Events in the area

This time of year brings brings opportunities to visit local venues. Friday night was the Second Annual White Sands National Monument Holiday Open House. The walls of the parking lot area and visitor center buildings were decorated with luminarias.  It was a treat to see luminarias early in the season and these were the real thing, set up and lit by La Luz 4-H mbembers.

Los Guapos provided msic for the evening and a story time was held for children.

The museum book store was open as was the gift shop. On the patio good food and friendly people welcomed the guests. The posole, jerky, pancakes, candy and chips and salsa were samples of some of the food items offered in the gift shop. With the temperatures in the 20s, hot coffee and cider were very much enjoyed by all of us who braved the cold..

Today Chris Turri held his Third Annual Studio Open House.  Chris is a La Luz artist who makes metal sculptures using mostly reclaimed steel and bronze colored by a patina process which provides varying shades of green and blue.  He uses these materials to make art pieces that range from huge outdoor yard sentinels to small 4 inch spirit masks that he individualizes with petroglyph figures and such things as recycled wires and nails for hair. The results are pieces that add a southwest flair and whimsy to walls and outside areas.  Chris's studio was open for viewing and he and his wife Jan warmly welcomed guests into their home for refreshments. (Beautifully and deliciously provided by Virginia Copeland)

JM