Take an In-Depth look at Hopi Gourd Rattles from the Permanent Collection
Museums provide visitors with information about objects and their history, but rarely give insight as to how these stories are discovered. The Branigan Cultural Center will give a hands-on workshop on Thursday, May 29 at 1 pm on the study of material culture through a set of Hopi gourd rattles from the Branigan collection.
In-Depth workshops introduce participants to objects from the museum’s permanent collections that are not slated for museum exhibition. In this workshop, aimed at adults, we will carefully examine two Hopi gourd rattles. Rattles are often used in Pueblo dances and feast days. These rattles come with very little documentation, but we will examine how they were made, the use of different materials and techniques, decoration style, and other culturally significant aspects of these objects. Come see for yourself what information can be contained in a single item. This program is free and open to the public.
USS New Mexico Submariners
Do you know what naval vessel is named for the Land of Enchantment? The USS New Mexico (SSN-779) is the Navy’s sixth Virginia-class fast-attack nuclear submarine. Come learn about this technologically advanced submarine from some of its own crew at the Branigan Cultural Center on Thursday, May 22 at 1 pm.
The first warship named after our state was the battleship USS New Mexico (BB-40). The submarine USS New Mexico was delivered to the Navy on December 29, 2009. This May, Las Cruces welcomes submariners from the vessel, as they tour the state and learn about the heritage embodied in the submarine’s motto: “Defendamos Nuestra Tierra” (We Defend Our Land). As part of this visit, two submariners, accompanied by Dick Brown, Chairman of the USS New Mexico Committee, Navy League, will give a presentation at the Branigan Cultural Center. The program is free and open to the public.
Corina Gabaldón Leads a Guided Tour of her exhibit
La Sabiduría Ancestral / Ancestral Wisdom
Local artist Corina Gabaldón will lead visitors through her exhibit La Sabiduría Ancestral / Ancestral Wisdom in a guided tour on Saturday, May 17 at 10am.
Influenced and inspired by the rich culture, mythology and fascinating art of her ancestors, Corina Gabaldón’s paintings are dedicated to promoting and preserving the ancestral wisdom of her Aztec/Mayan heritage. Corina believes art can be a pathway to peace and world healing, and that it is a sacred task. As she moves through the gallery, she will share her thoughts on honoring her heritage, creating art, and the importance of sharing traditional lifeways through artistic interpretation.
Gabaldón notes that “the sharing of these spiritual, traditional indigenous beliefs, knowledge and ways of life, will not only bring appreciation and availability to the world, but it will build pride and identity in the children of today’s generation who have inherited this wisdom since ancient times.” The artist will share the stories and history behind each painting in this intriguing show.
Join us for this one-time artist-lead tour of La Sabiduría Ancestral / Ancestral Wisdom. The program is free and open to the public.
The Lizard and the Sun
In conjunction with the exhibit La Sabiduría Ancestral / Ancestral Wisdom by local artist Corina Gabaldón, the Branigan Cultural Center presents a family workshop based on the Aztec story of The Lizard and the Sun / La Lagartija y el Sol, as retold by Alma Flor Ada. The story will be read in English and Spanish, followed by an art project. Influenced and inspired by the rich culture, mythology and fascinating art of her ancestors, Corina Gabaldón’s paintings are dedicated to promoting and preserving the ancestral wisdom of her Aztec/Mayan heritage. Join us for a workshop exploring some of the characters in this art. We will learn about the roles played by different animals, gods, and traditions and create some art of our own, inspired by these ancient tales.
The workshop will take place on Saturday, May 10, at noon at Branigan Cultural Center and will include a visit to the exhibit. This program is free and open to the public.
The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 North Main Street. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm. For more information, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s website at las-cruces.org/museums.