. For information, call 575-541-2137 or visit the website: museums.las-cruces.org.

First Year Students at Dona Ana Community College Exhibit at Las Cruces Museum of Art Jan 18 – Feb 23

2007-12-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

Works by first year art students at Dona Ana Community College will be on display at the Las Cruces Museum of Art Friday, Jan 18 through Saturday, Feb 23.

Charcoal drawings, ink drawings and ceramic sculptures by 15 students in Drawing 1 and Ceramics 1 classes instructed by Glenn Schweiger make up the exhibition. The ceramics class meets at the Museum of Art Ceramics Studio.

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 501 N. Main St. in the downtown mall. The Gallery is accessible and free to the public. Museum hours are 10 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am – 1 pm on Saturday; closed Sunday. For information about Museum exhibits, programs and Museum Studio art classes, call 575-541-2137 or visit the website museums@las-cruces.org.

The Navajo Code Talkers of World War II” exhibit at Branigan Cultural Center, Las Cruces

2007-12-13T11:23:00.001-07:00

“OUR FATHERS, OUR GRANDFATHERS, OUR HEROES… The Navajo Code Talkers of World War II” exhibit at Branigan Cultural Center, Las Cruces

Exhibit Dates: Jan 4 – 26, 2008

Friday, Jan 4: Opening Reception: 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 5: Lecture 10 a.m. by Zonnie Gorman “Growing Up With Heroes…The Navajo Code Talkers of World War II; A Daughter's Journey”

Saturday, Jan 19: Screening of documentary 10 a.m. True Whispers: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers.

The largest, most comprehensive exhibition on the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II will be on display at the Branigan Cultural Center from January 4 - 26, 2008. Of all the untold stories from World War II that have recently come to light, none is more important nor more ironic than that of the Code Talkers -- some 400 Navajo youths, many hardly more than boys who were recruited by the U.S. government to devise an unbreakable code in the language they had been previously forbidden to speak.

An opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Friday, Jan 4 from 5 – 7 pm. Special guest Zonnie Gorman, daughter of Navajo Code Talker the late Dr. Carl Gorman, and youngest sister of renowned Navajo artist, the late R.C. Gorman, will be welcomed at the reception. On Saturday, Jan 5, Ms. Gorman will present a lecture entitled “Growing Up with Heroes...The Navajo Code Talkers of World War II, A Daughter's Journey,” at 10 a.m. at Branigan Cultural Center, Shannon Gallery.

The exhibit traces the story of the famed United States Marine Corps Navajo Code Talkers. A group of 29 volunteers developed and tested the original Navajo code in 1942. Proven fast and accurate, the Marine Corps recruited nearly 400 more Navajos who utilized the code, sending and receiving encrypted messages throughout the Pacific campaign. The ingenuity of the Navajo Code Talkers baffled Japanese cryptographers and contributed significantly in the effort to win the war in the Pacific.

This exhibit is a tribute to these men. Originally done as an oral history project by Wingate High School students in Gallup, NM, the exhibit speaks volumes of the pride young Navajos have for their heroes. The traveling exhibit displays more than 33 historic photographs with text; facsimiles of original, military WW II documents; a 1940 map of the Navajo Reservation; and the (now de-classified) Navajo Code itself. In addition, the full-length documentary, “Navajo Code Talkers” by the Arts & Entertainment/History Channel will be running throughout open gallery hours.“Our Fathers, Our Grandfathers, Our Heroes…The Navajo Code Talker of World War II” is made possible with grants from the New Mexico Humanities Council, and PNM, and APS corporations. This traveling exhibition is produced and circulated by the Circle of Light Navajo Educational Project, Gallup, NM.

On Saturday, Jan 19, the Branigan Cultural Center will screen the recently released PBS documentary, True Whispers: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers, at 10 a.m. The thought-provoking documentary explores the complex story of the Code Talkers from the Navajo point of view and reveals the pivotal role they played in helping the U.S. forces win the Pacific Theater during World War II.

The Branigan Cultural Center is located at the north end of the downtown mall. Parking is accessible from the intersection of Water and Hadley streets. There is no charge, and the Cultural Center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Cultural Center is fully accessible for all audiences. For more information about the exhibition, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at 541-2154 or visit the Center’s website at museums.las-cruces.org.

Register Now for Winter Museum Studio Classes at Las Cruces Museum of Art

2007-12-13T11:15:00.001-07:00

Registration is open for Museum Studio art classes for adults and young artists at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. Winter session classes will begin the week of Jan. 22 and extend through March 10. Register at the Museum or by mail. Registration materials are available online at the Museum of Art website: museums.las-cruces.org. For information, call 575-541-2137.

Adult classes for students at all levels include Ceramics Studio, Drawing Studio, Painting with Oils, Sculpture Studio, Weaving Studio, and a series of Digital Photography classes.

Classes for young artists include drawing & painting for students 6 – 12 years; ceramics for students 4-5, 6-8, and 9–12; and a special Spring Break Arts Experience for students 6 – 8 and 9 – 12 during the week of March 24 – 28.

The popular Saturday Studio for kids will continue every Saturday morning from 10 – 11:30 a.m. for students ages 5 – 12. The class is limited to 10 students; no pre-registration; sign up at the front desk at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $5 per student per session.

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 501 N. Main St. in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall.

Business on the Border Forum - Las Cruces New Mexico

2007-11-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

The December meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2007 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

This month’s featured speaker will be Ken Hessing, the Site Manager for Volt/VMC’s new technical support facility. Volt/VMC announced last month that they selected Las Cruces for their newest facility that will provide technical support services for a major technology company.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (575) 525-2852 – Fax: (575) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Craft Workshops at Branigan Cultural Center Week of Dec 11

2007-11-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

During the week of Dec 11, a series of six mini-workshops will be held at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces. Each workshop is a single two hour session where participants will make either traditional Ojo de Dios or Punched Tin Ornaments just in time to be used during the holiday season. Both crafts are found historically in New Mexico. Space is limited in each workshop so pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. There is a $10 fee per participant that covers costs of supplies. A finished piece can be taken home at the end of the session.

From snowflakes and stars to wreaths, hand-made punched tin ornaments are a quick and fun craft. Tin pieces can be used to decorate trees, windows or even add a festive touch to a package. Two punched tin sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, December 11, the first from 1: - 3 p.m. and the second from 5 - 7 p.m. A third session is offered on Saturday, Dec 15 from noon until 2 pm. Sessions are limited to 12 participants each and the minimum age is 10 years old.

Ojo de Dios or Eye of God is a fiber craft where yarn wrapped around wood dowels forms geometric patterns. They are found throughout the Americas. By changing yarn colors and textures, and wrapping directions interesting designs are developed. Ojo de Dios workshop is offered at three times. There are two sessions on Wednesday, Dec 12, the first from 1- 3 p.m. and the second from 5 - 7 p.m. A third session is offered on Saturday, Dec 15 from 9:- 11 a.m. Minimum age for Ojo de Dios workshop is six years old.

For a full schedule of the craft workshops being offered, visit the Branigan Cultural Center at 501 N. Main on the downtown mall or call (575) 541-2154. A registration form is also available online by visiting www.museums.las-cruces.org and clicking on the Branigan

Pascal to give free art talk about sculpture exhibition at Las Cruces Museum of Art Saturday, Dec.8

2007-11-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Santa Fe wood sculptor Pascal will give a free art talk about his exhibit, “Hyle Expression,” on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 11 am at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. The exhibit will open on Friday, Dec. 7 from 5 – 7 pm and continue through Saturday, Jan 26, 2008. For more information about the exhibit, visit the website museums.las-cruces.org or call 575-541-2137.

Thanksgiving Weekend Hours at the Las Cruces Museum of Art

2007-11-15T16:52:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving weekend hours at the Las Cruces Museum of Art: closed Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, Nov 22; open Friday, Nov 23 from 10 am - 7pm; Saturday, Nov 24 10am – 5pm; and Sunday, Nov 25 from 1-5pm. Sunday, Nov 25 is the final day to see the “Dali Illustrates Dante’s Divine Comedy” exhibition at the Museum of Art.

3rd Annual Old-Fashioned Holiday Display at the Las Cruces Railroad Museum Friday, Dec. 7

2007-11-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

The Las Cruces Railroad Museum will reopen its doors to the public on Friday, Dec 7 at the 3rd Annual Old-Fashioned Holiday Display. Bring the whole family to the Railroad Museum to see the model trains and the holiday lighting. Warm yourself with cocoa and cookies and make an ornament for your tree. The Central Elementary second grade choir will sing carols at 5:30pm. Admission is free. Lights will be on each night through January 1, 2008.

For more information, call 575-647-4480 or visit the website museums.las-cruces.org. The Las Cruces Railroad Museum is located at 351 N. Mesilla Street (intersection of Las Cruces Avenue). After Dec. 7, the Las Cruces Railroad Museum will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm (excluding City holidays).

Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music to Perform at Museum of Art Saturday, Nov 24

2007-11-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

A modern avant garde musical performance by the Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music will be included in the final weekend for the “Dali Illustrates Dante’s Divine Comedy” exhibition at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. The performance beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24 in the Museum’s Gallery will not include a pre-concert lecture. The cost for viewing the exhibit is $5 for adults; 18 and under, free. There is no additional charge for the musical performance.

Hours for the Museum during the Thanksgiving weekend will be closed Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, Nov 22; open Friday, Nov 23 from 10 am - 7pm; Saturday, Nov 24 10am – 5pm; and Sunday, Nov 25 from 1-5pm. Sunday, Nov 25 is the final day to see the “Dali Illustrates Dante’s Divine Comedy” exhibition at the Museum of Art. The Museum will return to regular hours of operation on Saturday, Dec. 1: Monday through Friday, 10 am – 4 pm; Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm; closed Sunday.

For more information about exhibitions, programs or Museum Studio Classes, call 575-541-2137 or visit the website museums.las-cruces.org.

“Unified Field: The Border,” Paintings and Drawings by Beatriz Ezban on Display at Las Cruces Museum of Art Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 – Saturday, Jan. 26,

2007-11-02T12:35:00.000-06:00

The magnetic fields where cultures meet and interact is the focus of paintings and drawings by noted Mexican artist Beatriz Ezban, whose “Unified Field: The Border,” opens at the Las Cruces Museum of Art on Friday, Dec. 7, from 5 – 7 p.m. The exhibit, which runs through Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, is presented in collaboration with in the Consulado General de México, El Paso, TX.

Included in the exhibit are new paintings and drawings created by Ezban during her residency at Yaddo, an artists' community located on a 400-acre estate in Saratoga Springs, NY. Ezban’s works are made with oil and wax on linen, yielding paintings rich in texture, depth and color. Through her work she confronts border issues, including those experienced along the Mexico-U.S. Border. Her simplified human forms suggest the actions of current events, while retaining a timeless humanity. Ezban explains that in her work she hopes to negotiate between conflicting imperatives at asymmetrical meeting points, where art can turn the edges of chaos into unified fields of harmonious interaction.

Beatriz Ezban’s artworks have been exhibited internationally in solo and group shows. “Unified Fields: The Border” was most recently seen in 2006 at Gallery Zone: Chelsea Center for the Arts in New York City. Other recent solo exhibits were presented in Mexico, Morocco, Germany, Rumania, Poland, Canada, Spain and the United States.

For more information about exhibits, programs and Museum Studio Program classes, visit the website: museums.las-cruces.org, or call 575-541-2137. The Las Cruces Museum of Art is accessible and free of charge and located at 501 N. Main St. in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall.

Business on the Border Forum - November 6 in Las Cruces

2007-11-01T11:06:00.000-06:00

The November meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

The future of workforce development and education in southern New Mexico will be the topic of this month’s presentation. Patsy Duran and Kari Mitchell will present an update on the status of the Regional Education Initiative, including preliminary results of recent focus groups and a preview of the soon to be released employer survey.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (505) 525-2852 – Fax: (505) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Free Lecture, “Dali and Dante: a Surreal Pair,” by Art Appraiser Bernard Ewell Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces

2007-10-22T15:38:00.000-06:00

Appraiser Bernard Ewell, an authority on the works of Salvador Dali, will offer a free lecture, “Dali and Dante: a Surreal Pair,” on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces. The event is in conjunction with the “Dali Illustrates Dante’s Divine Comedy” exhibition at the Las Cruces Museum of Art, which runs through Sunday, Nov. 25.

Ewell, founder of Bernard Ewell Appraisers, LLC of Santa Fe has spent 35 years appraising million dollar artworks and vast collections. He is an authority of the approximately 1,700 print images legitimately published with Salvador Dali’s participation, as well as the Spanish surrealist’s unique paintings and drawings. Following decades of extensive research, Ewell’s experience includes numerous appearances as the expert witness in lawsuits targeting those who produce Dali forgeries and their publishers and dealers. He is also a noted educator, lecturer and writer, who for the next two years will travel extensively in Europe to meet with every living publisher and printer who ever worked with Dali.

Exhibition hours for the “Dali Illustrates Dante’s Divine Comedy” at the Las Cruces Museum of Art are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 am – 5 pm; Friday, 10 am – 7 pm; Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday, 1 – 5 pm; closed Monday. The cost of admission to the exhibit is $5 for adults; 18 and under, free. The Branigan Cultural Center and the Museum of Art are located in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall. For more information, call 505-541-2137 or visit the website at museums.las-cruces.org

Museum of Art Studio Art Classes Registration Now Open for Fall Session 2

2007-10-18T14:28:00.000-06:00

Registration is open for Fall Session 2 Art classes for adults and kids of all ages and experience levels at the Las Cruces Museum of Art Studio. Classes will start the week of Nov. 5.

Classes for adults at all levels include ceramics, clay sculpture, drawing and painting, weaving, and digital photography offered on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and/or weekday evenings.

Classes for young artists include preschool ceramics for 4 – 5 year olds. Classes in ceramics and drawing and painting are available for students 6 – 8 and 9 – 12 years. A digital photography class for students 10 – 12 is also offered.

Pick up class descriptions and registration forms at the Museum of Art, at the website museums.las-cruces.org or call 541-2137.

The Museum’s Saturday Studio for Kids is open every Saturday for kids ages 5 – 12 from 10 – The cost is $5 per student, and there is no pre-registration. Classes are limited to 10 students, first come first served. Sign in at the front desk beginning at 9:30 am. 11:30 am.

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 501 N. Main St. in the downtown mall.

Business Incubator Survey

2007-10-17T15:28:00.000-06:00

The Arrowhead Center is conducting a feasibility study for a business incubator to serve Southern New Mexico and be located on the NMSU campus. An incubator is a program that helps small businesses (including start-ups and existing firms) be more successful. It often includes a building that houses 10-20 small and start-up businesses who share things like photocopiers, computers, and conference rooms. Incubators also give small and start-up businesses easy access to business assistance, through workshops and one-on-one help. Sometimes that assistance is also available to companies that are not tenants of the incubator.

The study will help to determine if the incubator will further the economic, business and community development goals of the area and what set of services, programs and facilities might be needed to support small and early-stage businesses. You, as a local business owner or manager, can provide much needed input into the decision making process by answering a short (11 questions) on-line survey. To participate, please follow the link below by October 26th.

http://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/incubatorsurvey

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (505) 525-2852 – Fax: (505) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

The "Art of Ballet Folklorico” at Branigan Cultural Center

2007-10-15T12:20:00.000-06:00

Ballet Folklorico comes to life with colorful dance costumes from every region of Mexico during “The Art of Ballet Folklorico” at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces Friday, Nov. 2 – Saturday, Dec. 29. The opening reception for the event on Friday, Nov. 2 from 5 – 7 p.m. will feature dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de la Tierra Del Encanto, directed by Jose Tena. A light dinner will be served to guests at the opening.

Ballet Folklorico preserves and promotes traditional dance and culture of Mexico. Utilizing their natural surroundings and cultural heritage, each region produces unique dances, music and costumes. Mexican-American citizens brought this tradition to the United States. In Las Cruces, Jose Tena’s troupe, Ballet Folklorico de la Tierra Del Encanto, has been entertaining audiences and teaching the public about the dances for over 15 years. “The Art of Ballet Folklorico” is enhanced by the photography of David Shaw and watercolors by Flo Hosa Dougherty.

The Branigan Cultural Center is located at the north end of the downtown mall. Parking is accessible from the intersection of Water and Hadley streets. There is no charge, and the Cultural Center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Cultural Center is accessible. For more information about the exhibition, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at 541-2154 or visit the Center’s website at museums.las-cruces.org.

6th Annual Mesilla Jazz Happening

2007-09-27T15:46:00.000-06:00

The 6th Annual Mesilla Jazz Happening will take place in Old Mesilla October 6th and 7th. The annual event offers free live music, a wine garden, jazz dancers and a relaxed atmosphere. The festival will provide a weekend of great family entertainment in beautiful Mesilla.

Proceeds from the two day event benefit the Old Mesilla Association, a non-profit organization created to celebrate and promote the historic and cultural aspects of the Old Mesilla. The event would not be possible without the generous support of many sponsors. Price’s Creameries is the presenting sponsor for this year’s event. Other sponsors are: La Posta, Old Mesilla Association, New Mexico Tourism, Southwest Abstract and Title, Southwest Cash and Carry, Pepsi, Bank of the Rio Grande, Las Cruces Bulletin, the Town of Mesilla, Innovative Touch, and St. Claire Winery.

Music, and lots of it, will grace the stage on Saturday, October 6, from noon – 9:00 pm and on Sunday, October 7, from noon – 7:00 pm. Local talent representing all musical genres will keep you entertained throughout the day. Entertainers include: Billy Townes & Modern Session, Guitar Slim, Border Jazz Quintet, the Creole Dixieland Jazz Band, the Ruben Gutierrez Quintet, Rio Duende, JazzWorks, and Nosotros.

Accompanying each stage will be a wine garden featuring a variety of New Mexico wineries including: St. Clair, DH Lescombes, Blue Teal, Luna Rossa. For only $10, festival goers may purchase a souvenir wine glass and sample wines from all the wineries. Wine will also be for sale by the glass, bottle or case.

For additional information, contact Helping Hands Event Planning at 505-522-1232, email Lauren@HelpingHandsEvents.com.

Business on the Border Forum - Las Cruces New Mexico

2007-09-25T16:11:00.000-06:00

The October meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

Former Governor Garrey Carruthers, NMSU Vice President for Economic Development and Dean of the College of Business will provide an update on current and future plans for the Arrowhead Research Park. He will be joined by Kevin Boberg, CEO, and Kathy Hansen of the Arrowhead Center, Inc.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (505) 525-2852 – Fax: (505) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

A Discourse in Social Entrepreneurship - NMSU - Las Cruces

2007-09-25T09:28:00.000-06:00

SEPTEMBER 28, 2007

NMSU CORBETT CENTER SENATE GALLERY

2:15 to 3:30 p.m.

The Garrey E. and Katherine T. Carruthers Chair in Economic Development continues this academic year with the theme “ A Discourse in Social Entrepreneurship” focusing on the understanding that one need not choose between for-profit enterprise and socially responsible behavior.

Kevin Johnson, President of the Platforms & Services Division of Microsoft, is the first speaker in this series. Johnson has overall responsibility for product development, marketing, and strategy for the Windows and Online Services businesses and along with Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer and five other senior executives, serves on the Senior Leadership Team that sets overall strategy and direction for Microsoft.

Free and Open to the Public!

For additional information please call the Arrowhead Center at 646-1434

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (505) 525-2852 – Fax: (505) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Allstate Brings 200 New Jobs to Las Cruces

2007-09-19T10:45:00.000-06:00

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – September 14, 2007 – Allstate Insurance Company announced today that it plans to open a new claims office in Las Cruces by January 2008, a move that will bring more than 200 new jobs to southern New Mexico. The new office is part of Allstate’s expansion of its “Express” claims handling model, which is focused on improving customer service and eliminating redundancies in the company’s claims organization.

The Las Cruces Express office will be one of nine current or planned Express offices in the U.S. Allstate Express office employees serve as the first point of contact for the vast majority of Allstate customers. Allstate expects to begin hiring for the Las Cruces office in December 2007. The Las Cruces office joins two Allstate offices in New Mexico, where the insurance leader employs 79 and has 108 exclusive agents. Las Cruces Mayor William Mattiace said, “The City of Las Cruces is thrilled with the decision by Allstate to expand their operations into the Mesilla Valley. Allstate is a growing company that will create excellent jobs that the citizens of Las Cruces are ready to fill. We are proud to have them in our community.”

The Allstate Express office will occupy 33,000 square feet of a building now under construction at 170 Roadrunner Parkway. The entire second level of the new building will be built out for the new Allstate office. The building is locally owned by George Rawson, President of Pueblo Builders, represented by Randy McMillan of NAI 1st Valley Realty.

2007 Workforce Summit in Las Cruces

2007-09-19T10:40:00.000-06:00

Doña Ana Community College will host its 2007 Workforce Summit on October 11, 2007 at the Hotel Encanto. Betty Sparrow Doris, the NM Secretary of Labor, will be the featured speaker. For information or reservations call 505-527-7776 or see the attached flyer.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (505) 525-2852 – Fax: (505) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Las Cruces Issues Roundtable

2007-08-23T11:18:00.000-06:00

The Association of Commerce and Industry (ACI) annually presents its “Issues Roundtable” throughout the state in preparation for the upcoming legislative session. The Las Cruces Issues Roundtable will be held on Wednesday, August 29^th at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn. The luncheon is being hosted again this year by the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, the Las Cruces and Rio Grande Rotary Clubs and the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA).

The program is scheduled from 12:00 noon to 1:30pm with registration check-in beginning at 11:30am. Luncheon cost is $9.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door. Pre-registration information is included on the attached flyer.

This luncheon will replace the regular “Business on the Border Forum” originally scheduled for Tuesday, September 4^th (day after Labor Day).

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (505) 525-2852 – Fax: (505) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Energy Efficiency Design Workshop

2007-08-07T18:09:00.000-06:00

El Paso Electric is holding an Energy Efficiency Design Workshop for new buildings of all types as well as retrofit of existing buildings. The workshop will be held at the El Paso Electric Engineering Building at 555 S. Compress.

The workshop begins at 9:00am and continues to 12:00 noon. The workshop is free and reservations are not required. For more information call John Armstrong with El Paso Electric – 915-543-5809.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 – PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (505) 525-2852 – Fax: (505) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

MVEDA Business on the Border Forum

2007-07-27T16:30:00.000-06:00

The August meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western
Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a
hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

This month's topic, "The Las Cruces Economy is Sizzling; Now for Act II,"
will be presented by Dr. Christopher Erickson. Dr. Erickson has served on
the faculty of the NMSU Department of Economics and International Business
since 1987. He is the Executive Editor of the New Mexico Business Outlook.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit
card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 - PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (505) 525-2852 - Fax: (505) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Sponsor a Las Cruces X Prize Cup School Reception

2007-07-10T17:50:00.000-06:00

The Wirefly X Prize Cup is hosting a "Sponsor a School Reception" on Thursday, July 19th, celebrating high technology and education in Las Cruces. You are cordially invited to attend and learn how you can directly support the students in our community with the educational experience of a lifetime.

The reception will be held in the ballroom of the Ramada Palms de Las Cruces at the corner of University and Valley Drive beginning at 5:30pm. Hors d'oeuvre and drinks will be provided with music by the Dan Lambert Trio. RSVP to Jeanne Gehringer @ 505-522-4667 or by e-mail to mjeanne@zianet.com.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 - PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (505) 525-2852 - Fax: (505) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

MVEDA Business on the Border Forum

2007-06-25T15:03:00.000-06:00

The July meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on
Tuesday, July 3, 2007 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western
Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a
hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff.

The July program will feature Frank Benz, Site Manager at NASA's White Sands
Test Facility.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit
card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste. 134 - PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004-1299
Tel: (505) 525-2852 - Fax: (505) 523-5707
www.mveda.com

Las Cruces Centenial Celebration

2007-06-18T16:17:00.000-06:00

The city is planning a celebration to commemorate the Las Cruces' 100th year of incorporation as the City of Las Cruces. While plans are still in the works, we can tell you that events will be held downtown on November 16-17, 2007 and ending with a ceremony at the City Council meeting on November 19. So mark you calendar and stay tuned for more details.

Business on the Border Forum

2007-05-23T12:51:00.000-06:00

The June meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff. Bob DeKinder and Jonathan Benson, Director of the NMSU Creative Media Institute, will discuss the digital media initiative and its economic impact in southern New Mexico.

Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Las Cruces Ranked #9 in the “Top Small Cities for Doing Business” List

2007-05-14T16:17:00.000-06:00

The Las Cruces Metropolitan Statistical Area (Dona Ana County) just received two high rankings from Inc. Magazine. The rankings were #9 in the “Top Small Cities for Doing Business” list and #15 “Small City Boomtowns”. The Las Cruces Metro area has also been ranked within the top three(out of more than 160) small metros for business in four of the past five years by Forbes.com and the Milken Institute. The importance of these national rankings by leading business magazines cannot be overstated as they help provide needed national exposure which elevates not only the quantity, but more importantly the quality, of businesses considering expansions in southern New Mexico.

Firstlight Credit Union Grand Opening May 16th

2007-05-14T16:07:00.000-06:00

Firstlight Credit Union is having a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday May 16th.

Location: 3791 E. Lohman (corner of Foothills and Lohman) in Las Cruces

Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Contact Person Ken Binkley at 524-8118

Ansel Adams: The Man Who Captured the Earth’s Beauty

2007-05-02T16:09:00.000-06:00

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is proud to present Ansel Adams: The Man Who Captured the Earth’s Beauty, organized by the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, North Carolina, scheduled to open Friday, June 8 and run through Saturday, Aug. 4.

The exhibit will feature a selection of his work as well as images from many of his contemporaries.

Ansel Adams(1902-1984) was born in San Francisco and took his first photograph with a Kodak #1 Box Brownie camera in Yosemite Valley when he was 14. As a young mountaineer Ansel Adams discovered the natural beauty of the western landscape. He is perhaps among the last of those romantic artists who saw the great spaces of the wilderness as a metaphor for freedom and heroic aspirations. He is certainly among those who have sketched the outlines of a new pictorial understanding of the wild landscape, based on the nature's intimate details, unnoted cases and ephemeral gestures.

Although trained as a concert pianist from 1914 through 1927, he also studied photography with the photo-finisher Frank Dittman. By 1930, photography became his career choice and the American western landscape his focus. In 1932, he was a key figure in the founding of Group f/64 with Edward Weston, Imogene Cunningham, and others to promote what they called “pure” photography; the department of photography at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, New York in 1940; the department of photography at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco, Calif., in 1946; and the Friends of Photography in Carmel, California, in 1967. His skill as writer and teacher had a tremendous impact on the history of creative photography. From 1955 until 1984, he conducted annual photography workshops, first in Yosemite National Park and later closer to his home in the Carmel Highlands. He was recognized as an ardent and effective conservationist and served as a member of the Sierra Club board of directors from 1034 to 1971. During his lifetime he received numerous awards, but his most treasured was the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Carter in 1980 for his conservation work.

The photographs that will be on display are a part of a Museum Set Edition, published by the Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust in 1980 and 1981 from vintage negatives. Thanks to his technical virtuosity and sensitive eye, these dramatic images remain profound reminders of Ansel Adams’ reverence for the beauty of the earth and the healing force of nature in our lives.

The Mint Museums, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, are unique gathering places for people to experience art through significant and varied collections, engaging in exhibitions, and innovative educational programming. The Mint Museum of Art is housed in what served as the first branch of the U.S. Mint from 1837 through 1861. Before it was dismantled and moved to its present site in 1933, the Greek revival building served as Confederate hospital, an assay office and a federal courthouse. It opened as North Carolina’s first art museum in 1936. The are museum houses extensive collections of pre- Columbian art, historic costumes, American art, and contemporary art; it is also well-known for its ceramics collections, including European and American, with particular strengths in works from North Carolina. The Mint Museum of Craft and Design, which opened in 1999 in the former Montaldo’s department store, focuses on the presentation and study of traditional and contemporary crafts made of ceramics, glass, wood, metal and fiber, as well as all 20th century design disciplines.

For more information, contact the Las Cruces Museum of Art at 505-541-2137, or by email at lpugh@las-cruces.org.

February Business on the Border Forum

2007-02-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

The February meeting of the MVEDA Business on the Border Forum will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Columbus Conference Center. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet followed by an update from MVEDA staff. Luncheon cost is $10.00 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public and reservations are not required.

Jerry Tyree, Chief of Business Development & Marketing at White Sands Missile Range, will present an overview of the Future Combat Systems Initiative (FCS) and its impact on the Range and Southern New Mexico. Rebecca Rizzuti of Senator Jeff Bingaman's office will give an overview of the Future Combat Systems / Secure Border Initiative Event being held on February 21st at the Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. The event will give local high-tech businesses an opportunity to meet with a wide-variety of leading defense contractors working on the FCS programs.

Due to a scheduling conflict, company officials of Wild West Express will not be able to present at the luncheon. MVEDA will reschedule their presentation for a later date.

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste 134 - PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004
(505) 525-2852
www.mveda.com
www.southwest-advantage.com

Special County Commission Meeting February 5 to Address Spaceport Tax Proposal

2007-02-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

On Monday, February 5, the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss passing an ordinance to adopt a County Regional Spaceport Gross Receipts Tax. If the ordinance is approved, a special election will be held on April 3rd to approve a .25% increase in the gross receipts tax to support the spaceport. The special meeting will begin with public comment at 9:00am in the Commission Chambers, 845 N. Motel Boulevard, Las Cruces, New Mexico

The Board of Directors of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance has long supported the spaceport as an exceptional opportunity to bring good jobs and educational opportunities to southern New Mexico while capitalizing upon this region’s long history as an aerospace development and testing center. The board formally passed in April, 2006 a resolution in support of the gross receipts tax funding mechanism. The board urges those interested in the economic development of this region to voice support for the passage of the increase at the meeting on Monday.

More information on the Spaceport Gross Receipts Tax proposal can be found at: www.peopleforaerospace.com

Future Combat Systems Business Opportunities

2007-01-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

Southern New Mexico businesses will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with federal government contractors to explore business opportunities in defense and homeland security on February 21, 2007 at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. Representatives from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Honeywell, Raytheon, General Dynamics, Textron, BAE Systems, SAIC, and Computer Science Corporation will be in attendance.

Space is limited and RSVP is required no later than February 17. On-line registration is available at: http://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/fcs/. For more information, please call Stephanie Troller (505-635-9981) or Rebecca Rizzuti (505-523-9160).

Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
505 S. Main, Ste 134 - PO Box 1299
Las Cruces, NM 88004
(505) 525-2852
www.mveda.com
www.southwest-advantage.com