Exhibit: In and Beyond the Gardens by Placitas Garden Tour Artists
2023-09-02 - 2023-09-28 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Artists on Display:
Meg Leonard: Oil, Pastels
Mary Lou Skelton: Gourds
Jude Rudder: Watercolor, Oil
Sabina Turner: Watercolor, Oil

PK Williams: Mixed Media
Erica Wendell-Oglesby: Mosaic, Jewelry, Photography

Coordinator: Sue Ortiz

“Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as the paint and the soil and sky as canvas”
-Elizabeth Murray

20th Year Anniversary Celebration
2023-09-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Denver) | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Placitas Community Library Turns 20!
Birthday Celebration + Welcome our new Library Director : Lynne Hynes

Exhibit: About Women
2023-09-30 - 2023-11-13 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
“We must reject not only the stereotypes that others hold of us, but also the stereotypes that we hold of ourselves.”
—Shirley Chisholm
Mother, daughter, wife, partner, friend, dreamer, dancer, scientist, sportswoman, artist, performer, leader, legislator, litigator, adventurer, goddess, warrior, mystic, and muse. Over time women have embodied all of these roles and more, either with the support of male counterparts or despite the efforts of some to limit their achievements. No challenge has been too great.
As Governor Ann Richards once opined:
“Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backward and in high heels.”
For the October 2023 exhibition at the Placitas Community Library’s Gracie Lee Community Room, artists are asked to visually comment on the role of women (or of a specific woman or imaginary composite), whether portraying their extraordinary achievements or thwarted ambition, historical role or current challenges in the face of misogyny and racial animus.
Coordinators: Rebecca Cohen and Colleen Gregoire

Reception: About Women
2023-10-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Image: “Georgia” by Mike Kimball

Art Exhibit: Gourdeous Gourd Art ~ New Mexico Gourd Society
2023-12-02 - 2024-01-03 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
The New Mexico Gourd Society is thrilled to display our decorated gourds and showcase the remarkable talents of our members.
Many techniques have been used such as wood burning, carving, painting and adding embellishments to enhance the natural characteristics of this unique Cucurbitaceae family of fruits.

Art forms include decorative bowls, ornaments, spirit dolls, teapots, lamps, vases just to name a few.

The NMGS is a not-for-profit organization which promotes the horticulture and appreciation of gourds. We share information from growing gourds to decorating these natural beauties. We offer fun, sharing of ideas and information as well as techniques in an educational environment. We would love to invite you to join one of our meetings and encourage you to join our dynamic group. We meet once a month.
One member describes gourds as her “magnificent obsession”!
www.NewMexicoGourdSociety.org
Coordinators: Charmaine Cook and Linda Hughes

Gourd Artist: Ginger Larkin

Pre-K Story Hour
2023-12-05 10:00 - 23:30 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Each program will have stories, an activity, time to check out books, and refreshments. The program will be 1-1.5 hours.

Reception: New Mexico Gourd Society
2023-12-15 17:00 - 18:30 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Gourd Artist: Ginger Larkin

Legacy Artist Exhibit: Karl and Mary Hofmann
2024-01-06 - 2024-02-01 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
A retrospective featuring works by longtime Placitas residents Mary and Karl Hofmann will begin the Placitas Community Library’s 2024 exhibition series in the Gracie Lee Community Room. The couple is being celebrated for their collaborative efforts throughout the nearly fifty years they’ve lived and worked together in New Mexico producing ceramics and sculpture, paintings, pastels, and linocuts that speak both to their sense of place and personal history.
Karl Hofmann, who was born and grew up in Germany before immigrating to the United States in the mid-fifties, credits the aesthetic influence of 20th century Japanese potter Hamada when discussing his ceramic work, and relies on memories, personal experience, folktales, legends, and the local landscape to inspire his two-dimensional work. “I do not go out and look at things and try to paint,” says Karl. “I think a camera can do a very good job with that.”
Mary Hofman was initially drawn to the arts through painting, in particular Expressionism and the emotion it evoked. She and Karl met on a blind date 65 years ago when they were both studying art at Michigan State University. After Mary retired from her job at the UNM library, she functioned as business manager and studio assistant for Karl when he was teaching at Albuquerque’s Sandia Prep, and over time the line blurred between her support of Karl’s production and creation of her own hand-built, functional clay works. Now, she is the potter and Karl, who can no longer throw pots, has been producing delightful linocuts and paintings. Her works are quiet and modest in scale while Karl’s clay pots and sculptures are heftier and his linocuts brilliantly colored.
This exhibition continues through February 1 and is the third in a series of annual “legacy exhibitions” presented by the Library Art Committee to recognize resident Placitans who have contributed significantly to the community’s vibrant arts scene over many years.

Art Exhibit: "Gifts of our Ancestors - Resilience of the Diaspora" - A Celebration of Black History Month
2024-05-09 - 2024-06-18 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
As displaced persons of the African Diaspora, upon birth we are inundated with tainted notions of other’s perceptions of who we are, can be, will be, and won’t be. Because we are born of Spirit-power, from a soul level we continuously, actively, no matter how arduous the journey, identify and embrace our true individual and collective selves. Art, all arts, are one of the primary ways we do this. “Gifts of Our Ancestors: Resilience in the Diaspora” represents the breadth of our diversity and connectedness no matter how many generations from home we are. We and others can see ourselves through interpretations, insights, and the ancestral legacies we carry.
This is an opportunity to share the joy, wisdom, brilliance, and wholeness of us, by us. In honor of the African Diaspora, its history, legacy, people, and resources, the New Mexico African American Resilience Committee invited artists to share the gifts of their ancestors.
Specifically, artists were urged to be introspective in honoring direct and collective ancestral lineages, our diverse communities and experiences, and themselves through their art. They were asked to submit work that reflects the role ancestors playing their creativity, defiance, power, resilience, and success. Art is our gift from our ancestors, from wherever we come.
The theme is inspired by author and philosopher, James Baldwin, who said “History, as nearly no one seems to know, is not merely something to be read. And it does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do. It could scarcely otherwise, since it is to history that we owe our frames of reference, our identities, and our aspirations.”
Further, Dr. Doris Fields urges, “When we know our past, we may understand our arrival at present; and when we understand our arrival at present, we may readily create our future.”
The community will be introduced (or reintroduced) to African queens and philosophers, intercultural connectivity, and human interdependence that has proven critical to the very evolution of all of us Homosapien sapiens (this is not an error).
This curated exhibition is on display from February 3- March 14, 2024.
The reception, which will feature Maurice Burns of Gerald Peters Gallery in Santa Fe and other renowned artists, including, Zero Bey, Willa Siao-Pao, Karen Jones Meadows, and Raul Davis, will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 5-7 PM.
Soul food refreshments will be served.
Please join us in this celebration of art from the African the Diaspora.
Artist Image: Willa Siao-Pao – “Sister Friends”

June Art Exhibit: "Our America: A Tapestry of Cultural Diversity"
2024-06-08 - 2024-07-18 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
“Our America” is a tapestry of cultural diversity bound together by the unique weft and warp of stories and experiences of all people representing various backgrounds and origins of the American landscape.
Through the lens of art, we can explore and celebrate the richness and complexity of our collective identity.
Artists are invited to reflect and draw inspiration from their personal connections with family legacies, ancestral roots and cultural traditions and how those are woven into the canvas of “Our America”.
Coordinators: Linda Hughes and John Streicher

Anne Hillerman in Conversation with Ron Franscell
2024-06-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Placitas Community Library is delighted to host a conversation between two of our favorite authors, Anne Hillerman and our own Ron Franscell, on Sunday, June 23 at 2pm. Over the last 14 years Anne has become a dear friend of this Library and she honors us with a visit with each new book. Lost Birds is the ninth book in her Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito series. Each novel explores complex emotional issues which test the detectives in different ways. This time, Anne has taken on the extremely complicated issues involving the adoption of Indigenous children by non-native parents. Once again, in Lost Birds, she delivers a thought-provoking, gripping mystery that brings to life the vivid terrain of the American Southwest, its people, and the lore and traditions that make it distinct. To the delight of many Hillerman readers (father and daughter), Joe Leaphorn features prominently in this story.
Anne will be joined by her friend Ron Franscell, a New York Times bestselling author of true crime and fiction mysteries, including Deaf Row and The Darkest Night. Ron and his wife moved to Placitas a few years ago and have become fast friends with Placitas Community Library. Anne and Ron will converse about their approaches to writing and much more.
Signed copies of Lost Birds will be available at Placitas Community Library beginning in late April. Thanks to Anne’s generosity, all sales benefit your Library. Anne and Ron each draw a big crowd so please come early for a good seat. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, June 23 at 2pm.

July Art Exhibit: "Sacred Places: Honoring Chacoan Culture"
2024-07-20 - 2024-08-29 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Artist Reception: August 2, 5:00 -6:30 pm
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is considered to be the sacred ancestral homelands of the Hopi and Pueblo people.
Las Placitas Association sponsored an artists’ adventure in Chaco Canyon in late 2023. Sacred Places will feature works inspired by that trip, and is open to any artists similarly inspired.
The only limitation is that the work must be culturally sensitive and reflect the mysteries and stories of the Ancestral Puebloans that inhabited the canyons and it’s outliers.
The site became part of the National Park System in 1907, and was named an UNESCO World Heritage Site 80 years later.
Outliers:

Guadalupe Ruins
Kin Klizhin
Kin Bineola
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Casamero Pueblo
The Dittert Site at El Malpais National Conservaton Area
Twin Angels Pueblo

“Summoning the Rain Gods” by Joan Fenicle

August Reception: "Sacred Spaces: Honoring Chacoan Culture"
2024-08-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Photography by David Haigh

PACE Informational Presentation
2024-08-24 14:00 - 15:00 | NM
Over the past eight years PACE has offered courses on science, water rights and where our water comes from, literature, jazz and classical music, life planning in our senior years, and many other topics. A complete schedule will be available in August. Join us for an overview of the Fall courses and a sneak peek at the Spring semester on August 24th at 2pm at the Placitas Community Library. We hope to have several of our instructors on hand to chat about their course plans.

December Art Exhibit: "Native Visions" - Celebrating Native American Heritage
2024-11-27 - 2025-01-02 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
The Placitas Community Library exhibit – “Native Visions” celebrates Native American artists. This art exhibit showcases Native American artistic talents in painting, pottery, basketry, jewelry and other art forms.
Coordinators: Geri Verble & Margaret Bruch

December Reception: Native Visions ~ Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
2024-12-06 17:00 - 18:30 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Coordinators: Geri Verble and Margaret Bruch

January 2025: "From Our Hearts" Legacy Artist Exhibition - Bunny and Leland Bowen
2025-01-04 - 2025-01-30 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Inspired by the beauty in which we live, from the grand scale to the minute, through seasonal and temporal changes, we create “From Our Hearts.”
— Bunny and Leland Bowen
For well over fifty years, Bunny and Leland Bowen have been collaborating to create art.
It began in 1970 as they learned basic metal smithing, casting, and stone-setting in a family jewelry business. Bunny did most of the design while Leland did the engineering. Both engaged in the technical process.
Later, Bunny drew on her background as a painter and art historian to learn the ancient art of batik, while Leland used his engineering skills to supervise a casting workshop and learn welding.
For years he fabricated steel sculptures which she designed.
When Bunny began to show her batik in galleries and art shows, Leland became a skilled framer. He set up many a booth as they traveled across the country, doing as many as ten shows each year.
During the fourteen years Bunny taught fiber art at Ghost Ranch, Leland expertly assembled the studio and served as technical support.
On the gallery scene, he supported Bunny’s involvement while she was part owner of The Piñon Tree Gallery and later a member of Amapola Artist Co-op, both in Old Town Albuquerque. Galleries in Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and the East Coast also featured their work.
Locally they were in the Placitas Holiday Show and the Placitas Studio Tour for several decades, as well as Art in the Mountain and Placitas Artists Series exhibits.
Founding members of Wild Hearts Gallery in 2018, the Bowens continue to show there in a variety of media.
Coordinator: John Streicher

January Artist Reception: "From Our Hearts" - Bunny & Leland Bowen
2025-01-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States

February 2025: "WILD" - A Group Mosaic Artist Exhibition
2025-02-01 - 2025-03-06 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
In collaboration with Mosaic New Mexico, Placitas Library will display work of approximately twenty local mosaic artists. Imagery fanciful, realistic or design oriented – all will have wild spirit!!
Coordinators: Geri Verble & Laura Robbins

February 2025 Reception: "Wild" - Mosaic of New Mexico Artists
2025-02-07 17:00 - 18:30 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States

Patron Appreciation Open House
2025-02-09 14:00 - 16:00 | NM
Learn about the library’s services, resources and programs!
Offering light snacks; Talavera door prizes; join in on a library tour.

March 2025: "Abstract Expressions" Art Exhibition
2025-03-08 - 2025-04-09 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Dive into a realm where boundaries blur and colors, lines, and shapes speak louder than words. Experience the raw, unfiltered thoughts and emotions captured by local artistic visionaries working in a variety of mediums.

March 2025 Artist Reception: "Abstract Expressions"
2025-03-21 17:00 - 18:30 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
This unique, vibrant exhibit offers a journey into the depths of abstraction. Expect the unexpected, and let art awaken your imagination.
Come and meet the artists!
Janine Wilson
PK Williams
Phillip Timper
Dianna Shomaker
Karen Melody Shatar
Alfons Schuster
Alison Schmitt
Jonn Salovaara
Gail Sacharczuk
Bill Sabatini
Dave Newman
Kate Miller
Bobby Middendorf
Lavon Maestas
Beth Larsen
Nicole Kurland
Adrienne Kleiman
Allison Jones Hunt
Kyle Hollingsworth
Carla Forrest
Lauren Deyo
Susana Chavez
Amy Cesario
Lynda Burch
Allen Bourne
Janet Bothne
Indira Boswell
Carolyn Berry
Carolyn Kari Bell
Lisa Avila
Image: “Synergy” – Dave Newman

April 2025: Placitas Studio Tour Preview Exhibition
2025-04-15 - 2025-05-11 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
A select art collection from Placitas Studio Tour artists will be on display.
Coordinator: Colleen Gregoire

May 2025: "Operation Art: A Salute to Veteran Artists" Exhibition
2025-05-13 - 2025-06-12 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Operation Art highlights inspirational works by active-duty service members, Veterans, National Guard and Reserves, their spouses, and Gold Star Families.
The collection spans a variety of mediums, reflecting a broad spectrum of themes and artistic expressions – shaped by the artist’s unique life experiences.
All 30 featured artists are members of New Mexico Veteran Art, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting and showcasing the creative talents of military personnel—past and present—and their families.
NMVA

The artist reception will begin with a Presentation of Colors by the Women Warriors Color Guard of Albuquerque. Guests can enjoy refreshments and browse a selection of books available for purchase.
All artwork on display will be available for sale.
Coordinators: Linda Hughes (USAF) & Harriet Tsosie (Spouse)

May 2025 Artist Reception: "Operation Art: A Salute to Veteran Artists"
2025-05-23 17:00 - 18:30 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
All 33 featured artists are members of New Mexico Veteran Art, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting and showcasing the creative talents of military personnel, past and present, and their families.
The artist reception will begin with a Presentation of Colors by the Women Warriors Color Guard of Albuquerque. Guests can enjoy refreshments and browse a selection of books available for purchase.
All artwork on display will be available for sale.

June 2025: "Assemblage" Art Exhibition
2025-06-14 - 2025-07-17 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Assemblage is a technique used by artists to contribute to the overall texture and visual interest of their art and to give it a new context and aesthetic value.
Unlike collage, a two-dimensional art form that combines flat images to suggest depth and explore spatial relationships, assemblage combines actual multidimensional objects into an artistic whole, whether free standing or projecting into space from the wall.
Using everyday items, discarded materials, or natural objects, this exhibition will present work from artists that incorporate their own life experiences into a unique mixed media constructions.
Submissions accepted: March 14 – May 13
Coordinators: Rebecca Cohen & Colleen Gregoire

June 2025 Artist Reception: "Assemblage"
2025-06-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
Parcels become a parcel.

September 2025: "Poetrees" Art Exhibition
2025-09-23 - 2025-10-13 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”
— Kahlil Gibran
Artists were asked to create a portrait of a tree or trees or to explore the abstract essence of trees in their work. May it be a poetic rendering of a favorite tree or a visual expression of concern for the future of forests around the world, this is the opportunity to “hug a tree” with your eyes.
“I Can’t Get Out of the Way”
Artist: Tara Hoyer

October Artist Reception: "Poetrees"
2025-10-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, NM, 87043, United States
“Ailanthus”
Artist: Molly Zurek
