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October 30, 2024

CEO | November 2024

Support needed for Roswell Museum’s post-flood recovery Image: Post-flood devastation in the exhibition Here & Near: Surrounding Brilliance in the Roswell Museum’s Patricia Gaylord Anderson Gallery. The Roswell Museum suffered significant flooding and subsequent damage during the City’s historic flooding on October 19 and 20, 2024. Assessment continues of the 51,000-square-foot facility, which includes twelve gallery spaces, a planetarium, classrooms, auditorium and ceramics studio. Recovery will be a multi-year process. Museum staff entered the building on Sunday morning 10/20 to remove key works from the permanent collection and evaluate damage once the 4-6 foot flood waters receded and the electricity was turned off. Due to safety measures taken, staff were unharmed in the disaster. Volunteers arrived Monday morning 10/21 to remove debris and mud from the exterior of the building, allowing for safer entry. The Conservation Center of Chicago, a disaster relief conservation laboratory, also arrived in Roswell on Monday and is working with museum staff to assess damage and begin efforts to stabilize art and artifacts. Multiple state officials toured the devastation on Tuesday 10/22, including Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez, who noted the extreme severity of damages and the museum’s cultural significance. Debra Garcia y Griego, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, came afer governor Michelle Lujan Grisham toured the city. In addition to providing valuable resources and contacts, Garcia y Griego mobilized museum staff statewide. Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives toured the facility with FEMA providing staff members additional national-level resources for advice and guidance when preserving historical elements, including specialists from the Smithsonian. Items in need of specialized treatments include the Robert H. Goddard Rocketry Collection and the Rogers and Mary Ellen Aston Collection of the American West with artifacts dating back to the Spanish Colonial Period. Concurrently, Servpro is providing remediation in cleaning the building of water and silt, reducing humidity levels, and removing compromised flooring, drywall, and furnishings to ensure the safety of the staff and workers and prevent the formation of mold. Founded as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) Federal Art Center in 1935, the museum opened in 1937 and is one of four WPA museums still in operation. The museum serves as a cultural beacon and historical steward with a vast collection of Southwest Art, historical archives and artifacts, the Robert H. Goddard Rocketry Collection, a world-class planetarium, and art education outreach for children and adults. Though the museum is closed until further notice, all efforts are being made to ensure the museum’s continuation as a cherished resource, enhancing learning opportunities in southeastern New Mexico. Museum staff recognize the importance of transparency about the impacts to the beloved institution. Press coverage was delayed to prioritize staff safety and collection security. The museum’s Board of Trustees and the Roswell Museum and Art Center (RMAC) Foundation, along with City, State and National departments and agencies will continue to mobilize support to ensure the longevity of this vital institution. Click here to aid the museum’s recovery by donating to the RMAC Foundation. Media Contact: Caroline Brooks, Director, c.brooks@roswell-nm.gov Public Contact: roswellmuseum.org

October 28, 2024

MIAC | November 2024

Friends of Indian Art held a great program with renown Diné weaver Lynda Teller Pete on Thursday, October 24. The Friends group voted to distribute a portion of their member dues to commission Lynda to create a weaving for MIAC’s permanent collection. This is a wonderful gift to MIAC, as the museum does not currently have a significant weaving by this incredible artist. Lynda is hoping to have the weaving ready within a year and will be documenting her process along the way to compliment the accession. The design will be one of her signature Squash Blossom designs and will be around 2’ x 4’ in size. A big thank you to Friends of Indian Art for continued support for the museum’s collections with meaningful artworks such as this. We are excited to share updates on the Makowa: The Worlds Above Us exhibition set to open in June 2025. John Herrington (Chickasaw), the first Native American Astronaut, will be partnering with MIAC to support the development of the exhibition as well as exhibition education outreach. John is one of many amazing scientists and knowledge-holders working with the museum on this exciting exhibition. We have assembled more information on the exhibition in a digital PDF. Click here to read. We will also be hosting a luncheon at MIAC on November 19 to share more information on this exciting exhibit. Please let me know if you are interested in attending.

October 24, 2024

OAS | November 2024

International Archaeology Day was very successful for the Office of Archaeological Studies. Despite the rainy weather, many adults and children stopped by to learn about archaeology from seventeen different archaeological institutions. There were dozens of activities for all ages, keeping everyone engaged for hours on end. Congratulations to the new OAS educational Coordinator, Ziggy, for organizing such a wonderful event. Executive Director Dr. John Taylor-Montoya is offering tours of the laboratories at the OAS this November. We currently have room for six more people on Monday, November 25 at 2 p.m. We would love to invite trustees to join. The tours are endlessly fascinating and sure to leave you even more proud of the work we support. To join the tour email lauren@museumfoundation.org or call 505.982.2282. You are more than welcome to bring a guest. There is so much happening at the OAS, but one exciting new development is that the Ethnobotany Laboratory now has a Ph.D. student using the collection for their research. The student is studying the land-use practices of 17th and 18th century Spanish colonists. Their research is funded by Boston University and the National Science Foundation. This is one of many more students and researchers the OAS will continue to welcome in the near future. We are still looking for donations to support the development of the archaeomagnetic laboratory. The OAS recently acquired new archaeomagnetic equipment to advance their research. This is an exciting addition to the OAS, – the only repository for archaeomagnetic samples in North America. Call or email Lauren anytime if you would like to set up a special tour of the laboratory or if you would like to donate to support advancing their groundbreaking research initiatives.
Please look for your invitation in your inbox send 10/22/24 for more details: Weekend Glamping Adventure Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve Our campsite Vermejo Lodge Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 30-June 1, 2025 Itinerary Friday, May 30 The weekend begins with your arrival at the Charcoal Kilns campsite. Settle into your glamping accommodations and take some time to unwind—explore the area on a hike or e-bike, or simply relax in a hammock for an afternoon nap. At 5 p.m., join us for cocktail hour, followed by a welcome dinner. The evening will conclude with a fireside chat featuring our Vermejo host, Jason Arrington, and stargazing under the clear night sky. Saturday, May 31 Our adventure-packed day kicks off with a hearty cowboy breakfast, followed by a wildlife tour led by Jason. For lunch, we’ll dine at Vermejo’s restaurant, where Executive Chef Giovanni Lanzante and his talented culinary team will prepare modern American dishes with locally sourced ingredients and bold Southwestern flavors. After lunch, choose between fly fishing or horseback riding, then return to the campsite to relax and refresh before cocktails and dinner. Sunday, June 1 We’ll wrap up our adventure with a big farewell breakfast. For those who wish to extend their Vermejo experience, an optional day of fishing is available for an additional fee. To sign up for this weekend adventure please contact Cara O’Brien at 505.216.0848 or email cara@museumfoundation.org.

October 23, 2024

CIRCLES | November 2024

Places we visited: Florence, 5 days, Verona, 3 days and Venice 5 days. Leonardo di Vinci, Morono glasswork masters, Jeffrey Gibson’s work at the Biennale, and more. Click here to see the full photo album from the Italy Trip! Frescobaldi lunch table one Frescobaldi lunch table 2 Travel to India with us next Membership Level Enrollment Periods: Chairman’s Circle members may enroll beginning on October 22 or any time thereafter National Circle members may enroll beginning on October 29 or any time thereafter Governor’s Circle members may enroll beginning on November 5 or any time thereafter Regents Circle and Circles Explorers may enroll beginning on November 12 or any time thereafter

October 23, 2024

NMMOA | November 2024

November 13, 2024 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Plaza Building Lines are one of the most foundational elements of art and design, and one of the most versatile. Join Curator of Photography, Katherine Ware for an intriguing exploration of how artists have found innovative ways to use line across different mediums in the exhibition Line by Line. Line by Line surveys a century of innovative, energetic, and intriguing approaches to one of art’s most ancient and foundational elements: line. The exhibition, opening in two sections, explores the language of line in work by more than seventy artists working from the 1920s to now. Spanning a range of mediums – including painting, weaving, prints, photography, and sculpture – the art is organized into evocative categories, such as “A Line Alone,” “Land Lines,” and “Unaligned.” Visitors can immerse themselves in the extraordinary variety of linework, from pieces featuring a single line to those with grids, scrawls, stripes, and swirls.

October 23, 2024

MOIFA | November 2024

Weaving Meanings Opens to the Public The spectacular art of telephone wire weaving is the subject of iNgqikithi yokuPhica / Weaving Meanings: Telephone Wire Art from South Africa at the Museum of International Folk Art. The exhibition opens with a private donor celebration dinner on November 14, followed by a First Look for Circles Members and major donors on November 15, and then the Members Pre-View on November 16. Foregrounding artists’ voices, Weaving Meanings shares histories of the medium of wire weaving in South Africa, from the 16th century uses as currency to the dazzling artworks of today. From beer pot lids (izimbenge) to platters and plates, from vessels to sculptural assemblages, works in the exhibition speak to the continued development and significance of this artistic tradition, both locally in KwaZulu-Natal and to global markets and audiences. The first major exhibition of telephone wire art in any North American museum, Weaving Meanings features close to 500 pieces donated by David Arment and Jim Rimelspach, the David Arment Southern African Collection. The exhibition is guest curated by Dr. Elizabeth Perrill in collaboration with community curator and lead Indigenous knowledge expert Muziwandile Gigaba. To view the exhibition trailer, click here. We are grateful to the following for their lead support of this exhibition and related programming: Lead Sponsors David Arment and Jim Rimelspach Courtney and Scott Taylor Bruce and Cynthia Bolene Natalie Fitz-Gerald and Casa Nova Friends of Folk Art Edelma and David Huntley Kelly and Ginger Hardage Joan and Steve Grady International Folk Art Foundation Mary Anne and Bruce Larsen Lewis and Dilworth Family Fund William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation Trisha Wilson, in honor of David Arment Associate Sponsors Gwenn and Eivind Djupedal Susan and Steven Goldstein, M.D. Peggy and Leonard Riggs, in honor of David Arment and Jim Rimelspach Lynn Caldwell Shearer Margo Thoma Supporting Sponsors Lee Bailey JoBeth Cash Charles Lohrmann and Helen Thompson Nance and Ramón José López Marc Olivie and Marleen De Bode, in honor of David Arment Gerald and Janet Reichert Todd Davis and Chris Richter General Sponsors Catherine Campbell Nancy Leib Knuff, in honor of David Arment and Jim Rimelspach Jane Alexander Anne Chognard and James Ammerman JoAnn and Bob Balzer Dan and Laura Boeckman Rosalind Doherty Sally and Tom Dunning Rae Hoffacker and Peter Pappas Robert Holleyman and Bill Keller Sara and Chris Julsrud David Nichols Ellen Premack, Katie and David Rosenthal, in honor of Eli Hauber Jeri and Charles Queenan Claire and James Rhotenberry Barbara and Ted Seeley, in honor of Laura Sullivan Michael Silhol and Ronald Murillo Jo Ann Ward, in honor of Natalie Fitz-Gerald Kim Walter and Neal Manecke Madeleine Wright and Booker Wright, Jr., M.D. An Enduring Spirit: Ukrainian Voices Through Art and Film Still from “Porcelain War,” Owl in Wall. As part of our ongoing programming for Amidst Cries from the Rubble: Art of Loss and Resilience from Ukraine, the Museum, in partnership with the Center for Contemporary Arts, presents a compelling five-part film series that explores the poignant themes presented in the exhibition. This film series offers a cinematic journey through the heart of Ukraine’s struggle, echoing the exhibition’s themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring spirit of human creativity. Each film provides a unique perspective on the lives affected by the ongoing conflict, highlighting personal stories of hope, defiance, and the quest for solace amidst destruction. The series runs Fridays through November and December. Please see website for more information. Support MOIFA Your generosity enables the museum to continue offering these impactful exhibitions and programs. To learn more about giving options, please contact Laura Sullivan at laura@museumfoundation.org or call 505.216.0829. Thank you for your continued support of MOIFA!

October 23, 2024

MEMBERSHIP | November 2024

At the time of writing this blog, we have 10 days to go in October and we need $74,000 in revenue. This is a high goal for us but we are hopeful that our Step-Up mailing will provide the additional revenue support we’re seeking. Also underway are our rejoin and new member campaigns. You may start to see some of our ads promoting membership and gift membership in print and digital media. Speaking of gift memberships, please consider giving the gift of membership this holiday season. For only $100 you’ll give a year of memorable museum experiences at the four state museums in Santa Fe, seven of the eight historic sites statewide and the Office of Archaeological Studies along with 28 other museums in New Mexico and 1,300+ in North America. Visit https://www.museumfoundation.org/gift-membership/ We hosted a Member Morning on October 19 at Coronado Site before the community-wide Fiesta of Cultures. Later this month on Saturday, November 16, we will host a Member Preview for Wired Meanings at the Museum of International Folk Art. I wanted to also let you know about some exciting tech advancements we’ve recently made. The admissions desk teams are now scanning membership cards for entry so we can learn who is visiting our museums and better communicate to members based on their interests. Also new, we’ve installed self-serve member kiosks at the Vladem Contemporary Shop and the New Mexico History Museum Shop. There you can renew, make a gift, submit a customer service inquiry or check your membership status.
A DAF offers a flexible, tax-efficient way to manage your charitable giving. By making a tax-deductible donation to the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, you’ll enjoy benefits like: · An immediate tax deduction. · The ability to avoid capital gains taxes by donating appreciated assets. · Flexibility to decide later which of our four state museums in Santa Fe, eight historic sites statewide, or the Office of Archaeological Studies you’d like to support. · The convenience of managing all your charitable giving in one place. It’s a simple, strategic approach to philanthropy, ensuring your generosity continues to benefit New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come. If you are interested in supporting the Museum of New Mexico Foundation through your DAF, we would be happy to discuss the opportunities available. Thank you for your continued dedication to preserving New Mexico’s history and culture.
The Lynn Godfrey Brown Shop at the Museum of International Folk Art has brought a piece of Africa to New Mexico. The Shop is filled with new telephone wire baskets, shirts, totes and more to celebrate the opening of the exhibition, iNgqikithi yokuPhica / Weaving Meanings: Telephone Wire Art from South Africa. Khethayiphi Ndwandwe. Basket(detail), 2003. Telephone wire and steel wire; hard-wire techniqueKwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. David Arment Southern African Collection, Museum of International FolkArt, FA.2024.12.45 We have a number of telephone wire baskets arriving from South Africa from master weavers Nobuhle Maphumulo, Ntombifuthi Magwasa, and Zodwa Sibiya. In addition to these larger art pieces, we will also have smaller baskets, bowls, coasters, ornaments, and vessels for those looking to bring home a splash of color as well as some statements in black and white. The Shop will also feature some telephone wire jewelry, as well as some beaded necklaces and earrings from Zulu. To complement these beautiful works of art, the Shop will also carry socks from AfroPop, a custom designed t-shirt featuring a basket from Zama Khanyile, and the newly revised edition of Wired: Contemporary Zulu Telephone Wire Baskets. An assortment of these items will also be available online at shopmuseum.org. We hope to see you opening weekend.