Las Cruces art scene just got a bit more feral with the opening of “Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley” at the Branigan Cultural Center. This new exhibit, which debuts on February 7, is set to feature a wild array of sculptures and nature journaling pages that spotlight the local fauna of the Mesilla Valley. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the 58 art pieces crafted by 14 dedicated artists representing 32 native species, an artistic endeavor that reflects the diversity and spirit of the region’s wildlife. The exhibit, inviting onlookers from Feb. 7 through May 24, holds a mirror up to nature's undulating presence amongst the city's bricks and mortar.
According to the City of Las Cruces, guests visiting during the opening reception, which runs from 5-7 p.m., have the rare opportunity to meet the contributing artists. The evening is also graced with an artist talk at 6 p.m. by Brian Fallstead, delving into “The Value of Observation in Wildlife Sculpture.” A diverse range of species, from the elusive kangaroo rat to the more commonly seen desert cottontail, is included in the exhibit, revealing the sheer adaptability and resilience of these animals in an urban landscape.
Lending an even deeper insight, "Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley" doesn't just stop at visual artistry, it educates. The exhibit is peppered with informational panels that detail not only the artistic process but also the ecological roles of the depicted creatures. This educational aspect aims to encourage our communities to live in harmony with the surrounding environment. The Branigan Cultural Center has gone out of its way to make sure that this exhibit is accessible and enriching for all, and the best part? There's no admission charge.
Brian Fallstead, Rosario Jeremias, Pat Grace, Martha Roditti, and Rejina Christopher, sculptors who have all captured wildlife in their distinct mediums, are among the featured artists. Alongside them stand the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society Nature Journal Club members, including Cheryl Fallstead, who has detailed observations of the natural world that are said to be mesmerizing. Ellen Jaffe Castello, Kay Gross, Rusty Hendley, Yvette Hinojosa, Ann McPhee, Julia Osgood, Donna Popky, and Rebecca Rousseau join her in urging visitors to reflect on the wildlife that our all-too-human world encompasses.
The Branigan Cultural Center, located at 501 N. Main St., is ready to usher you into the wonders of the natural world every Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For those navigating the city on public transport, it's easy to get there with Roadrunner Transit Route 1 Stop 1 dropping you off practically at the doorstep.
