January 11, 2021
Las Vegas, N.M. – New Mexico Highlands University presents the New Mexico Churches and Traditions virtual art exhibition in the university’s Ray Drew Gallery.
The virtual exhibition started January 11 and features the artwork of Linda Alaniz, a Highlands University fine arts alumna. The five-minute video of the art exhibition can be viewed online at http://galleries.nmhu.edu/ray-drew-gallery/
“I was born in the small town of Artesia in the southern part of New Mexico,” Alaniz said. “I was drawn to the mountains around Las Vegas and the northern part of this beautiful state. I fell in love with the bountiful skies that are ever-changing, the vast landscapes and historic villages in this area, as well as the people and their traditions.
“My artwork endeavors to reflect the special places within our cultural heritage and the various traditions that have touched my life,” Alaniz said.
Alaniz is a retired art and English teacher from the Wagon Mound Schools north of Las Vegas. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Highlands in 1973 as well as a master’s degree in printmaking from Highlands in 1986.
“As a teacher, I have enjoyed sharing the love of creating art with many students. The process of creating art is a gift and an integral part of our lives,” Alaniz said.
“The pieces Linda Alaniz exhibits use various media from watercolor, pastel, and printmaking to reflect local landscapes and churches within our cultural heritage of Northern New Mexico,” said Karlene Gonzales, Ray Drew Gallery Curator. “Linda is an example of the many talented local artists who are alumni of the Highlands University Fine Arts Department.”
The New Mexico Churches and Traditions virtual art exhibition continues through Feb. 12, 2021. For more information, contact Gonzales via email at karlenemartinez@nmhu.edu