Museum Purchase Awards, sponsored by the Foundation for Las Cruces Museums, were announced during the opening reception for From the Ground Up XXVI, a juried exhibition of contemporary ceramics at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. The pieces added to the permanent collection are Globe by Las Cruces artist Suzanne Kane, Quadrant Vase by Jonathan Cross, and Guardian Urn by Thomas Perry.
El Paso artist Andres Payan received both Best of Show and People’s Choice Award for his cake-like creations in XXIII. Andi Freespirit received the Aaron Gara Award, an annual award for a member of the Potter’s Guild of Las Cruces, for her work Papillon. Other award winning works were created by artists Dave Roberts, Jose Sierra, Jessica Zekus, Martha Roditti , and Wendy Baldwin.
From the Ground Up XXVI is on display through Saturday, November 9. Upcoming programs include demonstrations by participating artists Rebecca Rands Eisenhower, Danielle Wood, Cally Williams, and Chris Lawrence. Be sure to check the Museum of Art calendar for a complete listing of upcoming programs and activities.
The Museum of Art is funded by the City of Las Cruces and located at 491 N. Main Street next to the Branigan Cultural Center and the Museum of Nature & Science. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Museum is closed Sundays and Mondays. For more information about the exhibition and educational programs, call (575) 541-2137 or visit the website www.las-cruces.org/museums