Exhibit: Black/White & Beyond October 2, 2008

“Black/White & Beyond” is the title of a solo exhibition of works by Virginia Maria Romero on display at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces during October. The exhibit opens with an artist reception on Friday, October 3, 2008 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The exhibit will remain on display through Saturday, November 1st.

Born in Sheffield Lake, Ohio, from a young age Romero was artistically inclined, winning local art contests as a youngster. She is a self-taught folk artist of Irish and Polish ancestry. Romero was introduced to the art of retablo painting after observing Hispanic culture when she moved to Santa Fe in the 1980’s.

Romero develops designs beyond traditional formats and expectations. She often uses images that evoke mythology or environmental flora and fauna in her works.

Poems by Keith Wilson, a long time friend of Romero’s and source of inspiration, will be included in the exhibit. Wilson is a Professor Emeritus at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. He has received a number of awards for his poetry including the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts for Literature in 1988, the highest artistic honor in New Mexican letters. Wilson is the author of more than 30 books, which include: Lion’s Gate: Selected Poems 1963-1986, Winds of Pentecost, While Dancing Feet Shatter the Earth, and many more.

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, is located at the north end of the downtown mall. The exhibit is free. Galleries are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about exhibits, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at http://museums.las-cruces.org.

Official Website: http://www.las-cruces.org/public-services/museums/branigan.shtm