The Branigan Cultural Center is poised to present an intimate glimpse into the heart of the Mesilla Valley community spanning two decades, from 1930 to 1950, through the lens of the Ballard Photo Studio. This exhibition, which is set to open its doors on October 4, will display a curated selection of over 200 images from the extensive collection housed at the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Library Archives.
Known for its sharp and high-resolution images, the Ballard Photo Studio, once a fixture on Main Street, chronicled the lives of more than 5,000 individuals from the valley with its large-format camera and 5×7-inch negatives. As reported by the City of Las Cruces, the NMSU Library Archive currently safeguards over 25,000 portrait negatives from the studio's active years. Alongside the likenesses of residents, Jim Ballard also turned his camera to capture the vibrance of local businesses and the dynamism of community events, amounting to an additional 4,000 negatives, all meticulously preserved.
Enriching the visual journey, the Branigan Cultural Center will supplement the exhibit with several programs, intended to deepen the community's connection with their collective history. Among the scheduled events includes an opening reception on the evening of October 4, and a lecture by Dennis Daily, the Director of the NMSU Library Archives, as detailed in the announcement. The lecture will take place on October 17 from noon to 1 p.m., and those interested in participating in these or any additional programs are encouraged to follow updates on the Las Cruces Museums’ social media handles.
The cultural offering, both a mirror and a memory, is accessible to the public free of charge. The Branigan Cultural Center, found at 501 N. Main Street, welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday, during the same closing hours but with an early start at 9 a.m. Those relying on public transportation will find convenience with Roadrunner Transit Route 1, Stop 1, bringing them to the doorstep of this tapestry woven from the threads of yesteryears.
