“Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley” Opens at Branigan Cultural Center

The Branigan Cultural Center is opening a new exhibit, “Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley,” which will showcase a diverse collection of sculptures and nature journaling pages created by 14 local artists, on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.

The exhibit’s opening reception and awards ceremony will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at the Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main St. Guests will have the opportunity to meet featured artists and attend an artist talk by instructor Brian Fallstead, titled “The Value of Observation in Wildlife Sculpture” at 6 p.m. that evening.

The wildlife exhibit will be on display Feb. 7 through May 24, 2025.

Even in a rapidly growing city like Las Cruces, wildlife remains an integral part of the environment. “Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley” highlights the species that inhabit the region from the rarely seen kangaroo rat and mountain lion to more familiar creatures such as coyotes and desert cottontails. The exhibit reminds us of the delicate balance between nature and urban growth.

This exhibit, featuring 58 works of art created by 14 artists, includes intricate sculptures and detailed nature journaling pages showing 32 native species. Nature journaling is the practice of recording observations of nature with words, pictures and numbers. Informational panels accompanying the pieces explore the ecological roles of these animals and ways our society can coexist with them.

“Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley” not only showcases the artistry of our region but also inspires a deeper connection to the wildlife that makes the Mesilla Valley such a remarkable place. The works on display will inspire visitors to take a closer look at the wildlife around them and to discover the unexpected abundance of life to be found in our desert environment.

Artists featured in the exhibit include sculptors Brian Fallstead, Rosario Jeremias, Pat Grace, Martha Roditti and Rejina Christopher along with members of the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society Nature Journal Club: Cheryl Fallstead, Ellen Jaffe Castello, Kay Gross, Rusty Hendley, Yvette Hinojosa, Ann McPhee, Julia Osgood, Donna Popky and Rebecca Rousseau.

The Branigan Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays. There is no admission charge.

The museum is accessible from Roadrunner Transit Route 1 Stop 1.

For more information, visit the Las Cruces Museum website or call (575) 541-2154, TTY 711.