Otero Arts Announces Dynamic Lineup of Exhibitions, Performances, and Creative Workshops for August and September

August Exhibitions and Visual Arts

Sue Nichols Retrospective Opens with Reception

The month kicks off with “The Light of La Luz,” a major exhibition of paintings and stained glass by New Mexico artist Sue Nichols. The opening reception is set for August 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Artspace.

The exhibition gathers 33 works in oil, watercolor, and stained glass, representing a career spent studying a single corner of the landscape near La Luz. Nichols, born in Carlsbad and raised in Alamogordo, was working at the Ruidoso Downs racetrack when she met her high school sweetheart and moved to his family’s orchard ranch in the Sacramento Mountains. Her work reflects this deep connection to the region.

The exhibition ranges widely while maintaining a cohesive vision. Paintings exploring working landscapes—including “Way of Life” and “Hell or High Water”—share gallery space with wildlife studies, still life drawings from her home and gardens, and figurative work capturing ordinary people in unguarded moments. The exhibition runs through August 29 and is open to the public Thursdays through Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m

Hands-On Art Workshops

Rock Painting for All Ages

On August 8, Otero Arts offers free rock painting classes for all ages, funded by Thrive! of Southern New Mexico. The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to noon for children ages 6 to 16, and 1 to 3 p.m. for adults 16 and older. Maria Aragon will lead participants in creating colorful painted rocks. Registration is available through www.oteroarts.org or by contacting mariaaragon64@gmail.com.

Photography Printing Workshop with Professional Instruction

On August 17, Ron Kellar, Assistant Professor of Photography at New Mexico State University, will lead a special photography printing workshop sponsored by Center Santa Fe. The workshop runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and will teach participants professional printing techniques using Epson printers. For more information, contact Amber@centersantafe.org.

Film, Lectures, and Community Events

Free Film Screening: “Dean Spanley”

On Friday, August 21, Otero Arts presents a free screening of the English comedy-drama “Dean Spanley” at 5:30 p.m. The film, starring Peter O’Toole and Jeremy North, explores the relationship between a father and son as they reconcile with the help of an extraordinary go-between following the family’s loss of a younger son and mother. The film weaves in themes of loss, healing, and unexpected connections. While free, donations are appreciated.

Archaeological Lecture: Tularosa Canyon Settlement Patterns

On August 18 at 6 p.m., archaeologist Dave Greenwald, President of the Jornada Research Institute (JRI), will present a lecture on settlement and land-use patterns in Tularosa Canyon during the Mesilla Phase (AD 250-1030). Greenwald has been conducting cultural resource management projects in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and west Texas for over 50 years. His 18 years of investigations in the Tularosa area have led to the founding of JRI. The lecture is part of Otero Arts’ partnership with JRI and is free to attend.

September Exhibitions and Performances

Plein Air Painting Exhibition and Reception

September opens with a major group exhibition of landscape paintings. The opening reception is September 4 from 5 to 7 p.m., and the exhibition runs through September 26, open Thursdays through Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

“Plein air painting” is a portrait of the landscape in natural light, a genre developed in the 1800s when painters left their dark studios to paint outdoors. Several Otero Arts members have been meeting weekly to paint landscapes in oil, watercolor, pastel, and gouache on location throughout Alamogordo and neighboring towns.

Featured works include “A Welcoming” by Ann Aleshire, “Cottonwood Vista White Sands” by Janet Amtmann, “Abandoned in Bent” by Julie Ford Oliver, and “The Town Pool” by Deirdre Kindthistle. The exhibition remains open to plein air painters in Southern New Mexico. Artists interested in submitting work should visit oteroarts.org for an application. The deadline for submissions is August 20.

Samuel Pollack Concert

On September 18 at 7 p.m., musician Samuel Pollack returns to the Artspace for a concert. Pollack, an Alamogordo native, is a traveling professional musician who has spent over 15 years collecting and mastering rare wind instruments. His repertoire is designed to promote relaxation and healing. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at oteroarts.org.

“Childhood Remembered” Vocal Recital

Later in September, Otero Arts will host a vocal recital titled “Childhood Remembered” featuring Ann Bagby and Holly Boyle. Details on the specific date are available at oteroarts.org.

September Workshops and Classes

Air Dry Clay Plaque Faces Workshop

On September 12, the second all-ages workshop features air dry clay plaque faces, taught by Maria Aragon. Classes run from 10 a.m. to noon for children ages 6 to 15, and 1 to 3 p.m. for adults 16 and older. Registration is through mariaaragon64@gmail.com or www.oteroarts.org.

Bonus Watercolor Still Life Workshop

On September 13 from 1 to 3 p.m., Janet Amtmann leads a watercolor still life workshop. Participants will learn to choose objects, design the layout, create drawings, and apply watercolor techniques. Contact mariaaragon64@gmail.com to register.

“Desert Reflections & Your Creative Spark” Photography Workshop

On September 26 from 1 to 4 p.m., speaker Leslee Ames-Rogers leads an interactive workshop combining neuroscience with vibrant local artistry. Participants will discover how desert landscapes can unlock creativity and enhance brain health and productivity. The event features free admission with encouraged registration. Call 843-224-5423 to register.

Ongoing Programming

First Thursdays Meet and Greet

On the first Thursday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Otero Arts hosts informal coffee gatherings featuring community conversation and artist demonstrations. These sessions typically include presentations by featured artists lasting about 20 minutes. Artists and creative makers interested in being featured presenters should contact Ann Beacht at rbeacht@aol.com.

Belly Dance Classes

Ongoing belly dance classes are held every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., led by Claudia Powell. Contact claudia@tularosa.net for details.

Monthly Kids and Adults Free Workshops

Free workshops are held the second Saturday of each month for all ages.

The Artspace Rental and Ongoing Events

The historic, beautifully restored Otero Artspace at Indiana Avenue and 12th Street is available for rent for private and public events. Currently, the space hosts several regular community programs, including a writers group (Monday nights), poetry group meetings (twice monthly), and belly dance classes (Thursday evenings). For rental rates and availability, call 575-446-3880 or visit oteroarts.org.

How to Get Involved

Otero Arts invites community members to participate in these programs, volunteer as workshop leaders, or help support the organization’s mission. All events are designed to be accessible, welcoming, and enriching for people of all ages and abilities. For more information about any event, visit www.oteroarts.org or contact the Artspace at 575-446-3880.

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