The Sierra County Arts Council (SCAC) has a lot going on in the coming months. In addition to the regular activities originated by the Arts Council – events supporting local galleries and area artists, the SCAC will be working with various other organizations and sponsors in promoting art-related events.
SCAC ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP PARTY
Early each year the SCAC hosts its annual membership party. The event is open to all members and anyone wanting to join. This year’s party is scheduled for Saturday February 3rd at Grapes Gallery (407-409 Main St. in Truth or Consequences).
The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with live music, great food and drink, and mingling with old friends or making new ones. It’s a great time to renew your membership or join the SCAC if you’re not already a member. No reservation required — just show up and renew or join.
Mark your calendar and save the date.
ANNUAL MEMBER-CREATED-ART FUNDRAISER
This year’s theme for the annual fundraiser is Tick! Tock! — The white rabbit says “Don’t Be Late!” More specifically, the focus of the Arts Council’s 2024 fundraiser is Clocks, Watches and Sundials. Local artists are invited to have fun decorating a timepiece and come to the silent auction party at Rio Bravo on April 20th. Previous fundraisers include last year’s “Birdie Affair” — artistic bird house, bird feeders, and bird baths; and “Mannequin Mayhem” — artistically modified mannequins — which generated a lot of interest while providing revenue.
So don’t be late for a very important date — March 24th, 2024. That’s the deadline for applications to enter. There’s no entry fee but the number of entrants is limited to 60 pieces. Download an application and guidelines sheet here.
ARTISTS DIRECTORY
Every year the SCAC puts out its “Artists Directory.” Last year’s issue — marking the 20th directory produced — was the largest yet, with more than 130 pages. In addition to listing the galleries and promoting a variety of artists, the directory provides information to both visitors and locals on where to dine, soak, or visit. Each issue also contains articles related to the art produced by our growing population of talented artists.
If you are interested in promoting your business — or yourself — to visitors and locals alike, the deadline for reserving space in the 2024 edition is March 1, 2024. The directory accepts advertising in 11 categories: Artists * Art Locations * Performance Arts * Healing Arts * Art Services * Arts Organizations * Hot Springs, Lodges and Spas * Artful Eateries & Bars * Artful Adventures * Authors & Media * and Dispensaries.
The Directory also invites advertisers to submit artwork for consideration for use on the front cover. The current cover features an oil painting of Elephant Butte Dam, Turtleback Mountain, and a yucca plant in bloom by local artist Bryan Steward titled “Sierra Scenes.”
Application forms for reserving advertising space or submitting art for cover consideration can be had by contacting Rebecca Speakes at the SCAC at 575-740-7440 (call or text) or email her at either rspeakes@valornet.com or scacnewmexico@gmail.com .
UPDATED GALLERIES BROCHURE
The SCAC is about to reprint an updated version of “The Galleries of TorC” brochure, which lists more than two dozen businesses for visitors and locals to find original artwork. And the vast majority of that art is created right here in Sierra County.
The new brochure cover will feature a piece of art by noted local artist Delmas Howe that’s emblematic of his beautiful work. Inside is a map detailing the 25 locations in TorC for purchasing original and locally-made art.
The brochures will be distributed through visitor centers, galleries, and various business establishments throughout the area. You can expect to see them around town sometime in the first quarter of this coming year.
ANNUAL STUDENT ART SHOW
This spring will also mark another year that SCAC will be partnering with The Center Gallery Fine Art to host the Third Annual Sierra County Student Art Show. Last year — thanks to sponsors — $4,000 in scholarships were awarded.
The show is held at the Ralph Edwards Auditorium at the Civic Center. The 2024 show takes place on April 19th and 20th. A panel of judges will select the winning entrants from the submission of student-artists (62 artists last year). All participating artists receive a free Tiger-Art T-shirt — even if their work is not displayed.
Neither the SCAC nor The Center Gallery Fine Art collected any commission for artwork sold by students during the event and student participation was cost free. This year’s show could use your support again to help with the cost of scholarships, expenses and prizes.
A dedicated “The Sierra County Student Art Show Fund” account has been set up at Citizens Bank where you can make tax-deductible donations.
For additional information contact The Center Gallery Fine Art at 505-428-8418. Or email connect@TheCenterGallery.com
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE:
Studio Tours
Beginning in the fall of 2024 studio tours will be offered to the public featuring a number of local artists in a variety of media.
Social media
The SCAC is very active on social media. In addition to an extensive website that details all of the organization’s activities and provides members an outlet to market their artwork, there are always posts on Facebook and Instagram to keep our members and the public informed.
Announcements
Those who choose to be on the SCAC “Announcements” list will receive email notices of all upcoming events including times and activities for galleries, art hops, or special events and presentations.
Art Talks Lectures
The SCAC also presents a regular schedule of Art Talks Lectures featuring local artists sharing their expertise related to their artistic specialization. Each winter there are five or six lectures scheduled.
Local events
Not all art activities in this town are initiated by the SCAC. When individuals or businesses want to hold an event, the SCAC often assists. It supports, helps organize, and promotes a variety of artistic events in various ways — often through financial or active support and resources. These range from performances hosted by Glamp Camp to Pickamania in Kingston.
This is just a partial list of the activities SCAC provides our community. As you can imagine, all of this work takes money and that’s where your membership in SCAC or advertising support in the annual Artists Directory helps. If you want to be a part of TorC’s vibrant art community, contact the Sierra County Arts Council. Or take in an Art Talk Lecture or bid in the upcoming Tick-Tock silent auction. Support in any form is always welcome.
For more information contact the arts council at 575-740-7440 (call or text) or email SCAC at either rspeakes@valornet.com or scacnewmexico@gmail.com
Full disclosure: the author is a member of the Board of Directors of the Sierra County Arts Council.
This article was prepared with the additional help of SCAC board member Rebecca Speakes.