Gutiérrez Hubbell House’s exhibit Fiestas in our Mountain Villages: Place-based history by children brought to life a 1955 community history project by students from East Mountains schools. Through drawings, interviews, narrative, recipes, and more, students told the story of their own fiestas and dances, documenting their world from their own perspective. Today, this priceless document helps us travel back in time and shows us how our deepest traditions keep living, two generations later.
The exhibit is accompanied by artwork from South Valley students today and was curated by emerging museum professionals, students in the University of Lincoln, Nebraska Museum Exhibit Design spring 2022 course. There is also an opportunity for local groups, schools, or clubs to participate in a future exhibit and book that will pick up the task of documenting our communities, almost 70 years later.
Join us for this special view into the joyous and sacred nature of our time together, seen through youth’s eyes. Fiestas in our Mountain Villages was on exhibit July 29, 2022 – September 24, 2022.
Submissions for the response exhibit will be accepted through summer 2023. Curricular support, in-school visits, and guided tours are available.
Open space and trails remain open from dawn to dusk daily.
PROGRAMS
Exhibit Opening Reception with After-School Snacks
Friday, August 5 • 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Please join us for a special reception to open Fiestas in our Mountain Villages: Place-based history by children. Meet the curators, create artwork inspired by the exhibit, enjoy nostalgic snacks, and tour the exhibit in this drop-in reception.
Paper Flowers and Poetry Workshop
Saturday, August 20 • 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of creative crafting. With prompts for poetry reflections, a guided walk through the exhibit, and paper flower making. Come at 1 p.m. for the guided tour, or drop in any time to participate in the art and poetry.
A Day of Dance: Ballet Folklorico del Valle & Special Guided Tour
Saturday, August 27 • 10 a.m.
It’s always a special treat to host the brilliant dancers of Ballet Folklorico del Valle! Join us for an outdoor musical and dance journey through Mexico. Students will perform folkloric dance from a variety of regions, while Director Irene Gonzalez shares info about the regions and dance histories.
Ballet Folklorico del Valle is a troupe of school age students that has been in existence for over 30 years with director Irene L. Gonzalez, who has volunteered her time, expertise, and energy in dance instruction and costume interpretation throughout the decades. The most recent troupe has been dancing together for approximately 10 years, and their ages range from 6-18 years of age. They have performed throughout New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado at various festivals and religious events. The troupe has continuously strived to preserve the true culture of Mexico through traditional outfits and dances, which encourages the student’s ability to partake in beautiful Mexican traditions.
Seating will be provided. You may also bring your favorite lawn chair or umbrella to enjoy this outdoor event! The dance will be followed by a special guided tour, focused on the dance history in the exhibit.
Apple Harvest Fiesta
Saturday, September 3 • 10 a.m. – Noon
Fall is apple season! Come harvest, clean, and press apples for apple cider. Enjoy apple-themed treats, take a walk through the orchard, tour the exhibit, and learn about apple tree care. Activities for all ages!
Closing Tours
Saturday, September 17 • 11 a.m.
Join us for a guided tour of the exhibit at 11 a.m., followed by an art activity for the whole family. Bring your favorite fiesta memories, including pictures or stories, to inspire your art.
The exhibit will be open for one more week, but the following weekend is the New Mexico Prickly Pear Festival. The museum will be open with guides in the galleries to share extra info.