Artisan Market hits Alma d’arte

Artists from New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and Mexico are expected at the 4^th Annual Artisan Market scheduled for Friday, Oct. 13, through Sunday, Oct. 15 at the Alma d’arte Charter High School Performing Arts Auditorium at 402 W. Court Ave.

The Market, presented by Bellas Artes y Cultura  (BAyC) in partnership with Alma d’arte, will bring together artists from diverse cultures to display and market their products.

Erlinda Portillo, President of Bellas Artes y Cultura said, “This partnership is a win/win opportunity for Bellas Artes and Alma d’arte in that the facility lends itself to accommodate an inside venue regardless of the weather. In addition, we are excited that students at the school have an opportunity to assist with the logistics of the event, set up a school booth to exhibit and sell their art pieces, and interact with older and more seasoned artists to expand their horizons in the arts.” 

The two-day market will run Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and and Sunday, Oct. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Friday, Oct. 13, the public is invited to a meet-and-greet artist welcome reception and silent auction of artwork donated by the participating artists. On Saturday morning, an opening ceremony for the market will take place at 9 a.m.  Entertainment will be presented throughout the two-day market with local and area musicians and dance groups.

Dr. Adam Amador, chief academic officer at Alma d’arte expressed his excitement about the partnership with Bellas Artes Y Cultura. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and Alma d’Arte Learning Community,” Amador said. “Bellas Artes y Cultura provides our students a platform to showcase their work to the featured artists, the Las Cruces community and beyond. I am excited for what is to come for our Alma d’Arte learning community.”

The Market offers an opportunity for artisans from Las Cruces and Doña Ana County, throughout New Mexico and neighboring states of Arizona, Texas and Mexico to participate. Categories identified in the registration brochure include, but are not limited to: Straw Applique, Ceramics/Pottery, Fiber/Textiles, Jewelry/Precious, Glass Art, Basketry, Metal Work, Sculpture, Retablos, Woodworking, Oil/Acrylic Paintings, Non-precious jewelry, Furniture, and Indian/Native American Jewelry.

Featured artist in this year’s market is Jerry Montoya, New Mexico santero artist in traditional and contemporary art for over 40 years. Montoya specializes in repujado tin work, silver jewelry, retablos and bultos that reflect his love of culture and spirituality. His award-winning work can be found in the collections of many museums, churches, and among private collectors. His art has also been featured in numerous books and publications. Montoya will hold demonstrations of his techniques in producing his art products throughout the two-day event.

Among the participating artists will be Jason Younis and Juan Lopez, well-known and popular Spanish Colonial artists from New Mexico; local airbrush artist Luis Navarro, whose work covers a spectrum of artwork on canvas, clothing, cars, motorcycles and much more;  Peter Van Tongeren, whose metal work creates dazzling lights and luminaries; and others.

There is no admission fee to the event and food trucks will be available for the public to enjoy a taste of Las Cruces.

BAyC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to extend the knowledge and understanding of all cultures across borders through the advancement of fine arts and education; and to support the efforts of charitable organizations associated with these goals.  In addition, BAyC advocates for cultural diversity and global awareness to increase the value of culturally diverse communities through traditional fine arts programs.

Visit www.bayclc.org.