isio n V
YOUR FREE ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE
MAGAZINE
JANUARY 7, 2016
Spotlight: ‘The Mystery of Irma Vep’ ALSO INSIDE: THE ROSWELL WOMAN’S CLUB, EVENT CALENDAR, BLACK LILLIES, ROSWELL ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE: BRIDGET MULLEN, FROM THE VAULT, LOOKING UP
Content
Roswell Daily Record’s
Spotlight:
“The Mystery of Irma Vep” playing at the Roswell Community Little Theatre 13
Art
Roswell Artist-in-Residence: Bridget Mullen 9 From the Vault: “Refugees” by Roderick Mead
Calendar
15 6-7,10-11
Culture The little club that could: The Roswell Woman’s Club 3 Music Americana Band Black Lillies at Pecos Flavors Winery 8
Thursday, January 7, 2016 Volume 21, Issue 1 Publisher: Barbara Beck Editor: Christina Stock Ad Design: Sandra Martinez, Steve Stone Columnists: Donald Burleson, Sara Woodbury Get in touch with us online Facebook: PecosVisionMagazine Twitter: twitter.com/PecosVision Pinterest: pinterest.com/VisionMagazine Email: vision@rdrnews.com www: rdrnews.com/wordpress/vision-magazin For advertising information, call 622-7710 Correspondence: Vision Magazine welcomes correspondence, constructive criticism and suggestions for future topics. Mail correspondence to Vision Magazine, P.O. Drawer 1897, Roswell, N.M. 88202-1897 or vision@rdrnews.com Submissions: Call 622-7710, ext. 309, for writers’ guidelines. Vision Magazine is not responsible for loss or damage to unsolicited materials. Vision Magazine is published twice a month at 2301 N. Main St., Roswell, N.M. The contents of the publication are Copyright 2016 by the Roswell Daily Record and may not be reprinted in whole or part without written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. One copy of each edition is provided to 13,000 weekday subscribers to the Roswell Daily Record in the first and third Friday newspaper of each month. An additional 3,000 to 5,000 copies are made available free of charge to county residents and visitors and select site newsstands, and direct mailed to non-subscribers in the retail trade zone. Subscriptions are available by mail for $2 a month or free through subscription to the Roswell Daily Record. The Roswell Daily Record and Vision Magazine are represented nationally by Paper Companies Inc.
On The Cover
“Irma Vep” painting by Michael Sweeney
UFOlogy Looking Up
16
The painting is on display on stage during the play of the Roswell Community Little Theatre: “The Mystery of Irma Vep”
Photo of the Roswell Woman’s Club 1912 Members of the Roswell Woman’s Club with some of their “lesser halves.”
30 years over at that time. A lot of wounds had still not healed between the two sides. You had the cowboys coming through Roswell on cattle drives on their way to Fort Stanton, and if you ever look at a cattle drive map you can see where the path came down straight from Kansas and through Oklahoma, through here and all the way through to Fort Stanton. This was a highway for them, you had the cowboys drive the cattle for months and months, without really having opportunity to see any written word, newspapers and things like that. There was an article in October 1937 in the Roswell Daily Record: It was written by Grace Thorp Bear, she was a Society Editor. Now I know a lot of the ladies remember the society page, right? They don’t have it anymore, that is just a thing of the past. “Thorp Bear writes: In May of 1893 the first memorial address was made in Roswell. (Back in those days they used the initials, not necessarily put the whole name out — and the women were not known with their first name, they were known as Mrs. I.H. Elliot, you never knew what their first name was.) The late Colonel I.H. Elliot made the address on the courthouse lawn. After the address five pioneer women lingered a while for a visit. Namely Madams H. B. Kells, I. H. Elliot, I. S. Hamilton, George W. Stevens and Miss May C. Eaton. All these women, except Mrs. Hamilton, lived on farms and ranches. They decided it would be nice to form a book or magazine club for exchange of reading material, as there were non too plentiful in those early days. The Hamilton’s owned the Roswell Editor, a weekly newspaper. So they delegated Mrs. Hamilton to put a call in the paper for all women interested in such an organization to meet at the Hamilton home. “Out of this first meeting came the organization of the Roswell Woman’s club in 1895 as told by Mrs. Elliot, Stevenson and Hamilton. “The club was initially called “The Woman’s Book Club” and then changed
Culture
The little club that could: The Roswell Woman’s Club A history of pioneers, ladies and how they dealt with scared men. By Christina Stock Vision Editor
T
here were 31 civic organizations being honored at the 66th Annual All Civic Club luncheon on Dec. 1 and each group’s representatives were asked to stand up when it was their turn. Not many paid attention to the significant change in many clubs, including the women who stood for the Roswell Woman’s Club. Just eight years before there was only one table with six white-haired ladies, well in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, this year there were two tables with ladies of all ages. A new generation is stepping forward as new members. Some of the women are artists, some business women, all from different lines of life but all are coming together for one purpose: for the good of the community. These new ladies have big shoes to fill. The history of the Roswell Woman’s Club is rooted in Roswell’s history itself. Former RWC President Betty Beagles reminded the older members of it, when she told the new members about this oldest club in town at their monthly meeting. “Everything I have been gone through since I joined the club in 1976,” said Beagles. “I was just 31 years old, and everybody told me, ‘you are just a baby.’ Now here I am, remembering all the older members who are no longer with us anymore. I have all this oral history inside of me that I just love to share. “The “kid” hadn’t been dead for a very long time, the Civil War was only
see
Culture
on page
4
start the new year right with your Plains Park Merchants
Convenient-Free Parking-Quality Products At The Following Merchants: DFN Computers & Internet Farmers Country Market Lopez Insurance Agency Just Cuts Beauty Shop La Familia Care Center Bank of the Southwest
Postal Annex
(Located in Just Cuts)
Plains Park Beauty Shop Roswell Community Little Theater ICON Cinema Fitness for $10
Located on West Hobbs at Union and Washington. Serving Roswell for over 40 years.
Your friendly neighborhood center Vision Magazine |
Thursday, January 7, 2016
| 3
Culture
Continued from Page 4 in a few weeks into “Woman’s Club.” That was in 1895 and it was in July 4th that they got together,” said Beagles. “Can you imagine the heat back in those days?” The older homes had big heavy curtains that they pulled against the sun and have a draft coming through. Audrey Dollahon Fletcher Corn had been a realtor and long time member of the Roswell Woman’s Club before her passing in 2011. She described hanging soaking wet sheets in the breezeways and windows that would cool the house off. This was before the invention of electricity. “These early club women lived out on ranches and farms,” said Beagles. “For them to come into town for a meeting — and I am sure they loved it —because this was the only opportunity they had to be with other woman and talk and enjoy themselves in a social setting. They had very little suitable reading material. Suitable for their families. “Now this is interesting,” said Beagles. “1895 to 1900 you had Woman’s Sufferage coming up. It took another 18 - 19 years for it to pass through congress. But at this time it was really scary to the men.” Who knew what those women are up too? Although the reasoning for a club was admirable the organization of a Woman’s Club was a little disconcerting to many men at that time. The men at that time were afraid of Woman’s social suffrage movement and getting their right to vote. With suffrage came the temperance movement brought back from the East. The temperance movement was strict against alcohol consumption. Roswell at that time was a cattle town with many bars providing entertainment for the cowboys. Temperance was not wanted by the men. The women however, convinced their husbands about the benefits of the club. The Woman’s Clubs constitution was written by the early founders and said, “To obtain the best literature, and to keep in touch with new thought, and the world’s progress. Especially on literature subjects and the great social problems.” In our day it is easy to get information from the internet or TV. Books or news was not as easily achieved in these early days of Roswell. The dues of the club was $1 A lot money in those days and it was used to purchase reading material. $1 would be in todays currency $18.14, a book cost on average $13.60 in a big city. To bring those books from the East you would have to add the transport cost, which varied. Delivery was not guaranteed and the books available were often printed on thin material that was not sturdy. In 1899 the Territorial Librarian Lafayette Emmett reported to the Governor of the Territory of New Mexico that they were loosing valuable books: “Laid in ordinary shelves, they (the books) are
exposed to the action of air and dust. These and the constant handling by many people eager to peruse their contents cause demolition, and they are fast crumbling away.” Emmett is talking about historical and law books. Fictions and Adventure books before 1900 were considered luxury. “The woman of the RWC wanted to have a revolving library to later establish a reading room for all citizens of Roswell — and they particularly wanted a reading room for the cowboys. Because, you all know, that cowboys want to go to a reading room,” Beagles said to the room of laughing women. “When the word of the club spread, so did the desire of many woman to join the club. But at that time it was limited to only 25 people. ‘What do you mean limited? Well, I want to come, so-and-so is coming. What is wrong with me?’ The original number was 25 so they expanded to 40. “The club met at the homes of members, perhaps explaining the limitation on membership. It became so increasingly difficult to find meeting places with the growing membership, because of the criticism of potential members, numbers became unlimited. Membership committee was still responsible for approval of new members. “If the committee decided against admission of an applicant,” said Beagles. “Can you imagine what a traumatic experience it was? For a woman to be turned down? The whole town would know it. Those early pioneer women were from back east, they had come to the small community with only 400 citizens with their art, lifestyle and knowledge. “How did these women get to here?” asked Beagles. “You never go anywhere unless you go to an opportunity. Back in those days you had a lot of contracts for the government from Fort Stanton. New Mexico became a state only in 1912. This belonged to Mexico until 1848 when it became a U.S. territory. “Entrepreneurship brought the ladies,” said Beagles. “You had bankers, and those who saw the potential of the Pecos Valley with farming and ranching and producing beef. That was what it was all about. “You don’t move anywhere except for your family to become more successful,” Beagles continued. “And when I say that, I don’t only say money but also in lifestyle. And New Mexico during the 1910’s was a place where many people came for asthma and tuberculosis. Fort Stanton became a hospital for TB during WWI. A lot of people brought their kids here.” “You can get lost in that history,” said Beagles and continued with the description of some of the ladies. “Mrs. Wiggen H. Poe, a Georgia aristocrat, with an overpowering desire for peace and justice, Mrs. A. Pruitt, lover of music and loyal to the best interest of the group. Mrs. W. S. Johnson, buoyant, courteous and orderly. The club learned to open on the
4 / V i s i o n M a g a z i n e | Thursday, January 7, 2016
hour and close on time during her administration. “These are only a few outstanding ladies who founded the Roswell Woman’s Club. Who had served the organization for more than 40 years, before the next generation took over. It was written by Mrs. Atwood.” — These highly educated women were not only smart, but had no output. The Woman’s Club was their way to continue their education and train their minds and brains. When the women were ready for the next step, a library, they approached Andrew Carnegie in 1901. He had been giving the money for libraries all over the United States. “His secretary wrote back,” said Beagles. ‘He said thank you very much for contacting us for your desire to have a library, but I want to tell you, that Mr. Carnegie does not deal with women.’ — So, these women said, ‘Fine.’ They went to their husband and said, ‘Now this is what you are going to do — and if you don’t, it is going to be really cold in that bedroom. — And the food you may like to eat, may not get on the table.” Beagles continues: “They had to use the men as a front to get the $10,000 to get the library building.” The Roswell Carnegie Building is now for sale and belongs to one of the oldest buildings in Roswell. The history of the Roswell Woman’s Club is so intertwined with the history of the town, it is impossible to separate the two. see
Culture
on page
5
Christina Stock Photo Betty Beagles is an achieved business woman and member of the Roswell Woman’s Club since 1976.
Culture
Continued from Page 4 Not only was the Roswell Woman’s Club responsible for the reading room, which eventually evolved into the Carnegie Library in 1906, but built the first building in 1930. That is when the WC acquired a grand piano, purchased by Mr. Ginsburg of the former Ginsburg music shop. Pat Garrett’s Daughter, Elizabeth, played the piano there. The clubhouse became a social center of Roswell. There were only the Roswell Inn, saloons and schools for meetings or social gatherings. During World War II it became the United Service Organization club house for airman, army/ airfield, later Walker AFB. Many women would meet their future husband here at the regular held chaperoned dances. Book clubs, garden clubs and a parliamentary unit were off-shoots of the RWC. “The parliamentary unit is were I learned parliamentary procedures,” said Beagles. “I can tell you, if I had not have that I would not had been able to be on two boards I was on. One was the New Mexico Military Institute, I was only the third woman to be on that board. And the first wo m an wh o was th e president of that board. But if I would haven’t known parliamentary procedure, I would have been completely overwhelmed, so it was
a great help and then I used it on an other board I was on in the 90’s. I owe a lot to the Woman’s club, I really do.” There are many wo m e n wh o l e ar n e d parliamentary procedures. Not to mention the vast knowledge of the ladies about history, behind the scene stories about well-known characters in town. Politicians and artists regularly came as guest speakers to the ladies, even from as far as Santa Fe. When those ladies called, everybody paid attention. “More was accomplished during the first 50 years of the club from 1895-1945 then any other time of its existence,” said Beagles. “Motor of transport during the early meetings was horse and buggy. If you were 40 or more miles out, just think how long it would take. In fact in one of the minutes of the early meetings it says 1899 where one woman said, that on her way to Las Vegas, NM she used her buggy whip to kill a rattle snake. “When you lived so far out it was a hardship getting into town, but you enjoyed it. Now what is 20 miles. Electricity and telephone came only accessible in 1901 but in 1941 jet planes were flying over Roswell. Think about that, only in such a short period of time.” After the establishment of Walker AFB, the developement of oil and gas in the 50’s and the success of farming and ranching Roswell sustained enormous
wealth. This prosperity was reflected in the social activities of the Roswell Woman’s Club. A lot of the military wives joined the Woman’s Club and those who retired here stayed in the Woman’s club. “In 1976 when I joined the club, they had sold the building to the First Baptist Church and then bought the church building on 4th street, next to the Masonic Building,” said Beagles. “The new clubhouse dedication was attended by the wive of the governor of New Mexico as well as others. In the following years after that, we rented out the building. We had a hard time, membership was going down, a lot of people moved out of Roswell because of the base closing, in 1967 by 76 it had not recovered yet. “During the 80’s we sold the building and we kept the money, we decided to keep $150,000 as a cushion, we earned that money from Merryl Lynch. We made smart investments, to give scholarships.”
Christina Stock Photo Members of the Roswell Woman’s Club in September during their silent art auction at the Pecos Flavors winery in Sept. 2015. The profits were used for the bi-annual scholarships the Woman’s Club provides. When Beagles first got into the club, they gave one scholarship a year at $100-200 and one person decided. “Later we decided that is the most important thing we do, and there are so many people wanting to be a part of this,” said Beagles. “Today any member can go out and be a part of the selection process. The RWC gives scholar-
ships of $9,000 a year, $4,500 each in spring and fall. “It makes you feel s o g o o d . ” s a i d B e agles. “You see a young woman who is maybe 20, 25 years old and has three kids and tries to go through college. Those ladies in 1895, if they knew what we
Brent’s eyewear
Same Day Service
1301 W. Country Club Rd. Roswell,NM 88201 575-627-8070 www.peachtreeret.com
• Beautiful Apartments Studio 1&2 Bedroom • Superb Dining • Housekeeping • Transportation • Activities • Bus Tours of the Countryside Guided by goodness, loyalty, faith, and fun Call today for lunch and a tour! 575-627-8070
Great food, super neighbors & lots of fun activities! “We have it all for the retiree that wants a new home!” EVERYTHING INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: Utilities, Cable TV, Internet, 3 Meals a day, transportation, activities, security, covered parking & weekly housekeeping
were doing they would be so happy.” The RWC belongs to the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs. For more information contact president Pat Wiberg at pgwiberg@ h o tm a il.co m o r visit their new Facebook page.
107 W. 6th St.
Across the street from Pepper’s Grill & Bar
(575)623-9990
Home oF tHe Buy one PAir Get one
Free*
*Some restrictions apply
www.facebook.com/brentseyewear2020
Vision Magazine |
Thursday, January 7, 2016
| 5
Calendar Ongoing Events Roswell Every first Thursday of the month Meeting of the Sand Diver Scuba Club at 6:30 p.m. The location changes. For details call the Scuba Shop at 575-973-8773 or visit scubashoproswell. com. Roswell
Roswell
Roswell
Roswell
Every third Tuesday of the month
Every second Wednesday of the month
Every Week, Mon
Sgt. Moses D. Rocha Marine Corps League Detachment 1287 Meeting
Roswell Woman’s Club Meeting
Marine Corps League Meeting at 1506 E. 19th St. at 7 p.m. One of the Marine Corps League’s major events is Toys for Tots, providing toys for kids who would otherwise not have any presents on Christmas. For more information, call 575-578-4689.
Every first Friday of the month
Roswell
Pecos Valley Steam Society Social
Every Wednesday — all season
This months meeting is an exception, as several of the members are helping or performing at the Roswell Community Little Theatre’s “Mystery of Irma Vep.” This group is not only for Steampunk fans. Everybody is invited, Goth, Cyber, Emu etc. No dress code. The meeting is usually at Stella Coffee Co., 315 N Main St. at 6 p.m. For more information follow them on Facebook.
Men’s Senior Golf tournament The tournament takes place in the morning for Spring River Men’s Senior Golf at the Spring River Golf Course. Call the golf course at 575-622-9506 for additional information.
The Roswell Woman’s Club usually meets at Los Cerritos Restaurant, 2103 N. Main St. at noon. The RWC support the community with scholarships and the arts. For more information about the club “like” their new Facebook page or call Rhonda Borque Johnson at 505-917-1292. Roswell Every Week, Mon 8 Ball Pool League Attention all pool players! Roswell Ball Busters is Roswell’s own local BCA sanctioned 8 ball pool league. They are accepting new teams. They play every Monday night at 7. Venues are Farleys, Variety, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Center City bowling alley. Play there and get a chance to play BCA national in Las Vegas, Nevada all expenses paid. For more information call 575650-2591 or email ballbusters@outlook.com.
enrolled agent!
Call Marilyn Cozzens, EA at 627-5871
the
En-
The Enchanters are inviting new members to their Monday night rehearsals at Peachtree Retirement Village from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All ladies who like to sing are invited to join. The Enchanters are performing for free for special occasions. They are planning a special benefit concert of Christmas music this year — supporting the Roswell Refuge. For more information call Veloy Millett at 575-6230580. Roswell Every Week, Mon - Sat Lest We Forget: Roswell Army Airfield The Early Years This Walker Aviation Museum exhibit features a short history of the base and many items from the WWII era, as well as information about the planes that flew at Roswell Army Airfield from 1941-1945. The museum is open from 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 347-2464 or visit wafbmuseum.org. Roswell
basketball frenzy don’t get “fouled out” doing your taxes rely on an
Meeting of chanters
Every Week, Mon - Sat Peace Strength
luxury recliners in all theaters! 4501 N. Main Roswell, NM 88202 Movie Hotline (575) 623-1010
6 / V i s i o n M a g a z i n e | Thursday, January 7, 2016
Through
This Walker Aviation Museum exhibit is a tribute to the 579th Strategic Missile Squadron assigned to Walker Air Force Base during the
early 1960s. The squadron was responsible for operating and maintaining 12 Atlas missile silos around the greater Roswell area. The exhibit was funded through a grant from the Association of Air Force Missileers. The museum is open from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 347-2464 or visit wafbmuseum.org. Roswell Every Week, Tue, Wed, Thu Games at Pair-A-Dice Pair-A-Dice game shack, located at 309 N. Main St., holds weekly gaming events. For more information, call 575623-4263, or email vbriseno@pairadicegameshack.com. Roswell Every Week, Wed Weekly Knockout The Roswell Fighting Game Community presents Weekly Knockout at The Unity Center located at 108 E. Bland St. every Wednesday from 7 p.m. - midnight. Dragonpunch with Ken, slash with Sabrewulf and smash with Kirby all night long without disturbing your neighbors. Casual and competitive gamers are welcome. Bring your favorite games and set up. All games are welcome. For more information, visit facebook.com/RoswellFGC.
Roswell Every Week, Thu T-Tones at El Toro Bravo The T-Tones play at El Toro Bravo at 102 S. Main St. from 6 - 8 p.m. For more information, call El Toro Bravo at 622-9280. Roswell Every Week, Thu Bingo at the Elks Lodge Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner service. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Open for the public. 1720 N. Montana Ave. 575-6221560. Roswell Every Week - Thu Dart Tournament at the Eagles. Open for the public. Just ring the bell and the members of the Pecos Valley Dart Association will let you in. 3201 S. Sunset Boulevard. For more information call Mike and Donna Ramey at 575-910-5895 or Leigh Humble at 575-627-7350 or visit roswelldarts.com or email roswelldarts@ roswelldarts.com. Roswell Every Week, Thu, Sat Live music at Cattleman’s Kountry Kitchen Tom Blake performs at Cattleman’s Kountry Kitchen, 2010 S. Main St., 575-208-0543. 7 >>
>>6
Calendar
Roswell Every Week, Fri Tina at El Toro Bravo Tina Williams performs at El Toro Bravo at 102 S. Main St. from 6 - 8 p.m. For more information, call El Toro Bravo at 6229280. Roswell Every Week, Sat Open Jam at Dragon and Rose Open Jam Every Saturday from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. at Dragon and Rose music studio located at 4504 W. Second St. For more information, call 575-840-5744.
Calendar Roswell Ongoing throughout January. Art classes at The Gallery at Main Street Arts The Gallery at Main Street Arts, 223 N. Main St., is offering various classes and activities throughout the month of January. For more information, call 575-6255263 or 575-623-3213. Carlsbad Ongoing throughout January The Baumann Marionette Project The Carlsbad museum presents the exhibit developed by New Mexico Highlands University in collaboration with the New Mexico Depart-
ment of Cultural Affairs, the AmeriCorps Cultural Technology Program, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the New Mexico History Museum. Showing how technology can make fragile museum collections accessible, this exhibit invites the audience to experience Gustave Baumann’s wooden marionettes. Carved by the famous Santa Fe artist, the marionettes are now digitized and brought to life at the museum through new interactive technology. Integrated into this exhibit is Gustave Baumann and Friends: Artist Cards from Holiday Past, the popular exhibit from the New Mexico History Museum. The Carlsbad Museum and Art Center is located at 418 W. Fox St. For more information call 575-887-0276 or visit cityofcarlsbadnm.org. Roswell Ongoing until February 1 New Exhibit at the Roswell Museum and Art Center In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion, the RMAC is opening a new exhibit on Nov. 6, “A Solid Green Mess: Howard Cook’s World War II Drawings.” Pulled from the Museum’s vaults, this show features drawings and paintings created by Taos artist Howard Cook during his time as an art correspondent in the South Pacific. Paintings on loan from the New Mexico Military Institute will also be on view. The RMAC is located 100 W. 11th St. For more information visit roswellmuseum.org or call 575-624-6744.
Carlsbad January 7 Carlsbad Concerts Live! presents The Lincoln Trio The young classical artists deliver an engaging program of classical and contemporary works. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. at the PR Leyva School Auditorium, 800 W. Church St. Tickets are $20. For reservation or further information visit carlsbadconcerts. com or call Wayne Roberts at 575-200-0120. Artesia January 8 Collin Raye performs at the Ocotillo Performing Arts Center Rayes hits include “Love, Me (If You Get There Before I Do),” “I Can Still Feel You,” a Number 1 single, “Couldn’t Last a Moment,” “Anyone Else,” “My Kind of Girl.” In 2011 Raye released his first inspirational album, “His Love Remains,” which quickly shot to Number One on Amazon for inspirational and religious music. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocotillo Performing Arts Center, 310 W. Main St. Tickets are $35. For more information or reservation visit artesiaartscouncil.com or call 575-746-4212.
Roswell January 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 “The Mystery of Irma Vep” The Roswell Community Little Theatre presents the slapstick comedy “The Mystery of Irma Vep,” on Jan. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. And on Jan. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. The theater is located at 1717 S. Union Ave. For information and reservations call 575-622-1982. Roswell January 8 Live Music at Pecos Flavors Winery Russel James Pyle performs at 6 p.m. at the Pecos Flavors Winery, 305, N. Main St. For more information and tickets call Pecos Flavors Winery at 575-627-6265 or 1-866-509-9463 or visit pecosflavorswinery. com. Roswell January 8 Free Poetry Night Poetry night at Stellar Coffee Co., 315 N. Main Street, at 6 p.m. The public is invited to bring their favorite poems. Originals or short stories are welcome as well. Open call. No signing up. For more information call 575-623-3711.
Hobbs January 9 First New Mexico Junior College Art Faculty Exhibition The Lea County Commission for the Arts is partnering with the New Mexico Junior College to present for the first time at the Center for the Arts, the New Mexico Junior College Art Faculty Exhibition. The exhibition will feature a variety of art by various New Mexico Junior College art professors and faculty members, including Dustin Kaufman, Lynda Newman, John Lathrop, Bryant Bullard, Kimberly Ryan and Brian Henning. The opening reception will take place on Jan. 9 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Center for the Arts, 122 W. Broadway St., Hobbs. Guests will receive the opportunity to visit with a number of the New Mexico Junior College art professors and learn more about the NMJC arts program. Local art students are highly encouraged to attend. The reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments and live music will be provided.
214 W. First • Roswell, NM 88203 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm Sat. by Appointment (575)622-0375 • 1-800-657-7657(In State Only)
Fax(575)622-0575 • Email: proactivehearing@outlook.com Website: proactivehearing.com
Ask about the new A3i, iPhone compatible Hearing Aid Always Free Cleaning & Hearing Evaluation
Roswell January 9 Winter Classes at the Roswell Museum and Art Center The Roswell Museum and Art Center’s Winter Classes begin the second week of January and there is still time to register for children and adult programs. Classes include clay, drawing, watercolor, guitar for beginning to intermediate students, beginning fused glass, pen and ink drawing and brushwork, block printing, and a workshop on writing your memoir. Scholarships are available for children in need and are funded by the RMAC Foundation. Second Saturday, RMAC’s nine-month program for students in grades 3 – 12, combines a gallery experience with a hands-on art activity. This program is free and runs every second Saturday through 10 >>
It is very important that you work with a trained and credentialed O and P provider. Orthotic or prosthetic fitting requires education, expert skill and experience. Each situation is unique and requires the personal attention, training and experience of your provider.
Pro Active Hearing, LLC Serving SENM Roswell, Ruidoso, Artesia, Carlsbad, Lovington, Hobbs
For more information, call 575-397-ARTS or visit lccanm.org or hobbsevents.org.
new mexico prosthetic-orthotic center, inc. adam dutchover cpo
Certified orthotist and prosthetist
2515 N. Kentucky Roswell NM 88201 Phone (575) 623-0344 Fax (575) 623-6696
Accredited
Trained and credentialed staff. Personal attention. Se habla español.
Vision Magazine |
Thursday, January 7, 2016
| 7
Submitted Photo
Music
Black Lillies are blooming for Pecos Flavors Winery
The genre-mashing Americana band is visiting Roswell as part of its road tour presenting its critically praised new CD release “Hard to Please.” By Christina Stock Vision Editor
R
oswell is going to have a musical treat starting the new year off with one of the best Americana bands in the States. The Black
Lillies are having only two performances in New Mexico as part of its tour: Red River on Jan. 12 and Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. at Pecos Flavors Winery, 305 N. Main St.
For information or tickets call 575-627-6265 or visit pecosflavorswinery.com. The Black Lillies are known for their eclecticism. The band’s set lists frequently contain American roots tunes like the Delmore Brothers’ “Blues Stay Away from Me” and
spitzer
e & industrial produc otiv ts c om t o. au Efficient Quality Service
HAPPY HOUR NigHtlY 4:30-7:30PM
ALIGNMENT
FREE MUNCHIES
MARGARITA MONDAYS ALL DAY ALL NIGHT $3.00 Main & 6th 623-1700 Since 1990
Recipient of the Roswell Daily Record Reader’s Choice Award 2015
catering available
Blind Willie Johnson’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” to classic rock’s “Time of the Season.” The band has built its grassroots popularity by taking its music to the people. the Black Lillies have been averaging 200 gigs a year since forming in 2009, playing small clubs as
Air Conditioning • Brakes • Starter • Carburetion • Alternators Electrical Batteries • Fuel Injection
specialists
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIAL • DEEPCYLE
SpitzerRoswell@CableOne.net
8 / V i s i o n M a g a z i n e | Thursday, January 7, 2016
AUTO SERVICE 515 S. Virginia 575-624-0728
Since 1945
well as big festivals like Bonnaroo, Stagecoach and the Americana Music Festival. No other independent band has played the prestigious Grand Ole Opry as many times as the Black Lillies. In January 2011, their album “Whiskey Angel” was nominated for The 10th Annual Independent Music Awards for the Americana Album Category. The album was selected to receive the IMA Vox Pop award. “Two Hearts Down” was awarded the 2012 Independent Music Award for Best Story Song. “100 Miles of Wreckage” was also a nominee for American a A lbum o f th e Year. “Same Mistakes” was voted No. 4 on CMT’s Pure 12-Pack Countdown for the week of Nov. 9, 2012. The Black Lillies’ third album, “Runaway Freeway Blues,” was released in March 2013 to widespread critical acclaim. That album debuted at No. 21 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and No. 43 on the Billboard Top 200 Country chart. It spent more than five months in the Americana Music Association’s top five, ending the year as the No. 18 album of the year overall, based on radio airplay. “Runaway Freeway Blues” was selected by more than two dozen publications — including American Songwriter magazine — as one of the best albums of the year.
Known for its dynamic live shows, the band will be performing in Roswell to support its new CD “Hard to Please.” This new album has been racking up the accolades since its October 2015 release. Rolling Stone Country hailed it as “country music with a soul-rock infusion, supported by smart songwriting and tight musicianship” while American Songwriter praised the “soulful mix of upbeat Americana and tender ballads that makes the album a rejuvenating fourth release.” PopMatters declared that the Knoxville group created “an authentic sound that’s guided by their best instincts,” and called th e CD th e ir “m o s t confident set yet.” The album’s musical evolution will be re fle cte d in th e group’s concert as the Black Lillies have grown into a six-piece band with lead guitarist Mike Seal (Jeff Sipe Trio, Larkin Poe), bassist Sam Quinn (the everybodyfields) and pedal steel man Jonathan Keeney (Robinella) joining the core trio of Cruz Contreras, Trisha Gene Brady and Bowman Townsend.
“Threshold Blues” (Roswell)
Submitted Photo
Art
Roswell Artist-inResidence: Bridget Mullen
A study of color and movement, transferring a no-nonsense passionate attitude that flows richly in the multi-media world of Bridget Mullen. By Christina Stock Vision Editor
T
he lecture and reception for RAIR Mullen will take place Jan. 16 at 5:50 p.m. at the Roswell Museum and Art Center, 100 W. 11th St.
and is free of charge for the public. “My work depicts cryptic, comedic, and unsettling narratives, borne from the combination of my found materials and the freedom in my pro-
cess,” said Mullen. “I work quickly, without censor, improvising between responsive, in-the-moment mark-making and consciously excavating images. There are no missteps; every action becomes a catalyst for reaction.” Mullen has an extensive webpage at bridgetmullen.com where she shares her experiences, insights and paintings and newest projects and being part of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program. She said, “New Mexico is nothing if not an expanse of time and space laid out before you in all directions. “I just mean it’s quiet and open and you could go days without seeing another person,” Mullen said. “It’s cool to be in that void. I love not filling it with podcasts. Or constant action. I think sitting and looking at something I’ve painted is a way of working on it. It feels as if it’s becoming something even after it’s done. Is that possible? “And I’m not just talking about me finding out what the work is about because I’m pretty sure I don’t (consciously) know all the synapses that fired off from memories and things pre-verbal like pheromones or body language, or when you look at something and you don’t really see it because you are thinking about something else but you take it in none-the-less and it becomes part of you mentally and physically. I think this is
why it sometimes feels like my hands have a mind of their own and I’m surprised by what comes out in a painting. “I’m pretty sure that’s exactly why I love ping pong so much. I love sports because it’s surprising and exciting when you react so quickly to the ball or other players and you never registered the conscious thought to move. And that’s really what all the work I’ve been making is about: The story behind the story, behind the story. “And it is about how the process of making the work should be used to consider the content.” Bridget Mullen holds a Master of Art degree from Massachusetts College of Art and a Bachelor of Arts from Drake University. She has received two grants from the Albert K. Murray Fine Arts
Fund, fellowships from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Yaddo and twice was a fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center. She also has studied abroad in London, United Kingdom. Her art has been shown widely in the Northeast, mainly New York, where she is based. Mullen has an upcoming solo show next spring at Satellite Contemporary in Las Vegas. Professionally she is part of the freelance art preparation of The Museum of Modern Art since 2007 and since 2006 part of the same program at The Guggenheim Museum. For more information contact the Roswell Museum and Art Center at 575-624-6744 or visit roswellmuseum. org.
FARMERS COUNTRY MARKET Del Norte - Plains Park - 2nd & Garden
For Week of Jan. 11 - Jan. 15 Breakfast
mon
WOW Butter & Grape Jelly Sandwich **100% Nut Free Juice 1/2C, Applesauce
Lunch
Chicken Sandwich, Fries, Seasonal Fruit
tues
Tony’s Sausage Bk Pizza, Juice 1/2 C, Applesauce 1/2C
Steak Fingers, Mashed Potatoes, Whole Wheat Roll, Gravy, Mixed Fruit
wed
Frudel, Juice 1/2 C, Applesauce 1/2C
Frito Pie, Steamed or Fresh Broccoli & Carrots, Pineapple
Bagel w/Cream thurs Cheese, Juice 1/2 C, Applesauce 1/2C
fri
Mini Corn Dogs, Juice 1/2 C, Applesauce 1/2C
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Beans, Salad w/ Diced Tomatoes, Peaches
Pizza, Salad w/ Diced Tomatoes Sliced Apples
All meals are served with your choice of regular, low fat or chocolate milk. Menu subject to change.
Vision Magazine |
Thursday, January 7, 2016
| 9
>>7
Calendar
September. In January, artists Philip Denker and Paddy Gould will work with students to transform their drawings into relief sculptures using corrugated plastic and pipe cleaners. Call 624-6744, ext. 10, to register for either of these art programs. Visit the Museum’s website at roswellmuseum.org for a full description of these programs.
at 6 p.m. Entry is $10. For more information or reservations call 575-6276265. Alamogordo January 16 LEGO league Competition
The Americana band Black Lillies are going to perform at Pecos Flavors Winery, 305 N. Main St., at 6 p.m. Entry is $10. For more information or reservations call 575-6276265.
The annual Otero County first LEGO League Competition will take place from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Tays Center, 2400 N. Scenic Dr. The event is being sponsored and hosted by New Mexico State University Alamogordo. This year approximately 30 teams will compete from Alamogordo, Cloudcroft and Mescalero. This is a practise event for the teams in preparation for the regional competition in El Paso this spring. For more information call Ester Gonzalez, 575-4393865. The event is free and open for the public.
Roswell January 13 Live music at Pecos Flavors Winery
Roswell January 16 Roswell Artist-in-Residence: Bridget Mullen
TC Fambro and Joe Teichman are going to perform at Pecos Flavors Winery, 305 N. Main St.,
The lecture and reception for RAIR Mullen will take place at 5:50 p.m. at the Roswell Museum and
Roswell January 13 Live music at Pecos Flavors Winery
Art Center, 100 W. 11th St. and is free of charge for the public. Mullen’s art has been shown widely in the Northeast, mainly New York, where she is based. For more information visit roswellmuseum.org or call 575624-6744. Roswell January 16 Big Benefit Show – Bring “Hope” Back to Roswell The variety show will take place at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Theater and Performing Arts Center, 52 University Blvd. The show will benefit the “Bring “Hope” Back to Roswell Fundraising campaign to save the Roswell Hope Amphitheater. Performing are the award-winning “Charlies Angels Dance Team” and internationally touristing band Secret Circus. For more information and tickets visit bringhopeback.com.
Start your New Year with a new wardrobe for less than you think!
207 N. Main Mon-Sat 10-6 • 627-7776 OnceAgainRoswell
10 / V i s i o n M a g a z i n e | Thursday, January 7, 2016
Roswell January 16 Call of Duty Black Ops III Tournament The Unity Center hosts the tournament presented by Gaming Detty. The 4 vs 4 Team tournament registration starts at 1 p.m. The games start at 3 p.m. $40 per team ad $8 for the Free-For-All tournament. $200 cash prizes for teams and $100 cash prize for single competitors. Ruidoso/Mescalero January 16 Clay Walker in Concert The Inn of the Mountain Gods presents, Clay Walker, platinum-selling country artist. Considered to be one of the most successful country acts of the past decade, Walker delivers an unforgettable boot-tapping performance. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25. The Inn of the Mountain Gods is located at 287 Carrizozo Canyon Rd., Mescalero. For more information or to reserve tickets visit innofthemountaingods. com or call 575-464-7059 or 800-545-9011. Roswell January 16 - 17 Western Frontier Roswell Gun Show The Western Frontier Roswell Gun Show is returning to the Roswell Convention and Civic Center, 912 N. Main St. It will open on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Entrance for the general public is $5. Children 10 years old and under have free entry with an adult. This gun show is
hosted by Western Frontier Gun Shows of New Mexico. All federal, state and local firearm ordinances and laws must be obeyed. For more information contact: Eli Calles at 575-430-8681 or email elifrontier@yahoo.com. Roswell January 20 Better Ask Dad 2016 Tour Five bands perform including Sorry No Sympathy, Shine Bright, The Anat Omist, Destiny Awaits and Fishing for Friends. 18 and over only. Alcohol with valid ID. The show starts at 7 p.m. The Epic Nightclub is located 3905 SE Main St. For more information visit shinebright.bandcamp.com or the Epiq Nightclub Facebook page. Roswell and Ruidoso January 22, 23 First Bears and Beers Weekend Nashville recording artists Matt Mason and John Riggins are performing on Jan. 22 at Roswell’s Farley’s Fun and Pub, 1315 N. Main St. at 6 p.m. On Jan. 23 at Ski Apache, from noon – 4 p.m. and at Farley’s Ruidoso, 1200 Mechem Dr., from 6-10 p.m. Roswell January 23 Altzheimer’s Association Family Caregiver Conference The event is going to take place at the Roswell Civic Center, 912 N. Main Street, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The conference will provide tools and
updates for caregivers. For more information contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 575-6241552. Ruidoso/Alto January 28 “Cinderella” – the Ballet at the Spencer Theater Direct from Russia, the Moscow Festival Ballet is going to perform the fulllength ballet “Cinderella” in three acts. Music by Sergei Prokofiev, choreography by Rostislav Zakharov. The Ballet is put together with a cast of 50 members. True to the age-old tale, Moscow Festival Ballet’s “Cinderella features a bossy, unlikable stepmother and two very vain stepsisters. Cinderella tries to befriend them, but her efforts are thwarted by their jealousy. While the family goes off to a grand ball, Cinderella is told to stay behind and clean the house. Her unjust oppression turns into triumphant reward as enchanting events involving a fairy godmother, a glass slipper and a handsome prince whisks her away into a happily ever after. The show starts at 7 p.m. And tickets start at $39. The theater is located at 108 Spencer Road, Alto. For more information or ticket reservation call 888-818-7872 and 575336-4800 or email boxoffice@spencertheater. com or visit spencertheater.com.
11 >>
>>10
Calendar
Roswell January 29 New Mexico Vernacular: Architectual Portraits by Robert Christensen The reception for Christensen will take place at 5 p.m. at the Roswell Museum and Art Center, 100 W. 11th St. and is free of charge for the public. For more information visit roswellmuseum.org or call 575-624-6744. Ruidoso/Mescalero January 30 Merle Haggard in Concert The Inn of the Mountain Gods presents country legend, Merle Haggard. With more than 30 No. 1 hits and countless awards and accolades including an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Merle Haggard is the very definition of a country legend. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $40. The Inn of the Mountain Gods is located at 287 Carrizozo Canyon Rd., Mescalero. For more information or to reserve tickets visit innofthemountaingods. com or call 575-464-7059 or 800-545-9011.
Roswell February 1 and 2 Auditions for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” Auditions at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Performing Arts Center will take place on both days at ENMU-R Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. For more information call 575-624-7398 or visit the ENMU-R Performing Arts Theater Facebook page. Do you have an event planned? Deadline for editorial coverage is a week before printing. The Vision Magazine is usually printed on the first and third Tuesday of the month so it can be distributed at the same time as it gets inserted on the first and third Thursday. The earlier you send us your information and if your event is newsworthy, the bigger the chance of getting full coverage. If you would like your event listed on the entertainment calendar, please email vision@rdrnews. com or call 622-7710 ext. 309.
Happy New Year!
A new year means new opportunities to grow. While many people make resolutions to get healthier, save money or get involved in the community, we would like to get to know more about what you would like to read in future Vision Magazines.
Are you interested in the Arts (music, events, theater, museums or movies)? Would you like to have a new column with recipes and tips about living in Roswell and Southeast New Mexico? Would you like to learn more about our history or people who influenced Roswell (known or not so much known)? Do you want to read about travel tips beyond our area? Did you like the new column about talented youth, called “Artist to watch?” Or do you have something else for us?
You are our reader, you decide what we write. You can email us at vision@rdrnews.com or mail or drop off a postcard or letter to Vision Magazine, c/o Roswell Daily Record, 2301 N. Main St., Roswell, NM 88201 Out of all participants sending in their comments, we will draw on Jan. 31 a winner who receives a restaurant gift certificate.
RECYCLE THIS PAPER
Vision Magazine |
Thursday, December 3, 2015
| 11
Christina Stock Photo Peter Powell (standing) is playing Lord Edgar. In this scene he is heading out to hunt the wolf, despite Nicodemus Underwood’s (played by Robin Haynes) concerns.
Spotlight
Drop Dead Perfection
Roswell Community Little Theatre presents “The Mystery of Irma Vep.” By Christina Stock Vision Editor
M
ichael Sweeney directs the newest production of the Roswell Community Little Theatre, “The Mystery of Irma Vep.” Who is who and are there ghosts, werewolves or lunatics in the woods of England — or did everybody just drink too much hot toddy? The new RCLT play takes the audience from England to Egypt and back and will have their heads spinning. This is a full-blown, no holding back slapstick comedy that will keep the audience laughing until they fall off their chairs. It is a spoof on mysteries such as director Alfred Hitchcock’s
“Rebecca” and other plays such as “Wuthering Heights.” It does not shy away from mummies, werewolves and vampires either. Irma Vep is the late wife of Lord Edgar, who is brilliantly played by actor Peter Powell. But is Lady Irma really dead? What about Lord Edgar’s new wife? Who is this beautiful, sensitive creature, wife number two: Lady Enid, with lustrous red hair and a passionate body that brings love to the brittle heart of Edgar? Will Edgar be able to keep his new wife safe from the big, bad wolf and vampires? Is the wolf really a wolf or Lord Edgar’s only
son? And why is the wickedly cute maid, Jane Twisden, trying to make Lady Enid drunk? Is maid Jane falling in love with the one-legged, rugged hunk of a handyman, Nicodemus Underwood, played by athletic actor Robin Hayes, or will she resist his tempting, masculine caveman approach? This all and more will be revealed when “The Mystery of Irma Vep” unfolds on the stage of the Roswell Community Little Theatre. Sweeney is well-known in the community for his acting and directing skills. He recently performed in “The Wizard of Oz” as the Tinman. “I saw this play in the 80s in New York City,” said Sweeney. “I always wanted to bring it to Roswell.” The play was written by Charles Ludlam and premiered in 1984 at One Sheridan Square theater in New York City. Ludlam was famous for pointing out the funny in classic plays, movies and novels. Ludlam was inducted posthumously in 2009 into the American Theater Hall of Fame. Main actors are Robin Haynes and Peter Powell. Haynes is an accomplished actor who brought a great deal of thought and insight with him when RCLT began rehearsals. “He quickly threw all that out of the window, and happily climbed aboard the insanity express that this production became,” said Sweeney. Haynes was last seen in RCLT’s production of “The Lion in Winter” as Geoffrey. Powell has been active with RCLT for a number of years as an actor and director. He is also the organizer of the local Steampunk group, Pecos Valley Steam
Society. Powell was the assistant director for the show “Per Sous” and director of “Dracula” at RCLT. As an actor Powell has portrayed a number of varied characters. “It has been my great pleasure to work with Peter on numerous productions,” said Sweeney. “This however, was my first chance to direct him in a production. After working with him here, I can say, I would work with him again anytime. However, he may think twice about working with me,” said Sweeney jokingly. The play has many surprises and director Sweeney asks for discretion and not to spoil the play for those who will attend later showings. see
Mystery
on page
14
Christina Stock Photo Director Michael Sweeney in deep thought behind the curtain.
Vision Magazine |
Thursday, January 7, 2016
| 13
Mystery
Continued from Page 13
She had recently performed at ENMU-R’s “Les Misérables.” “A huge thank you to the cast for never saying, ‘I am not walking on stage in that costume.’” said Sweeney. Powell’s daughter Brianna is in charge of sound and lights. Christine Powell and Sweeney are going to be behind stage for the dazzling fast dress changes the play requires. Ty Whatley and Gage Boykin are the set crew. Performances are on Jan. 8, 9 and 15, 16 at 7:30 p.m. and on Jan. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. The Roswell Community Little Theatre is located at 1717 S. Union Ave. For tickets or further information call 575-622-1982 or visit their webpage at roswelltheater.com.
Christina Stock Photo Did Lord Edgar shoot the wolf, his son or a furcoat? Who will solve the mystery behind Irma Vep?
As with every production of the RCLT, this one too is a team effort. “I thank Tony Simoes for putting up my set, just as I envisioned it,” said Sweeney. “I am sure he thought I was insane when I described what I needed.” Sweeney was hands on with David Brock crawling all over the set to paint the set. The family portraits on stage were painted by Sweeney. Costumes are by Christine Powell, Peter Powell’s wife, she is also known for her acting and directing skills. “Christine is my assistant director, or better description, my co-director,” said Sweeney, “Because she was with me every step of the way. She proved to be the only adult involved in this show. I cannot express my deepest gratitude to Christine enough for all her help and encouragement.” 14 / V i s i o n M a g a z i n e | Thursday, January 7, 2016
Christina Stock Photo Will Lord Edgar get rid of the ghost of his wife, Irma? Who bit his new wife? Will he find the answers in Egypt or is it hidden in his manor in England? The plot to this mystery will be revealed at the Roswell Community Theatre, perhaps with the help of the audience.
“Refugees” by Roderick Mead
Art
From the Vault
Roswell Museum and Art Center By Sara Woodbury RMAC Curator of Collections and Exhibitions
L
ast fall, the Roswell Museum and Art Center received a bequest of 39 prints and paintings by Roderick Mead (1900-1971) from the Trust of Marilyn T. Joyce. A friend of the Joyce family, Mead is considered one of New Mexico’s most innovative artists and printmakers, and this new acquisition will significantly expand our holdings of his work. To celebrate this gift, in this article we’ll highlight one of the most important pieces in the group, the oil painting “Refugees.” Originally from New Jersey, Mead began studying art at the Newark Academy, later going on to Yale University and the Arts Student League in New York. During the 1930s, he moved to Europe, settling initially on the island of Mallorca, located off the coast of Spain. In 1934, he relocated to Paris, where he began working at A te lie r 17. Dire cte d by innovative printmaker Stanley William Hayter (1901-1988), Atelier 17 was one of the most avant-garde printmaking workshops in Europe at the time, attracting such notable surrealist artists as Joan Miró (1893-1983) and Yves Tanguy (19001955). Hayter emphasized the use of unusual
materials and processes and pioneered viscosity printing, which enables artists to create multi-colored prints using only one plate. His distinct aesthetic and working process would greatly impact Mead in both style and technique. With the onset of World War II, Mead returned to the United States. After living briefly in Maine, Florida and New York, he ultimately settled in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where his wife’s family was located. A technical master of printmaking, Mead was adept in etching, engraving, and woodblock prints. His lines are clean and confident, while his complex compositions reflect both careful planning and creativity. He also painted in both oil and watercolor, creating highly abstracted representations of still lifes, genre scenes and other subjects. Painted in 1939, “Refugees” was likely created shortly after Mead’s relocation to the United States. The painting depicts three abstract figures washed up along a beach, and possibly represent the artist himself, his wife and their young son. The three figures, composed of curving, sinuous lines and open, negative spaces, are typical of Mead’s surrealist compositions, and would recur in his work from the 1930s onward. With their alternating visual rhythms of posi-
tive space and negative openings, the figures are replete with visual energy, leading our eyes around the composition. Strokes of red, blue, and yellow further energize the figures, while the three primary colors simultaneously infuse the painting with a sense of balance. Naturalistic, detailed seashells are scattered next to the figures in the foreground, providing a striking contrast to the more abstract forms. Rocks in the background echo the poses
of the three figures on the beach, adding visual interest while further uniting the overall composition. Mead created “Refugees” during a critical moment in his career. Having spent the last several years in Europe, Mead had to reacquaint himself with the American art scene, particularly that of New Mexico. Upon his initial arrival, at least, he likely felt like an outsider, endeavoring to adjust to a new geographical and social environ-
Photo courtesy Roswell ment. However, Mead embraced Carlsbad and the Western landscape became a prominent aspect of his later work, from panoramic vistas to close-ups of cactus flowers. He would also continue to explore the creative possibilities of printmaking, creating works that use a medley of colors, textures, and lines to convey meaning. Mead remains little-known outside of Carlsbad today, but the very qualities that make his work so unusual, from his abstractions to
Vision Magazine |
Museum and Art Center his experimental printmaking techniques, emphasize his significance as an artist. “Refugees” is just one of several dozen Mead works donated to the Museum, but the painting should give you an idea of the scale and quality of the materials the RMAC has received. We plan to do an exhibit with these works in the future, so be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting pieces.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
| 15
UFOlogy
2016: Dreaming once again of UFO disclosure
Looking Up
H
By Donald Burleson
appy New Year! At this juncture those of us interested in investigating and researching the UFO phenomenon often entertain the thought, if not the realistic hope, that perhaps the new year might be the time when the government will disclose some portion of what it knows about unidentified flying objects and related subjects. But believe me, you shouldn’t hold your breath! We were told, when the current administration took office, that it would usher in the most open and transparent gov-
ernment policies in American history, but we subsequently have seen no evidence of that, and in fact government at present is probably as secretive as it has ever been, or more so. Let me give you an example or two of what I wish they would come right out and say. It would be wonderful to hear something like this from them: “Today a spokesperson for the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, who is the Chief Science Advisor to the President, announced that detailed analysis of DNA extracted from
the alien bodies recovered in 1947 from the Roswell UFO crash has revealed exceedingly important information relating to the medical issue of longevity. The spokesperson said at a meeting of the National Academy of Sciences that extraterrestrial DNA gives evidence that it is possible to manipulate human chromosomal DNA in specific ways to greatly reduce the rate of deterioration of the telomeres protecting functional DNA from becoming degraded. Since such degradation is thought to be the chief cause of aging in humans, this
discovery could provide enhanced longevity of the sort the Roswell beings appear themselves to possess, whether because of their own evolution or from their deliberate enhancement of their own genome. In short, the Roswell aliens may inadvertently have shown us how to live, in good health, to be two or three centuries old.” Or imagine reading this in a news report: “Science advisors to the President announced this morning that because of ongoing research into extraterrestrial DNA, we may soon have new
strategies for combatting such health disorders as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. A spokesperson went on to explain that a retrovirus present in the extraterrestrial bodies from the Roswell incident of July 1947 has left its DNA coding still readable in the alien genome as a microorganism to which the human immune system offers no resistance, and that its structure provides important clues to the nature of viral immunity issues in the field of human health, as the alien genome is so similar to the DNA of humans.”
Will we ever read headline stories like that? I would bet we won’t, at least not any time soon. Is the government in fact having Roswell alien DNA analyzed and are they sitting on secrets like these? I would bet on that too. But don’t count on 2016 to be the time when they’ll tell us about it. Nonetheless, this will undoubtedly be another year we’ll spend searching for all the truth we can find.
__CHECK US OUT.... __FAST...All Checkouts Are Express __FRIENDLY...Serving You, the Customer __Freshest produce...Direct to You __QUALITY MEATS...Cut Fresh All Day Long __EXTRA SERVICES...Stamps, Money Orders, __CARRY OUT YOUR GROCERIES...Yes We Do! Western Union, Checks Cashed, Payment Center for Utility Bills, WIC, EBT, Credit Cards Accepted, Gift Cards...etc.
16 / V i s i o n M a g a z i n e | Thursday, January 7, 2016