Archive for January, 2009

“Crescendo,†an exhibit of collaborative artwork by sisters Dana Lynn Kleinman and Ruth Avra Kleinman, also known as KX2, opens Friday, February 6 at the Las Cruces Museum of Art.  Please join us for the opening reception as part of the First Friday Ramble from 5-7pm.  This exhibit will be on display through Saturday, April 4.

Ruth Kleinman studied metal and jewelry at the University of Wisconsin, while Dana Kleinman studied painting at Carnegie Mellon and the University of New Mexico.  Together they create mixed media works with aluminum and painted raw canvas.  “Each work involves a sense of rhythm and mathematics.  Not only does this reflect nature in its patterns, but it also ties us together as sisters,†say the artists. KX2 has exhibited internationally, including a recent show in Beijing, China.

http://museums.las-cruces.orgAll exhibits and receptions at the Museum of Art, located at 491 N. Main St. in the downtown mall, are accessible and free to the public.  For more information about exhibits and Studio Programs art classes, please call 575-541-2137 or visit the website

Acclaimed local artist Stephen Hansen presents a retrospective of his work entitled “Now and Then†at the Las Cruces Museum of Art, opening Friday, February 6.  Please join the artist for an opening reception as part of the First Friday Ramble from 5-7 pm.  The exhibition will be on display until Saturday, April 4.

“Now and Then†includes works in a variety of media, such as whimsical papier-mâché sculptures, prints, and jewelry.  The pieces on display range from recent creations to artworks created in the past two decades.  A self-taught artist, Hansen’s work is represented in collections worldwide, including the Smithsonian Institute and the U.S. Embassy in Rome.

http://museums.las-cruces.orgAll exhibits and receptions at the Museum of Art, located at 491 N. Main St. in the downtown mall, are accessible and free to the public.  For more information about exhibits and Studio Programs art classes, please call 575-541-2137 or visit the website

The New Mexico Tourism Department is developing a new division within the Department dedicated to helping develop the state as a leader and visionary of eco-conscience travel in the United States.

The mission of the new division, led by Deputy Secretary Jen Hoffman, is to brand, market and develop the state as a leading ecotourism destina­tion, allowing it to be a major play­er in the fastest growing market in the tourism industry.

“Ecotourism is a nature-based form of specialty travel defined as ‘responsible travel’ to natural areas that conserves the environ­ment and improves the well-being of the local community,†Hoffman said. “New Mexico is a natu­ral stage for ecotourism with its grand vistas, vibrant cultures and beautiful wilderness areas.â€

Hoffman said ecotourism offers an authentic and engaging experi­ence to travelers who want an off-the-beaten path adventure that connects them with natural beau­ty and indigenous traditions. For many travelers, it provides a rewarding, hands-on opportunity to give-back to local communities.

“It is our vision that the State of New Mexico be a premier model and destination for ecotourism and conservation initiatives,†Hoffman added.

For more information contact Deputy Secretary Jen Hoffman, jennifer.hoffman@state.nm.us or 505-827-6674