Alamogordo, NM – As summer heats up in the Tularosa Basin, Otero Arts Inc. is cooling things down with creativity at the historic Otero Artspace. The organization’s Small Works Exhibition opens this evening with a festive First Friday reception on Friday, July 3, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 1118 Indiana Avenue (corner of 12th and Indiana).

Thirty-five artists have contributed works in oil, watercolor, acrylic, photography, fabric, mixed media, and more. The show celebrates an impressive diversity of subjects—from intimate portraits and sweeping landscapes to bold abstracts and striking ultra-realistic pieces. This curated collection highlights the full spectrum of technique, color, and texture thriving in the borderlands arts scene, making it an accessible and inspiring exhibition for seasoned collectors and first-time gallery visitors alike.

The exhibition will hang through July 25, with the gallery open Thursday through Sunday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

A Full Month of Arts Programming at Otero Artspace

The Small Works opening kicks off a rich July calendar that underscores Otero Arts’ role as Otero County’s premier hub for visual arts, education, literature, and community engagement:

•  Saturday, July 11 – Free workshops for all ages:

•  String Art for children (10:00 AM–12:00 PM) and adults (1:00–3:00 PM)

•  Journal Jam Workshop (3:00–5:00 PM)

•  Friday, July 17 – Otero Arts Reading Seriesfeaturing acclaimed author Anne Hillermanat 6:00 PM (free and open to the public)

•  Monday, July 21 – Jornada Research Institute Archaeology Lecture, 6:00–8:00 PM

The historic Pueblo Revival-style building—originally the Woman’s Club and lovingly restored by the people of Otero County—continues to serve as a dynamic venue for exhibitions, performances, classes, and rentals. Otero Arts remains one of the few organizations in the county offering free art classes for children and adults, fostering creativity across generations.

The Small Works Exhibition and supporting programs are made possible in part by funding from NM Arts, the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

“Events like this bring our community together to celebrate local talent and create meaningful connections through art,” organizers noted. Whether you’re drawn to the visual feast of small-scale masterpieces or eager to participate in hands-on workshops and literary evenings, July at Otero Artspace offers something for everyone.

Plan your visit to the Otero Artspace this First Friday and throughout the month. For the full schedule, applications, or more information, visit oteroarts.org or contact oteroartsinc@gmail.com.

2nd Life Media AlamogordoTownNews.org and KALHRadio.org is a proud corporate sponsor of Otero Arts. Support local arts, discover emerging and established talent, and enjoy a cooler, creative escape this summer in Alamogordo.

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