About Las Artistas
Mission
Founded in 1970, El Paso Las Artistas is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide arts education opportunities and promote an appreciation for fine crafts and art within El Paso and southern New Mexico communities.
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We provide a venue for local, regional and national artists, as well as emerging artists, to show and sell their work.
Las Artistas also encourages the education of arts students by providing scholarships for arts education, and giving students an opportunity to participate in the annual Las Artistas Art & Fine Crafts show. Many of Las Artistas’ juried members are art educators; they share their experience by teaching classes, workshops, and giving demonstrations at many venues including area schools and universities.
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History
In 1970, Las Artistas began as a backyard art show, organized by a handful of enterprising El Paso artists seeking a venue for showing and selling their work. These artists included Charlotte Nobles, Margie Melby, Jean McGee, Connie Dillman, Cheryl Derrick, Ferne Schrier, Tita Sterling, and Tita Lyle – all known and respected in the local arts community. As the show grew in popularity and number of exhibitors, it was held at a variety of venues in the area, including The El Paso Tennis Club, Sunland Park Race Track and the Union Depot. When attendance at the then one-day show exceeded the capacity of the Depot, Las Artistas was expanded to a two-day event and moved to the current venue at the First Presbyterian Event Center on Murchison and Brown. Las Artistas was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the state of Texas in 2002 and received federal 501(c) (3) status in 2009.
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Today, Las Artistas brings the “best of the best” during its annual juried art show which is held the weekend before Thanksgiving. More than 100 artists from El Paso and New Mexico – and from as far away as Tennessee and Missouri – participate in the show. The show features the work of many nationally known artists as well as emerging and accomplished local artists including metals and ceramics studies from the University of Texas at El Paso.
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Today
For 50 years, people have attended the show because it offers access to superb quality art and fine crafts and the opportunity to meet and speak with highly skilled artists and craftspeople and learn about their vision and technique.
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The Region We Represent
Members of Las Artistas are predominantly from the Southwest region of the United States, specifically the far west part of Texas and southeastern part of New Mexico – both of which border Mexico on the south.
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Las Artistas was founded and is currently based in El Paso, Texas. Home to more than 649,000 people, El Paso is the 22nd largest city in the US and has earned several accolades: one of America’s Best-Performing Cities; one of the Happiest Cities to Work; and America’s Safest City. The weather with more than 300 days of sunshine a year is perfect for any outdoor lover. The City offers a variety of parks and recreation activities, outdoor music concerts and cultural events. El Paso also offers a diverse and rich culture that is clearly a reflection of its history and Spanish influence.
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Learn more at visitelpaso.com
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One of Southern New Mexico major cities is Las Cruces, which is nestled in the fertile Mesilla Valley between the majestic Organ Mountains and the meandering Rio Grande River. Las Cruces means “The City of the Crosses”, and with a population of more than 101,000 is the second largest city in New Mexico. Las Cruces features unique special events, historic attractions, world-class Mexican food, and superb year-round weather with 350 days of sunshine per year!!
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Learn more at the Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Website
Learn more at the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce Website
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