Otero Arts Thrives This Summer with Author Readings, Art Exhibitions, Workshops and Community Fun Despite Federal Funding Cuts

ALAMOGORDO — Otero Arts is kicking off a vibrant June and July 2026 season at the Otero Artspace, proving that local support can keep arts programming strong even after federal cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts threatened grant funding through New Mexico Arts.

“Thanks to generous local partners like Thrive of Southern New Mexico, the OC Electric Co-op, Creative West, the Sacramento Foundation, plus members and patrons, Otero Arts continues to deliver monthly lectures, movies, theater, free workshops, exhibitions and concerts,” the organization announced in its latest newsletter. “We are building up our programs and enriching our communities.”

June Highlights at Otero Artspace (1118 Indiana Ave. & 12th St.)

The month opens with a First Thursdays Meet & Greet on June 4 from 10–11:30 a.m., featuring artist Maria Aragon demonstrating “Mini Mural Painting.” Coffee, conversation and community are on the house.

Pablo Vesey, a professional artist with over 50 years of experience who has painted large murals for the Classic Desert Aire Hotel on White Sands and is currently designing one for the Alameda Park Zoo, returns with a solo exhibition of beautiful Southwest paintings. The open reception is Thursday, June 5, 5–7 p.m., with the show continuing Thursdays through Sundays, 1–4 p.m., through June 28.

Adult Journal Jam sessions run Saturdays, June 6–20 (note: June 13 is 3–5 p.m.) from 2–4 p.m. at the Artspace. Contact Shari at 575-442-1676 to enroll.

Free art workshops (funded by Thrive!) include:

• June 10, 5–7 p.m. — Adult Bonus Workshop: “One Page Wonder” paper crafts with Shari Adkisson.

• June 13 — All Ages Mini-Mural Painting with Maria Aragon (Kids 10 a.m.–noon; Adults 1–3 p.m.). Reserve at mariaaragon64@gmail.com or oteroarts.org.

Belly dance classes begin Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. starting June 4; contact Claudia Powell at claudia@tularosa.net.

Don’t miss the movie night: “Frida: the Making of an Icon” on Wednesday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m. — a free event celebrating Frida Kahlo (donations appreciated).

The big literary event is Tuesday, June 17, at 6 p.m., when bestselling author Anne Hillerman appears at the Artspace. The daughter of legendary mystery writer Tony Hillerman, Anne continued the Leaphorn & Chee series and is also an executive producer of the AMC series Dark Winds. She will read and discuss her work; the event is open to the public.

The month culminates with the popular Ice Cream Social & Silent Auction on Saturday, June 28, 3–5 p.m. Tickets are $2 per person or $5 for a family. Enjoy Albertsons ice cream with Caliches toppings plus a silent auction featuring jewelry, collectibles, baked desserts and Santa Fe Opera tickets. Proceeds support Otero Arts programs. Donate items or volunteer by contacting Pennie Espiritu at pennie@lespirit-design.com.

July Events Keep the Momentum Going

First Thursdays on July 2 (10–11:30 a.m.) features Pennie Espiritu demonstrating “String Art.” Belly dance classes continue Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.

A free All-Ages String Art Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, July 11 (Kids 10 a.m.–noon; Adults 1–3 p.m.) with Pennie Espiritu.

The July Small Works Exhibition opens with a reception on First Friday, July 3, 5–7 p.m. Original artwork in all media (no larger than 12” x 12”) will be on view Thursdays–Sundays, 1–4 p.m., beginning July 5. The gallery will be closed July 4.

The Jornada Research Institute (JRI) monthly lecture returns on Tuesday, July 21, at 6 p.m. (topic to be announced).

The Otero Arts Board meets July 14 at 1:30 p.m. (all members welcome), and the organization’s Annual Meeting is set for August 12 — a chance to elect officers, hear reports and share ideas.

“Otero Arts is so pleased to announce our latest author, Anne Hillerman… She has given us a great gift coming to Otero Arts,” the newsletter states. “The stories we tell ourselves shape our lives and our futures.”

The historic Artspace is also available for private and public rentals; contact 575-446-3880 or oteroarts.org for details. Ongoing programs include monthly free all-ages workshops, movies, Rebel Music Theater performances, and the popular veterans’ arts showcase.

For the full calendar, tickets, workshop sign-ups and membership information, visit oteroarts.org or follow Otero Arts on Facebook. With 154 members and growing community backing, Otero Arts is proving that local arts organizations are more important than ever. Mark your calendars — summer in Alamogordo just got a lot more creative!

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