The Renaissance ArtsFaire is the largest juried arts show in Southern New Mexico. Jurors select participants exhibiting only the highest quality arts and crafts.  Artist categories include ceramics, painting, textiles, drawing/prints, photography, toys, glass, jewelry, sculpture, wood, leather, musical instruments, and an “other” category for items such as paper, candles, soaps, and oils. Artists’ booths are supported by performances of music, dance, theater and a variety of food booths, all presented in a Renaissance theme.

The Dona Ana Arts Council is a non-profit organization working to improve the quality of life in Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, and Southern New Mexico by ensuring that the performing, visual and literary arts are an integral part of education, economic growth and community development.  The Renaissance ArtsFaire is the Art Council’s major fundraising event.  All income generated by gate admissions, booth fees and Pepsi sales goes to support arts in education and other council programs throughout the year.

 For more information call the Doña Ana Arts Council at (575) 523-6403 or via email at infodaac@daarts.org. Click HERE to apply online. The deadline for us to receive your completed Renaissance ArtsFaire artist application is July 13, 2012.  We hope you will join us for this special celebration of the arts.

2012 Renaissance ArtsFaire Artist Terms and Conditions

Awards include The Papen Family Award, Debi True Rounds Newcomers’ Award, Arts in Education Award, Community Arts Award, Art in Public Places, and Excellence in Public Service to the Arts. (See below for descriptions.) The deadline to submit the nomination packet is Monday, April 23, 2012.  Awards will be presented at the Community Arts Awards Event on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the Rio Grande Theatre.

AWARD DESCRIPTIONS:

The Papen Family Award honors an individual who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to the arts through leadership, service and/or financial support.  The award, originally called the Mesilla Valley Treasure Award, and later, The Julie Papen Arts Patron Award, was renamed in 1997 to honor the late Senator Frank Papen and the Papen family, whose dedicated leadership, involvement, and support of the arts has so richly benefited our community.  Previous winners include Dr. John Glowacki, Opal Lee Priestley, Rep. J. Paul Taylor, Mayor Ruben Smith, Dr. Joseph Denk, J. Henry Gustafson, Mary Hardman Gale, Kenneth G. Melgaard, Carolyn Bunch, Emily Cohen, Dr. J. Bruce Streett, Dr. William Clark, Glenn and Sally Cutter, Heather Pollard, Denise Chavez, Dr. Thomas Gale, Mark Medoff, Irene Oliver Lewis, Judith Finch, Ruth Cantrell, Jack Ward, Keith Wilson, Bishop Ricardo Ramirez, Rosemary McLoughlin, Jo-an Smith, Dr. Greg Fant, Diana Seward, and Dr. Jim Shearer.

The Debi True Rounds Newcomers’ Award recognizes leadership and support of the arts by an individual who has lived in Doña Ana County for fewer than five years. Past recipients include:  Les Roberts & Fred Rockey, Rita Hartley, Sherry White, Cheryl Thornburg, Susan Tweit, John Hasko, S. Derrickson Moore, Barbara & Steve Eckels, Kathe Stark, Lonnie Klein, Alice Peden, Sylvia Gibson Bowers, Tom Smith, Laurel Weathersbee, Lucilene de Gues & Paco Antonio, Ouida Touchón, Cheryl & Brian Fallstead, Lanova Sheets, Mari Blacker and George & Maggie Griffin.

The Arts In Education Award recognizes an individual whose leadership and pioneering spirit promote and shape visual and performing arts education initiatives. Past Arts in Education Award recipients include Bonnie Hosie, Karin Matray, Karuna Warren, John Schutz, Terry Alvarez, Leslie Kowalski, Constance Hasapopoulos Suter, Raul Dorn, Debra Knapp, Diane Schutz, Laurie Norman, Lesli Zerr, Corina Gabaldon, Oscar Butler and Rene Palomares.

The Community Arts Award recognizes an individual and business whose motivation, service and example have made a marked impact on the cultural life of our community.  Former recipients of this award are Bob Burns, Bob & Yvette Peticolas, Kevin & Michelle Self, Jose Tena, Bob Diven, Dr. Jerry Ann Alt, Ceil & Peter Herman, Jim Billings, John Pleasant, Joseph Sylvan & Barbara Toth, The Border Book Festival/The Cultural Center of Mesilla, Roy van der Aa & Robin Baxa, Larry Chandler, Jaki & David McCollum, Mike Groves, The Potters Guild and Doug Roby.

The Art in Public Places Award recognizes an individual who has created or placed art on permanent public view within Doña Ana County that exemplifies the highest standards and commitment to art in public places.  Recipients of this award include the City of Las Cruces & the NM Department of Transportation & Highways, Tracy Jamison, Zandra Santanova, Ken Barrick, Jackie Clark, Anthony Pennock, Las Esperanzas, and Honorable Judge Robert C. Brack.

Excellence in Public Service to the Arts Award recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual or government organization for their contribution in the arts. This award is open to individuals or federal, state and local government agencies.  Recipients include Will Ticknor, Councillor Miguel Silva, and Ammu Devasthali.

For more information, please call or email Kathleen Albers at the Dona Ana Arts Council (575/523-6403 or KathleenA@daarts.org).

Rehearsals begin April 17^th with a schedule running Mondays thru Fridays from 7pm to 9pm, according to actor’s schedules. Tech week may require later hours and an occasional Saturday or Sunday rehearsal may be called for if needed. Performances will run June 8 – 17, Friday – Sunday, with option to extend June 22 – 24. For further information, contact Oscar Perez at 575-312-2339 or Kathleen Murphy at 575-571-3387.

Synopsis: In the seventh installment of the Nunsense series, The Little Sisters of Hoboken have been invited to sing at the famed Hollywood Bowl. They are thrilled at the prospect until they arrive and realize that they were instead booked to perform at the Hollywood Bowl-A-Rama, a bowling alley with a cabaret lounge. When they hear that auditions are being held for a movie musical, “NUNSET BOULEVARD,” they recognize that landing a part in it would be a natural, although this also forces them to contemplate their true calling. The show is structured in the tried and true variety format, but as always, things go awry. The Sisters have to contend with announcements from the bowling alley public address system as well as the activity on the lanes, which is occasionally heard but not seen.

The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces. For more information visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.

NMSU music student Joshua Aguirre, under the direction of Dr. Lisa Van Winkle, presents his undergraduate recital, performing works on flute from J. S. Bach, Louis Ganne, Robert Muczynski, and Jacques Ibert, with piano accompaniment by Ji Young Han. For more information visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.

Tuesday, April 3
Every Other Tuesday: C.S. Truckin’

Local legends C.S. Truckin’ make their debut on the Rio Grande Theatre stage with a new CD and a smokin’ new music video for the title release: “Goin’ To Nashville.” Every Other Tuesday is a showcase for local performers beginning promptly at 6:30 pm. Admission is FREE to the public. For more information visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.

Saturday, April 5
NMSU Gospel Choir Easter Show

Get into the holiday spirit with NMSU’s Gospel Choir–under the direction of Dr. Bobbie Green–delivering their annual messages of hope through music that transcends demographic boundaries and connects people through song. Showtime is 7pm; doors open at 6:30pm. For more information, contact the NMSU Choral Office at (575) 646-2067.

Friday, April 6
Howling Coyote Coffeehouse & Open Mic

A staple of the downtown ArtRamble since February of 2006, the Howling Coyote started out as a jam session for local musicians and quickly grew into a showcase featuring some of finest talent Las Cruces has to offer. The monthly event now makes the Rio Grande Theatre its home and continues to feature primarily acoustic musicians, singers and songwriters with family-appropriate material. Showtime is 7pm. Admission is Free. For more information visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.

Saturday, April 7
Beyond The Myth

ACTion Programs for Animals presents a screening of the documentary Beyond the Myth, about dog breeds commonly referred to as”pit bulls” and those who love these breeds. The documentary intelligently explores the contributing factors behind the public’s generalized fear of “pit bulls”, and examines the conflict existing between advocates and opponents of breed discriminatory laws, commonly referred to as breed bans. Proceeds from this event will go toward APA’s Second Chance Dogs Fund, which helps the group rescue and re-home formerly-abused, pit bull-type dogs from our community. The film will be preceded by a reception and silent auction from 5 to 7pm and followed by a Q&A session afterwards. Tickets are $10, which can be purchased online via the film’s website, www.beyondthemythmovie.com, or at the door the day of the screening.

Wednesday, April 11
Film Las Cruces

The Rio Grande Theatre and the City of Las Cruces Film Liaison present a monthly film forum on the second Wednesday of each month, in which trailers for locally made films are screened alongside short films by student filmmakers, followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and industry news as it pertains to our area.  Doors open at 6:30pm and the presentation begins at 7pm. The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403. To find out more about Film Las Cruces, visit www.Las-Cruces-Film.org.

 Thursday & Friday, April 12 & 13
Dancers Unlimited presents As Seen On TV

In a show entitled “As Seen On TV: The Following Program Has Been Rated DU”, members of Dancers Unlimited perform routines featuring various styles of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, contemporary and swing. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. Call (575) 621-9654 for more information.

Saturday, April 14
SNM Pride Drag Pageant

Southern New Mexico Pride will launch its very first drag pageant in Las Cruces to coincide with this year’s Pride Festival weekend in June 2012.  Hosted by Albuquerque drag legend LaRhya Daniels, contestants will compete for the crowned title of Ms. and Mr. Las Cruces Pride and will go on to represent Southern New Mexico Pride at other Pride festivals around the state. The event will take place at the Rio Grande Theatre, followed by a reception at GreenWorks, catered by High Desert Brewery and Amaro Winery, immediately after the pageant. Tickets are $10 general admission to the Rio Grande Theatre and include the reception. For those who only wish to attend the reception, admission will be $5. For more information, visit www.SouthernNMPride.org.

Tuesday, April 17
Every Other Tuesday: Verde Academy of Dance

Students from the Verde Academy of Dance present their Spring dance recital. Every Other Tuesday is a showcase for local performers beginning promptly at 6:30 pm. Admission is FREE to the public. For more information visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.

Friday, April 20
NMSU Outdoor Rec presents A Local Collaboration

NMSU Outdoor Rec’s Adventure Arts Series concludes its season showcasing documentaries and guest lecturers, on topics ranging from pressing environmental issues to extreme outdoor sports, with a local collaboration between Dancers, Filmmakers and Musicians. Showtime is 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $8 in advance; $10 at the door day of show. For more information call (575) 646-4746.

Saturday, April 21
Bri Bagwell Video Release

Las Cruces native Bri Bagwell swings through her hometown on the Banned Music Tour, proving once again that what she plays is real country music and what country music should strive to be. Bagwell is an independent artist without a record deal, and without management. Now based in Austin, Texas, her popularity is derived 100% by word of mouth and her raw talent. Her first CD, “Banned from Santa Fe”, released June 2011, sold through the first printing, and is gaining traction very quickly among music fans. This show will be Bagwell’s first official video release concert. For more information, call (575) 649-6411

 Sunday, April 22
LCCCA presents The Polenc Trio

The Polenc Trio, now in its eighth season, is the most active touring pianowind chamber music ensemble in the world, combining brilliant 21^st century vibrancy with the best of European instrumental tradition. Made up of three uniquely gifted virtuosos—oboist Vladimir Lande, bassoonist Bryan Young and pianist Irina Kaplan—the trio’s performances leap beyond the ordinary concert experience, transporting audiences into a world of beautiful sonorities, playful rhythms and dramatic excitement. Showtime is 3pm; doors open at 2:30pm. Tickets are $20. For more information or to reserve tickets, call (575) 521-4051.

 Saturday, April 28
International Day Of Dance

The Seventh Annual Day of Dance, sponsored by Branigan Cultural Center, celebrates the International Day of Dance initiated in 1982 by the International Dance Council, under the auspices of UNESCO. The event presents culturally diverse dance forms found in the Las Cruces area, including ballet Folklorico, belly dancing, Peruvian dance, line dancing, Native American dance, ballroom dance and more. Admission is FREE to the public. For more information about the program, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at www.las-cruces.org/museums

On Exhibit in the El Paso Electric Gallery
J. Carlos West

The works of painter J. Carlos West will be showcased in the El Paso Electric Gallery, South of the Rio Grande Theatre lobby, for the month of April, 2012. A man of two cultures, Carlos West was born in Los Angeles and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico. His fascination with the land of his youth is reflected in his work. Born into a family of artists, he attended several colleges and art schools, notably Otis-Parson. For more than a decade he studied with renowned watercolorist Robert Uecker. As a result, he developed a vivid spectrum of colors and images throughout his personal study of picturesque and diverse landscapes. The exhibit will run through the month of April 2012, beginning with an artist reception on April 6, from 5 to 7pm, as part of the Downtown Art Ramble.

Also included that evening will be the Howling Coyote Coffeehouse/Open Mic, beginning at 7pm. On permanent display in the Clute/Muggenburg Gallery are memorabilia and photos from the Rio Grande Theatre’s long and illustrious reign in downtown Las Cruces.

The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Main, in Las Cruces, NM. For clarification, photos or additional information, please visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or contact the Rio Grande Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at 575-523-6403.

“Being in Art Haggerton’s shows were choice experiences that enriched my life immeasurably,” says Murphy, who is currently wowing audiences in the title role of the No Strings Theatre production “Becky’s New Car” at the Black Box Theatre in downtown Las Cruces. “When Art died, a huge part of my heart and soul died, too…for a while. But then I began to remember all of the things he taught me. And I thought about all the young people who spoke at his memorial of Art’s ability to bring out a talent, a confidence or an ability that they didn’t even know they had. He did that for me, too. We produced some of the most successful musicals in Las Cruces and it was done with a sense of partnership and friendship. I want to do all I can to continue his efforts in producing high quality musical theatre and in developing young talent and providing a safe and encouraging place for performers to grow and learn. It is a way for all of us who loved Art to keep him alive. I can feel him watching over me, over us and our efforts.”

Bringing Driftwood Productions to the Rio Grande Theatre was the realization of a dream for many. “It was really just a matter of time,” says Rio Grande Theatre manager David Salcido. “My own background is heavily rooted in theatre. It was something I felt very strongly about, but I knew that I just had to wait until the right moment. That moment came when Kathleen walked into my office and outlined her plans to carry on Art Haggerton’s dream. All she needed was a home to do it. After a long talk in which we both became more and more excited by the prospects, I was more than happy to help her realize that dream. I look forward to finally having a theatre troupe walking the boards of the Rio Grande Theatre on a regular basis.”

The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces. For more information visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.

 The winners of the 2011 Color Las Cruces Plein Air Competition were: Meg Freyermuth – First Place; Beth Ray – Second Place; Judy Licht – Third Place. Honorable Mentions went to Arlene J. Tugel and Ouida Touchon. An interesting fact about this competition is that First Place Winner Meg Freyermuth was last year’s Second Place winner, while this year’s Second Place winner was last year’s First Place winner. 

Winners of the Quickdraw competition, held Sunday, September 11^th, were: Krystyna Robbins – First Place; Beth Ray – Second Place; Lois Griffel – Third Place. In the 15-and-Under category, the winners were: Reyna Andazola – First Place; Santana Andazola – Second Place; Alyssa Garnett – Honorable Mention. 

Images of the winning paintings can be seen in the Color Las Cruces Gallery.

The Arts Council would like to congratulate all of the winners and give a big thank you to the artists and sponsors who participated, as well as the many volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this year’s event a special one.