MUSEUMS
Current Exhibits
Las Cruces: Crossroads of History
September 2023 - Summer 2024
This exhibition tells the overarching history of Las Cruces and its prominent place in Borderland history from prehistory through the 1960s. Using original artifacts and historic photographs, “Las Cruces: Crossroads of History” charts the history of the region from its early indigenous inhabitants to its settlement by Mexicans and its shift to being a part of the United States. Las Cruces’ establishment, in 1848, and its growth is followed through multiple topics including Civil War soldiers, ranchers, and outlaws. The introduction of the railroad in 1878 and its impact is covered, as well as New Mexico statehood in 1912. The exhibit ends with the impact of World War II and the nuclear and rocket technology that followed.
Stage and Screen: 150 Years of Entertainment in the Mesilla Valley
February 2, 2024 - April 23, 2024
This exhibit explores the long history of stage theater and cinema theater in the Mesilla Valley and discusses prominent citizens who were a part of the local theater experience. Live theater and motion pictures have a way of uniting a community and creating memories for viewers. In the Mesilla Valley, this has been true since the 1870s when the first theater group was founded, and later, in 1913 when the first movie theater in Doña Ana County opened in downtown Las Cruces. Throughout the years, community theater groups and university theater productions, along with movies and drive-ins have entertained Las Cruces and Mesilla Valley residents.
“Stage and Screen” uses selected theater productions and movies to show the historic and contemporary importance of the arts in the Mesilla Valley and the families, individuals, and businesses that support the arts. By using movie posters, theater programs, costumes, and videos, the exhibit presents a wealth of information and examples of theater and film in the region. This exhibit was developed by Tracie Amend, Hamed Aziziangilan, and Jerry Wallace of New Mexico State University’s Public History program.
Somos hijos de Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin; Los Manteles de mi Abuela
April 5, 2024 - June 22, 2024
This exhibit features Borderland artist Roberto Salas’ artwork that considers his mestizo heritage through depictions of “sahumerios” (incense burners) on decorative oilcloth tablecloths. In this exhibit, Salas considers how traditions, cultures, and history are reflected in the common materials we find around us.
Using decorative oilcloth tablecloths as his canvas, Salas paints “sahumerios” in ways that honor and evoke his family’s Hispanic and indigenous Mexican heritage. In Mesoamerican culture, incense burners were a means of communicating with ancestors and opening oneself to divine inspiration. By presenting sahumerios on contemporary oilcloth tablecloths, Salas mixes the historic and contemporary aspects of his heritage.
Current Exhibit
All-City High Schools Senior Show
April 5, 2024 - May 4, 2024
More than 90 senior art students from Alma d’Arte, Centennial, Las Cruces, Mayfield, and Organ Mountain high schools will offer viewers a wide range of 2-D and 3-D art.
The exhibition will include art pieces from ceramics to mixed media, as well as paintings, drawings and digital artwork. This unique grouping of artwork showcases the progress and development students have made through their years in high school and demonstrates the creativity of these exciting emerging artists.
Artwork will be juried by three judges. Winners will be selected in three categories and one piece will be named Best of Show. Prizes will be funded by the Foundation for Las Cruces Museums.