WNMU Cultural Affairs
Miss Nature: The Pride Tour Drag Show
Thursday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m.
Fine Arts Center Theater
$20
Content notice: Some material may not be suitable for young children. Attendees under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Miss Nature (Christopher Jay Hall) is a drag performer whose work centers on visibility, inclusion, and community engagement, particularly in rural and underserved areas of the Southwest. As part of Student Life’s Welcome Week, Miss Nature will present a live drag performance at the Fine Arts Center Theater.
The performance combines drag artistry with themes of self-expression and empowerment, creating an atmosphere that is energetic while remaining grounded in respect and shared experience. Through movement, costume, and performance, Miss Nature explores identity, creativity, and connection with the audience.
This event is intended to foster an inclusive space that encourages acceptance and mutual enjoyment among attendees.
Zak Mirz: Kid @ Heart
Magic and Illusions
Thursday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m.
Fine Arts Center Theater
$20
Zak Mirz is a Dallas–Fort Worth–based magician and storyteller whose work combines sleight of hand with personal narrative. Over the past decade, he has toured internationally with his live show Flashes of Magic, presenting illusions alongside humor and storytelling.
Beyond performance, Mirz uses his craft to support anti-human-trafficking efforts through a custom-designed deck of cards that raises awareness and funds, underscoring his commitment to using magic with purpose.
Expressive Arts Juried Student Exhibition
Opening reception: Jan. 29, 6 p.m.
McCray Gallery
Exhibit runs through Feb. 19
Free
The Francis McCray Gallery, in collaboration with the Expressive Arts Department, announces the 2026 Western New Mexico University Juried Student Art Exhibition. This annual showcase will feature student work across a wide range of media, including sculpture, drawing, printmaking, painting, ceramics and graphic design. The exhibition highlights the creativity, innovation and artistic development of the university’s student community.
For event info go to www.wnmu.edu
WNMU Celebrates Graduates at Fall Commencement Ceremony
This fall, 364 students from Western New Mexico University earned degrees or certificates and celebrated their academic journeys at a hybrid commencement ceremony. The event once again bridged the physical distance within the Mustang community, allowing graduates walking across the stage on campus in Silver City to participate alongside those attending WNMU from a distance via virtual platforms.
The university awarded a wide array of credentials this semester, reflecting the institution's commitment to comprehensive higher education. The Class of 2025 earned 86 master’s degrees, 130 bachelor’s degrees, and 75 associate degrees.
Additionally, the university conferred 57 graduate certificates, nine fast-track certificates, six undergraduate certificates, and 22 high school equivalency degrees.
Underscoring a commitment to academic excellence, the ceremony honored more than 70 baccalaureate graduates and 34 master's graduates who achieved the distinction of honors for sustaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above.
Specialized ceremonies leading up to the main commencement also honored graduates entering the vital fields of nursing and social work.
Light Art Space
January Gallery hours: Friday and Saturday 11- 5, and by appointment.
Dec. 4 – Jan. 25, Light Art Space presents two exhibitions in the Flash Gallery.
The Forest in Our Blood
A new collection of jewelry by Rhonda Munzinger, illustrating the unity of humans and trees. Crafted from fine silver with deer bone-carved faces and exquisite gems, it is inspired by the trees of New Mexico.
Dancing with Tradition
Hand-dyed and woven clothing referencing traditions of many cultures, by Susan H. Porter, is an homage to traditional clothing from various cultures, utilizing less traditional fibers and dyes to create more modern garments. The inspiration for the pieces displayed here comes from the indigenous cultures of the Southern Americas and East Asia, thus honoring their traditions.
North Gallery
In the North and West Galleries, Light Art Space Eleven features the work by Nancy Spencer, Eric Renner, Karen Hymer, Kathleen Koopman, Rhonda Munzinger, Joel Armstrong, Juan Velasco, Richard Harper, Stephan Hoglund, Susan H. Porter, and Zoe Wolfe.
Don’t miss the final opportunity to purchase items from the Seven Year Itch Auction. These artworks are priced to sell. Work by Jane Seavers, Paul Hotvelt, Richard Harper, Sally Tilton, Kit West, Nancy Spencer, and others.
Events:
Call for Photographs
Abstraction in Nature: a photographic exploration of shape, pattern, symmetry, and design found in the natural world.
Exhibition dates: Feb. 6-28
Grant County artist is invited to display one or two works, 16” x 20” or smaller, or one larger piece. The images must have been created in the last five years. No AI-generated images. All work must be for sale.
Email Karenhymer@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
Deadline to commit is Jan. 15.
Call for Artwork
We invite artists from New Mexico and Arizona to submit work in any media to Forms of Devotion, curated by Karen Hymer and Joan Roberts Garcia.
This call asks artists to consider how devotion is a part of their art practice.
There are many types of devotion. Do they share characteristics, no matter what the subject is? Are there similarities in devotional rituals, forms?
Exhibition dates: Mar. 5-28
All entries must be handmade by the artist and produced within the last seven years. 3D and experimental work is encouraged. All media are acceptable, except for AI-generated images. AI work will not be accepted.
Submit at: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=16625
The deadline to submit is Feb. 8
Whiskey Creek Zócalo
11786 HWY 180 East, Arenas Valley, NM
575-388-1266
Tickets & Info: https://www.whiskeycreekzocalo.com/
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m.
Jerry & the Cat Daddies
A fun and versatile music ensemble with virtuoso players and tasteful tunes.
All proceeds go to paying the performers and supporting live music.
Thursday, Jan. 22, 6 p.m.
Performer’s Showcase/Open Mic
Musicians and performers of all kinds welcome.
Showcase your talent and strut your stuff on the ‘big stage.’
Third Thursday. 15-minute spots.
Must Sign Up in Person
Thursday, Jan. 29, 6 p.m.
Vincent Neil Emerson
Country/Honky Tonk
$20 advance/$25 door
Vincent Neil Emerson is a rising voice in American country, folk, and Americana — a Texas-born singer-songwriter whose music bridges tradition and personal truth.
Born and raised in Van Zandt County, East Texas, Emerson was brought up by a single mother and experienced early hardship, including the loss of his father at a young age. He also identifies with his Choctaw‑Apache heritage, a lineage that plays an increasingly visible role in his songwriting.
All proceeds go to paying the performers and supporting live music.
Saturday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m.
20 Foot Neon Jesus
Rap/Crunk/Hip-Hop
In ‘the Lodge’
$10 Cover
The group, which consists of "Brother Ignatius" (rapper David James) and "DJ Brother John the Revelator" (Scott Mitting), formed with the explicit purpose of "getting crunk". Their style is described as combining hip-hop beats with religious satire, featuring lyrics and song titles that blend sacred and profane themes in a humorous way.
Mesilla Valley Audubon Society
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Las Cruces Village Creative Arts Room
3011 Buena Vida Circle
Winter is the season when ducks, geese, and other waterfowl fly south to enjoy our warmer ponds and rivers. To help you enjoy this annual migration, the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society will teach a waterfowl identification class. The class will run about 90 minutes.
An optional overnight field trip to Bosque del Apache, Jan. 17 and 18, to practice identification skills is included. The class is appropriate for beginner and intermediate birders. To reserve your spot, email mesillavalleyaudubon@gmail.com.
Mesilla Valley Jazz and Blues Society
MVJBS monthly gathering, featuring the David Borrego Trio
Sunday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m.
Alma d’Arte Charter High School, 402 W. Court Ave., Las Cruces
The group includes David Borrego on guitar, Ricky Malichi on drums, and Hector Olea on upright bass.
Audiences can catch the trio performing throughout Las Cruces and El Paso, charming audiences with a mix of jazz standards and original compositions. All three musicians are involved in music education and can also be found performing in their own groups and various other ensembles around the borderland.
Admission for the society’s monthly meetings is $5 for MVJBS members and $10 for non-members. Ticketing information is available online at mvjazzblues.net.
Jazz and blues enthusiasts can also head over to Boba Cafe and Cabaret on Espina Street every third Thursday of the month for MVJBS’ monthly jazz jam. Interested musicians are encouraged to sign up by emailing MVJBSjazzjam@gmail.com.
New to MVJBS and would like to become a member? Annual dues are $25 per individual, $40 per family or $5 for students. Learn more about the organization online at www.mvjazzblues.net or on social media@MVJBS.
Mesilla Valley Chorale
The Mesilla Valley Chorale will begin rehearsals on Monday, Jan. 19 for its spring concert, “I Hear America Singing,” scheduled for Sunday, May 3 at the Rio Grande Theatre. The first rehearsal will begin in the choir room of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m., for registration and music distribution. All following rehearsals will be on Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. The chorale is under the direction of Judy Bethmann.
The chorale is a mixed-voice, eight-part (SS/AA/TT/BB) diverse group of singers who share a passion for performing choral music. Rehearsals are held in St. Paul’s choir room, located at the southeast corner of Alameda and Griggs. Enter via the choir room door on Alameda. Interested singers wishing to join should visit the chorale’s website for more information at mesillavalleychorale.org .
Tour of the Gila 2026 Registration
Bicycling Stage Race in Southwest New Mexico Set for Apr. 29-May 3
The 39th Tour of the Gila is opening registration for the 2026 road bicycling stage race on New Years Day. The five-day race based out of Silver City is set for Wednesday, April 29, through Sunday, May 3, 2026.
For amateur competitors, Tour of the Gila offers five USA Cycling-sanctioned races with expanded eligibility to include racers of all experience levels. The USA Cycling races will be three or four stages over as many days.
For recreational athletes, organizers will again offer citizen fun races on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday May 3. Registration for the citizen fun races opens later in 2026.
Invitations for the Tour of the Gila men’s and women’s races sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale will be sent soon. The UCI races are five stages over five days.
In 2026, Tour of the Gila will not be changing the registration price. To promote participation in the iconic event and celebrate the cycling community’s support over the last 39 years, the race organization is keeping the same low price for all athletes.
Find details about the 39th Tour of the Gila at tourofthegila.com/race/race-information.
Register for the USA Cycling races starting Jan. 1 at bikereg.com/tour-of-the-gila.
Learn how to participate in the citizen fun races, offer host housing, or volunteer at TourOfTheGila.com.
Branigan Cultural Center
501 N. Main St.
Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
There is no admission charge.
The museum is accessible from Roadrunner Transit Route 1 Stop 1.
Land of the People: Tierra Sagrada
From Dec. 20, 2025 – Mar. 14, we are featuring the Tortugas Pueblo.
Located south of Las Cruces, the ancestors of the current Tortugas Pueblo left Spanish missions in El Paso during the early 1800s and moved into the Mesilla Valley, ultimately settling in their present location by the 1880s.
Working with Colonel Eugene Van Patton, the Pueblo obtained 40 acres of land south of Las Cruces in 1908. In 1914, La Corporación de los Indigenes de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe was formed. The members of the Pueblo and its extended community have since remained active in the Mesilla Valley.
This featured rotating space changes every 12 weeks, which allows each Indigenous group to go deeper into their own unique stories, traditions, and perspectives.
The exhibit sequence is as follows: Pueblo of Tortugas, Dec. 20 – Mar. 14; Mescalero Apache Tribe, Apr. 4 – June 27; Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe, July 18– Oct. 10; Chiricahua Apache Nation, Nov. 7– Jan. 30, 2027; and Gila Apache, Feb. 20 – May 15, 2027.
For more information on up-to-date events visit lascruces.gov/museums or Las Cruces Museums’ social media platforms @LCMuseums.
Southern New Mexico Music and Dance
Contradance
Jan. 16
Mesilla Community Center
2251 Calle de Santiago, Mesilla
7:15-10 p.m.
$10 General Admission ($8 under 21)
More information: 575-636-5509
Featuring caller Seth Levine and The Rave Review Band
Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery
2470-A Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla, across from the Fountain Theatre
January featured artists: Kerry O’Neill and Ray Baird
Art is Kerry’s passion and has been since early childhood. She attended UNM in Albuquerque as a flute performance major, earning a B.S. in fashion/costume design from Incarnate Word University, San Antonio, Texas. In 1998 she became a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and eventually switched to teaching elementary art in the public schools. She dedicated the art of painting on silk and pursued this as a side career to teaching school. She moved to Las Cruces in 2013 and soon traded painting on silk with creating ceramics on the potter’s wheel.
Deming Art Center
100 S. Gold St., Deming
Call for Artists: The annual Quilt Show at the Deming Art Center is open to the public this year. It is a juried show so all entries must be submitted to the Deming Art Center by Feb. 15. Photos of display pieces may be submitted to the DAC along with your name, phone number and size of each piece. Up to three pieces per entrant will be allowed- two of the three must be for sale. Large quilts will be limited to one per entrant as wall space is limited. The other two pieces must be small quilts or wall hangings. Information may also be submitted by email to – www.demingarts@hotmail.com or you may bring photos and information to the art center. For more information, please call 575-546-3663.
Mesilla Valley Film Society
Fountain Theatre
mvfs.office@gmail.com
For tickets and showtimes, visit the Mesilla Valley Film Society website http://mesillavalleyfilm.org
January 2026 Film Lineup
Jan. 2–8
The Secret Agent
Amid Brazil’s military dictatorship of the 1970s, a scientist on the run seeks refuge in his hometown, hoping to reunite with his son. Winner of Best Director and Best Actor at Cannes.
Jan. 4–6
You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine
A star‑studded tribute to the legendary songwriter, filmed in October 2022 at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium.
Jan. 9–15
Nuremberg
As the Nuremberg trials begin, a U.S. Army psychiatrist (Rami Malek) faces a tense psychological showdown with accused Nazi war criminal Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe).
Jan. 16–22
Mother Father Sister Brother
Jim Jarmusch explores the awkwardness and intimacy of family ties in three slyly comic vignettes set in the U.S., Dublin, and Paris. Starring Adam Driver, Vicky Krieps, Cate Blanchett, Tom Waits, Charlotte Rampling, and Indya Moore.
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m.
Cult Cinema Club - Dementia (1955)
A narrator guides viewers through the horrors of an unstable mind as a young woman (Adrienne Barrett) endures a nightmarish journey through skid‑row streets.
Jan. 23–29
Resurrection
In a future where humanity has traded dreams for immortality, an outcast (Jackson Yee) discovers illusion, visions, and beauty in a world of his own making.
Thursday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. (matinee only; no evening show).
Western Institute for Lifelong Learning
The Auditorium in the Besse-Forward Global Resource Center on the Western New Mexico University campus (the corner of 12th and Kentucky Streets)
Jan. 21, noon-1 p.m.
We’d been in Silver a few months when I first heard about it. Someone said something about Manzanita Ridge adding “you know the place where they found the de Kooning…” “What are you talking about?” I asked. “You don’t know about the stolen painting that was found here in Silver? Why it was the biggest thing to happen here since Billy the Kid!” No, I hadn’t heard about it. “Watch The Thief Collector. You’ll be gob-smacked!” We were.
Come hear David Van Auker, owner of Manzanita Ridge, tell the story… how they found the paintings, what happened when they realized what they had, how the movie came about, what the movie left out, and how this experience changed his life. He promises to answer all the questions that the movie raises and tell us about what has happened since (spoiler alert more stolen art was recovered).
WILL Lunch & Learn events are free to the public.
NOTE: The Thief Collector is currently streaming on a variety of services including Prime, AppleTV, Hoopla, Kanopy, Roku and Tubi. David encourages everyone to watch the movie beforehand.
