Alamogordo NM
5-01-2026 5:44am

May is Veteran & Military Month in Alamogordo Otero Arts Launches 4th Annual Veteran Arts Showcase

ALAMOGORDO — Otero Arts invites the community to celebrate May as Veteran & Military Month with the opening of its 4th Annual Veteran Arts Showcase, centered on the theme Empowering Women Veterans Through the Arts.

The showcase opens this evening, Friday, May 1, 2026, at Otero ArtSpace (12th and Indiana) with a special Opening Ceremony & Artist Reception from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Opening Night Highlights – Friday, May 1

• 5:00 p.m. — Formal program begins

• Presentation of Colors by the Alamogordo High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard

• Formal Address by Dr. Lori Arella

• Invited Speakers:

• Kim Melton, professional photographer and Otero Arts Board Member

• Eva Nevarez St. John, author and woman veteran

• Exhibits: Sculpture and framed works by six local women veterans and the powerful Portraits of Military Women project by Kim Melton, dedicated to the memory of Dr. Monica Wilkins, Maj., US Air Force, who passed away recently at age 49 from a service-connected illness.

• Refreshments will be served.

• 6:30 p.m. — Special performance of Act III of the original play 4SUICIDES: Looking for a Place to Happen (focusing on Military Sexual Trauma – MST). Written and directed by local U.S. Army & Air Force veteran Pablo Jasso, the interactive presentation will include audience discussion and education on a suicide prevention model that benefits both veterans and civilians.

Free admission — all are welcome.

Full May Calendar – Veteran Arts Showcase & Related Events

Ongoing Art Exhibition

Veteran Women Arts and Portraits of Military Women

Gallery Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

May 2 through May 30

May 15–17 – Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving

Featured veteran artists/co-presenters: Jenny Pacanowski (Founder) and Corinna Brown (Vice President)

• Thursday, May 15 @ 5:00 p.m. — WVET Empowerment Workshop for Women Veterans / Active Duty (pre-registration required)

• Friday, May 16 @ 4:00 p.m. — WVET Empowerment Workshop for Civilians and Caretakers

• Saturday, May 17

• 11:30 a.m. — Brunch and Empowerment Workshop: A Guide to Releasing the Story with Breath and Intention (open to civilians & veterans)

• 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. — WVET hosts Open Mic for Civilian & Veteran Performers/Speakers

Thursday, May 22 @ 6:30 p.m. — Return performance of 4SUICIDES: Looking for a Place to Happen, Act III: MST

An original, audience-interactive play about military suicide risk and prevention.

Friday, May 30 @ 4:00 p.m. — Drum Circle and Closing Ceremony

Military-connected and civilians of all ages are welcome. Bring your own instruments or use those provided.

American women have served — including in combat roles — in every war since the American Revolution. With an estimated 1,300 women veterans living in Otero County, this month-long series offers the community an opportunity to honor their service, learn from their experiences, and support them through the arts.

All events take place at Otero ArtSpace, 12th and Indiana, Alamogordo, and are free to the public.

For more information or to pre-register for workshops:

Lori Arella, Showcase Chair

drloria@gmail.com | (575) 845-797-3642

Come out tonight and throughout the month to celebrate, remember, and empower our local veterans. This is a powerful opportunity for connection, healing, and community pride. 🇺🇸🎨

Made possible by grants from New Mexico Arts and The Sacramento Mountains Foundation.

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