Spotlight: Native Voices
This month, the Albuquerque Public Art Program’s Gallery One and Art Off the Rails presents Native Voices: Celebrating Native Artistry, a multidisciplinary exhibition featuring photography, painting, film, sculpture, and textiles from 22 Native artists from New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Montana. These artists include Gloria Abieta, Brandon Barela, Elizabeth Brock, Hiro Cash, Roland Cheresposy, Brian Taafe Cordova, Jared DeCelles, Rhiannon Dee, Amanda Erickson, Rachel Espinoza, Craig George, Camryn Growing Thunder, Karma Henry, Tino Jojola, Charles Montoya, Marcus Moquino, Dal’Suhu Not-Afraid, Juniper Rose, Michael Ullibari (Hidden Doors), Cameron Ward, Cherille Williams, and Jacquelyn Yepa. Native Voices “offers an intentional and evolving portrayal of Native artistry rooted in resilience, sovereignty, and lived experience.”
“As a curator,” says Cameron Ward, “I invite audiences to experience not only the depth and vibrancy of Native art, but also the ongoing creativity of artists who are building and sharing their work beyond the reservation. This exhibition highlights evolving stories of Indigenous people across the United States, fostering new connections while honoring our roots and the lands we call home.”
On Sunday, April 12, the exhibition will extend to the Albuquerque Museum’s auditorium with a screening and post-film discussion of She Cried That Day, directed by Amanda Erickson. The documentary highlights the experience of one family’s journey when one of their own becomes part of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) crisis. The event starts at 1:00 PM, and tickets can be purchased through the film’s website.
Native Voices: Celebrating Native Artistry will be on view through May 8. Gallery One is located on the first floor of City Hall at 1 Civic Plaza NW. Hours are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday.
5 Things To Do in April
Welcome Back Our Dinos!
The Natural History Museum reopens after months of remodeling on Saturday, April 4, with a grand celebration from 10 AM until 5 PM. Tickets are available on a timed schedule, and though tickets will be the usual price (starting at $5, and children 2 and under are free), the price will include free entry to shows at the Verus Research Dynatheater and Planetarium. Special entertainment and food trucks will be on hand, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick things off. Find the museum at 1801 Mountain Road NW; check out the website for hours and other details or call (505) 841-2800.
Roll Around
Cars, trains, bikes—oh my! The Route 66 Roads & Rails Festival cruises into town on April 18 and 19 at the Albuquerque Rail Yards, hosted by the adjacent Wheels Museum. From 10 AM to 4 PM each day, learn about the history of transportation as it relates to the Mother Road through talks, exhibits, live music, community meetups, local vendors, and more. Visitors will also have opportunities to explore Albuquerque through walking, biking, and trolley tours. This event is free—as is entry to the Wheels Museum—though donations are welcome to help keep the efforts of the museum going. You can also register for the event ahead of time.
Take a Deep Breath...
…you’ll need it to blow out more than 300 candles! Celebrate Albuquerque’s 320th birthday in Old Town with food and live performances on the gazebo from Baila! Baila! Ballet Folklorico, Mariachi Xochitl, Severo y Group Fuego, and others. This party goes from noon until 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 18, and kids can get free face painting and climb a 25-foot rock wall. Commemorative birthday cookies will be available from Flying Roadrunner Bakery, and attendees can find free parking at the Albuquerque Museum. CABQ’s Animal Welfare department will also feature pets available for adoption. This event is free!
Gather for a Significant Goodbye
Since 1983, the Gathering of the Nations has brought together thousands of people representing Native tribes from across North America here in Albuquerque in celebration of Indigenous culture. The final GON will take place at EXPO NM on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, featuring dance, music, food, a market, a horse parade, and other events honoring more than 3,000 tribes. The market will have more than 400 vendors, and Saturday will include a special outgoing ceremony to say goodbye to the current—and final—Miss Indian World, Dania Wahwahsuck. Buy tickets for the whole weekend or for a single day; single-day general admission tickets are $25. Full ticket and event information, along with merchandise to commemorate the end of this historical weekend, is available on the Gathering of Nations website.
Don't Lie
This month, New Mexico Young Actors presents “Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Junior” at the KiMo Theatre, showcasing stage talent from Albuquerque youths aged 9 to 19. A musical directed by Rachel Ribeiro, the play also features choreography by Michelle Eiland and musical direction by Carlos Baca and includes the classic song “When You Wish Upon a Star” performed with help from a live band! Public performances will be Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 PM both days; tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under.
