Friday, December 12, 2008

Reading Art Book Club - Las Cruces Museum of Art

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

Thursday, December 4, 2008

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

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

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

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

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

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.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Business on the Border Luncheon Dec 2, 2008

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