Opening: Warhol & Pop Art February 5, 2010

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is proud to present their new exhibition, "Warhol & Pop Art," on display Friday, February 5 through Saturday, April 3. The exhibition features over twenty pieces by Andy Warhol and several from his well-known Pop Art contemporaries, including Robert Rauschenberg, Jim Dine, and Roy Lichtenstein. Organized by the Las Cruces Museum of Art, "Warhol & Pop Art" includes art work from the New Mexico State University Art Gallery's permanent collection, as well as works belonging to a private collector, some of which have never been publicly displayed. The opening reception is from 5-7 PM on Friday, February 5 and will include a musical performance by local sensation Cella Bella and a screening of an excerpt from the Andy Warhol film Empire.

Recognized as one of the most important artists of the last century, Andy Warhol created a body of work that transformed and revolutionized our understanding of art. Blurring the boundaries between art and popular culture, his now iconic work has influenced generations of artists and continues to resonate with audiences today. Classic Warhol images, such as Marylin Monroe and Campbell's Soup Cans, are on display.

Also included in the exhibition are photos of Warhol's New York studio, the Factory. These original photographs were taken by in-house photographer Billy Name, a member of Warhol's entourage and frequent collaborator.

The film Empire was directed by Andy Warhol in 1964. This silent, black and white movie shows continuous footage (beginning at sunset) of the Empire State Building in New York City.

Funded by the City of Las Cruces, the Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main Street, at the north end of the downtown mall. Exhibits are accessible and free of charge. For information, call (575) 541-2137 or visit the website www.museums.las-cruces.org .