(LAS CRUCES) — As part of the nation-wide celebration of our National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, Las Cruces area tourism, business and conservation organizations on September 1 are launching a month-long celebration of the positive community and economic benefits of the region’s Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks, Prehistoric Trackways and White Sands National Monuments.
Monuments to Main Street Month is a celebration of the events, the protected public lands that surround Las Cruces, and the opportunities that both offer to the residents and visitors to our area.
As one of the many events during the month, The Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument are partnering with local artist Meg Freyermuth to hold the Inaugural Monuments to Main Street Plein Aircompetition, September 7th through the 10th, 2016.
“Like other Plein Air painting competitions, the Inaugural Monuments to Main Street Plein Aircompetition will highlight local artists who paint in locations throughout Doña Ana County, including our three National Monuments, anywhere in town, and on Main Street,” says Green Chamber CEO/President Carrie Hamblen.
Plein Air, according to Freyermuth, originates from style of French impressionism, developed in the 19th century. She says, “The amazing thing about our Plein Air painting competition is that it will take artists outside, actually surrounding them with their subject, and giving them an opportunity to spend significant time in our protected public lands OR throughout our wonderful city.”
Interested artists will be able to register for the Inaugural Monuments to Main Street Plein Aircompetition on September 7th at the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market between 9am and noon. Artists will have three days to paint anywhere in Doña Ana County and White Sands National Monument. Judging of the artwork will take place on Saturday, September 10th at noon at the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market.
Participants are encouraged to be thoughtful when painting in the Monuments and around town. Ben Gabriel, Executive Director of the Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks says, “We are excited to see the images of our community and National Monument through the lens of talented artists. We encourage participants to respect the historical and cultural significance of our National Conservation Lands.”
“These monuments, in addition to several other state parks and recreation areas in our region, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Southern New Mexico and pump millions of dollars into our local economies every year,” said Hamblen. “This month of events is a strong recognition by local businesses that having these protected public lands at our doorstep is a blessing to be promoted and celebrated,” she added.
There is a small fee to participate in the Monuments to Main Street Plein Air Competition. More information about the competition, registration, and fees, go to Locallascruces.com/