Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery features Linda Hagen, Hetty Smith in April

The Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery (MVFG), 2470-A Calle de Guadalupe, across from the Fountain Theatre on the historic Mesilla Plaza, will feature two local artists in April: Linda Hagen and Hetty Smith.

Linda Hagen, who paints in oils, moved to Las Cruces from Ohio in 2004, MVFG said.

“Hagen instantly connected to the light and landscape of New Mexico,” the gallery said. “She paints in her studio as well as plein air, a French expression which refers to the act of painting outdoors. She enjoys the challenges of painting light, depth and color, especially at the Mesilla Valley farmland she calls home. Her love of nature and animals is reflected in her work, but she holds a special regard for the horse.”

Smith’s love for stained glass started a long time ago while growing up in Holland, MVFG said.

“Beautiful homes, apartments and churches in Europe were decorated with unique stained glass in the windows, which inspired her creativity. She attended classes at Doña Ana Community College, and this is how she developed her passion. She also used her knowledge as a dressmaker to design and color her selections.”

MVAG’s 30 featured artists offer original art in various media, including oil, acrylics, pastels, watercolor, fused glass art jewelry, woodturnings, stained glass, photography, ceramics, mixed media, decorated gourds, textile weavings, art tile, fiber art, natural gemstone jewelry, fused glass, colored pencil, charcoal, pen and ink drawings, prints, cards and miniature paintings.

First American Bank, 1553 Avenida de Mesilla, features the work of many of the gallery’s artists.

MVAG is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

Call 575-522-2933. Visit www.mesillavalleyfinearts.com.