Enchanted Gourds Exhibit to Open

The Branigan Cultural Center presents Enchanted Gourds, an exhibition featuring the work of 11 gourd artists living and working in the region. The exhibit opens Friday, March 6th, during the First Friday Downtown Arts Ramble from 5 to 7pm. It will be on display through Saturday, March 28th.

Many of the artists have lived around the country, but now find the Southwest a place of inspiration, creativity, and an abundancy of gourds. Participating artists include Pat Black, Brenda Blackwelder, Joanna Bradley, Karin Bradshaw, Barb DeRungs, Judy Folkman, Sylvia Hendrickson, Karen Phillips, Steph Ross, Wanda Sparks, and Kathe Stark.

Gourd art is an old tradition that has evolved over time. Sylvia Hendrickson sees how the simple gourd can be much more. “The natural gourd, as a starting point, has moved far beyond the old gourd birdhouses our grandmothers made with bottle gourds into a world-wide art form.” These works of art feature faux painting techniques, pyrography, carving, and a variety of adornments that complement the natural gourd.

The Branigan Cultural Center hosts changing cultural exhibits, as well as educational programs, classes, and other special events. It is located at 501 N. Main Street, next to the Museum of Art. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Admission is free. For more information, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at las-cruces.org/museums.