Art lovers will know February is the month of art celebrations in Las Cruces. Known as "For the Love of Art Month," this celebration brings attention to local galleries, studios, museums and artistic events across town. Want to show your love for art? Here are some suggestions how:
For the Love of Art Month Happenings
Presented by ARTFORMS Artists Association of New Mexico, For the Love of Art Month features over 30 studio tour locations where art lovers can attend numerous studios and exhibitions throughout the month. Exhibits and works range across mediums such as acrylic and oil paintings, ceramics, welded metals, watercolors, photography, handwoven pieces, woodwork, glasswork and more. The Artists Association of New Mexico members exhibit their members' pieces at The Hood, a one-of-a-kind gallery and gift shop that typically showcases mechanical art objects outside of the months celebrations.
Studio and exhibition tours are available during the weekends this month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 12-4 p.m. on Sundays unless otherwise specified. Here are a few you may want to check out
1. Duende Arte Gallery, Linda Sanchez & Mary Lou LaCasse
921 N. Mesquite St. | FRI-SUN 12–5p.m. | Ceramics, welded metals, demos are available,
2. ArtForms Member Show at The Hood
3206 Harrelson | FRI 1-7p.m., SAT 12-5p.m., SUN 12-4 p.m.
3. Art & Soul Studio, Souhei Rawlings & John Rawlings
2215 Calle De Guadalupe, Mesilla, NM | Feb. 21-22 | Mixed media paintings and sculptures.
4. Artists of Picacho Hills, Paul Maxwell, Donna Popky, Larry Felhauer, Kristine Scherzer, Tess Lane, Theresa McCatherin
Picacho Hills Country Club, 6861 Via Camestre | Feb. 21-22 | Ceramics and fused glass, bead weaving, acrylics, oils and watercolors, enamels on copper and silver.
Things to Do
Let those creative juices flow at Color Me Mine. Pick your ceramic piece and splash colors and patterns to your heart's content! They'll take care of the mess so just return a few days later to pick up your masterpiece.
Visit this local shop to find all your favorite tales of heroes, adventures, mysteries and more across comic pages. Browse their comic selection, find a new figurine to take home, eat some ice cream, or head into the back to play some old-school pinball.
Get a Tattoo
If you really want to show your commitment try one of the local tattoo studios to get some fresh ink to stick with you forever. Here are a few in the downtown area:
Custom Culture, right in the heart of downtown Cruces.
Lucky Needle, this hidden shop is located on the second floor at 128 S. Main St. Ste. E. If you want in for some new ink, make sure to book an appointment.
Stolen Rose, get your coffee, get your food and head on up to the second floor for a new piece at this shop conveniently located in a plaza with Grounded and Petal & Pink Co.
Atom Bomb Studio, home to great artists including Anahy Nunez, who designed and painted the wonderful mural "Con Amor" on our Visit Las Cruces building.
Museums
Las Cruces Museum of Art | 491 N. Main St.
Enjoy free access to rotating contemporary exhibitions and creative programs. The current exhibit is Sayaka Ganz: Reclaimed Creations featuring reclaimed plastic objects that appear unified at a distance and separated at close-proximity.
The University Art Museum at Devasthali Hall | 1308 E. University Ave.
Check out a curation of over 4,200 works in the university's permanent collection. See original exhibitions, including the country's largest collection of Mexican retablos.