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TINY BITES OF EVERYTHING TO SEE, DO AND BUY IN ALBUQUERQUE
BROADENING HORIZONS
New exhibit areas and events are in full bloom at Explora.
The Nature’s Notes exhibition, which is an outdoor exhibition, focuses on the various sounds that you hear in nature. In addition to the new exhibits, new and old programs are back including adult night. The next adult night, Tinkering: Make and Create, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on May 20.
“We basically close down the building to our usual younger visitors,” says Kristin Leigh, Explora deputy director. “It’s an 18 and over night, you get all the exhibits to yourself. There’s a band, there’s food trucks, and it’s just a great date night or outing with friends.
One of Explora’s largest events, New Mexico Science Fiesta, will be held June 11-18. The big finale on June 18 at Expo New Mexico will feature different organizations celebrating STEM in New Mexico.
Also happening this summer, is the opening of the 8,000 square foot teen center, X Studio.
“It connects them to the equipment, the programming, the people who are doing STEM in our neighborhoods, and provides mentors to really help them understand the various steps needed to stick with these different STEM classes, and then courses of study and careers,” Leigh says. “And that’s everything from highlighting the STEM in all of the construction trades, for example, you know, all the way through different programs at Air Force research labs with directed energy, alternative energy sources with local solar companies.”
The studio will have a new exhibition called STEM In Burque. There is an entire suite dedicated to water resource management that Explora created in partnership with the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority. A makerspace in X Studio will provide an area where students can design and fabricate their own products and explore their entrepreneurial skills. Teens also will receive help preparing for their futures by getting assistance with college applications and grants as well as being able to participate in financial literacy classes —RM
Addie Bailey
AGE: 4 SCHOOL: Preschool at Calvary Christian Academy TOTALLY INTO: Going camping/ fishing, cooking, and painting NOT A FAN OF: Bugs, balloons popping and when people are sad or mean FUTURE PLANS: She wants to be a veterinarian so she can work with cats. HER STORY: Although she’s only 4, Addie is already making an impact in her community. From a young age, she has always been very vocal and doesn’t hesitate to share her opinion. She stands up for those around her and is never afraid to express how she feels. “She’s the nicest and most friendly little girl. She even prays when she sees an ambulance go by,” exclaims her parents, Justin and Rosie Bailey. She is always up for an adventure and loves to go camping, swimming and fishing. Addie is a very curious little girl. “She is always asking lots of questions and wants to learn more about everything,” her mom says. Addie does everything in her power to make sure everyone around her is just as happy as she is. —ASHLEE OLSEN
CAPTURING THE PAST
Art Meets History: Many Worlds Are Born (Part 1) takes inspiration from beloved New Mexico author Rudolfo Anaya. The light, the land, the mysticism and people were his subjects and their storylines have spanned generations. The group exhibition features extensive content based on New Mexico’s many histories, worlds born from beauty, violence and a deep sense of place, according to 516 ARTS. Many Worlds Are Born, which runs through May 14, is the first component of the twopart contemporary art exhibition at 516 ARTS, 516 Central SW. The second portion, Art Meets History: Technologies of the Spirit (Part II) will be on display June 11 through Sept. 3. The exhibitions bring together historic content and contemporary art. The project looks at how divergent histories of race, conflict, and colonialism in New Mexico influence how we imagine our futures, according to 516 ARTS. — RM
Jeanna Penn Winona, Day Nursery
SOCCER DO’S FORNEW FANS
The saying that you have to be there to understand may never be truer than when talking about a New Mexico United game. The audience experience is unrivaled across the United Soccer League. In 2019, during the United’s first full season (and before the pandemic turned them into road warriors), the team topped the league for attendance with an average of 12,693 per game. Those nearly 13,000 enthusiastic fans create a palpable energy that ebbs and flows with the game. They jeer when the ref gets a call wrong and fall into pin-drop silence when the visiting team gets on the scoreboard. And when the United score? The roar is deafening, and the air becomes thick with yellow and black smoke wafting from the supporters’ sections smoke bombs. The smoke colors the air above Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park for minutes. Overall, the home atmosphere has attracted players to the club and made a formidable one for opponents. The club’s largest supporters’ group, The Curse, anchors the stadium celebrations. They, along with a drum line and other groups like the Black Diamonds, vociferously march into the SUPER FAN CHECKLIST game a few minutes before kickoff and lead raucous chants from their favored spot near the field. Fans tend to be a STAND UP AND CHEER DURING THE MAGIC friendly bunch who will happily explain the beautiful MINUTE — FROM WHEN THE GAME CLOCK game’s rules to newcomers. To these fans, every READS 19:12 (REPRESENTING THE YEAR NEW new acquaintance is just another supporter in the MEXICO WAS FOUNDED) UNTIL 20:19 (THE YEAR making. So, it’s never too late to join in. Just OF NEW MEXICO UNITED’S INAUGURAL SEASON). remember the team’s slogan: “!Somos Unidos! We are United!” WHEN A UNITED PLAYER SCORES, CHANT HIS LAST — ASHLEY M. BIGGERS NAME THREE TIMES AFTER THE ANNOUNCER SAYS HIS FIRST NAME. IF A PLAYER FROM THE OPPOSITE TEAM SEEMS TO TAKE A DIVE AND FAKE AN INJURY, JOIN IN SARCASTIC CHANTS OF “POBRECITO.” FOR THE FULL FAN EXPERIENCE, GRAB A TICKET IN THE SUPPORTERS’ SECTIONS, 116 AND 118. JUST KNOW YOU’RE JOINING A ROWDY, RAMBUNCTIOUS CROWD. WANT TO CELEBRATE A BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY? EMAIL YOUR SHOUTOUT TO INFO@NEWMEXICOUTD.COM WANT TO LEARN MORE CHANTS? THE CURSE WILL TEACH YOU AT CURSENM.COM.
Mathew Kaiser
AGE: 9 SCHOOL: H.T Jaramillo Elementary TOTALLY INTO: Playing video games, animals, and eating junk food NOT A FAN OF: Having to go to school and eating asparagus FUTURE PLANS: He wants to be a mechanic like his dad. HIS STORY: Mathew has always been very determined. No matter what he sets his mind to, he will find a way to accomplish it. His dad, Eugene, is a mechanic and has become one of Mathew’s biggest role models. “I want to be a mechanic, like my dad, when I grow up,” exclaims Mathew. He is full of personality and “always down to play,” says his mom, Krystal. Despite school not being his favorite activity, Mathew never fails to excel, especially in Math. His mom shares that her son is “very easygoing and super affectionate.” He is full of energy and puts a lot of that toward football. He plans to continue to strengthen his skills and knowledge of the sport so he can become a great football player in the future. Mathew has always been very outspoken and isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind. —ASHLEE OLSEN
START
BRAGGING ABQ
Adrienne Adams
Director, Digital Health Partnerships Providence Health “ABQ is an inclusive place with a strong sense of community— an environment where we want to raise our son. My husband, 7-month-old son and I just moved back after living in Seattle. We love the people and incredible quality of life, plus being able to easily get into the open space with stunning views, like the Pino Trail.”
Start Bragging ABQ is a campaign to tell everyone what you love about our city. Got a brag about ABQ? Send it to us at editor@abqthemag.com.
Despite its spiky appearance, agave actually belongs to the Agavoideae family, which is a succulent closely related to the lily plant.
FOREVER BLESSED
This year marks the 50th anniversary of New Mexico author Rudolfo Anaya’s beloved book Bless Me, Ultima. The coming-of-age story of Antonio and his spiritual journey, guided by a curandera named Ultima, is a treasure to many New Mexicans and others throughout the country. Anaya passed away in 2020, but his legacy continues through his literature. We asked some educators as well as city and county leaders, what Bless Me, Ultima means to them. — RM
Mario Montoya, UNM Instructor, 2021 recipient of the Rudolfo Anaya Fellowship “For me, Bless Me, Ultima is about more than a curious boy and his magical, beloved curandera. It is a story about New Mexico. Our traditions, our customs, our unique cultura, born from bosque mud like adobe brick and ristra red chile... For New Mexicans, Bless Me, Ultima put us on the literary map, on a worldwide stage, showcasing our great culture and storytelling tradition. Rudolfo Anaya gave us a voice. A soft, comfortable voice that is as warm as a homemade fire and a bedtime story. He’s not only the Grandfather of Chicano Literature, but the wise, compassionate abuelo of all New Mexico, who steadily reminds us that our stories matter.”
Steven Michael Quezada, Bernalillo County, District 2, Commissioner “Bless Me, Ultima provided me with a renewed heartfelt appreciation of my home and family here in New Mexico. It sparked my interest in learning more about the diversity and history in this Land of Enchantment, which has influenced aspects of my career as an actor, comedian, writer and producer. The characters took me back to memories and lessons of my youth that I will always cherish and appreciate. They are blessings that I am proud to share with my own family. Thank you, Rudolfo Anaya, for giving us a beautiful gift that assures we never forget our rich and important New Mexican culture and heritage.”
Scott Elder, Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent “Bless Me, Ultima is one of the most important and memorable books for many, especially New Mexicans. Through his talent, life experiences, and humanity, Rudolfo Anaya brought to life the story of a young boy whose experiences and family resonate with so many in our state but, until its release, were not often represented in literature. Bless Me, Ultima is a beautiful story that awakened awareness and appreciation of culture and traditions unfamiliar to audiences worldwide.”
Klarissa Peña, Albuquerque City Councilor, District 3 “As a young Chicana it was so inspiring to pick up a book that I could relate to. That feeling of pride that our traditions were being highlighted in a way that represented our culture and heritage was so meaningful. Rudolfo Anaya is the founding father of Chicano literature and his work has inspired other Chicana(o) writers to share their stories.”
START
BRAGGING ABQ
Jay Shah
Senior Marketing Manager Dreamstyle Remodeling “I love the Downtown Artwalk, especially strolling our downtown streets the first Friday of every month, supporting independent artists, stimulating the local economy, and adding New Mexico flair to my home! I enjoy inviting friends and family so they can experience something truly unique and vibrant on a neighborhood level.”
Start Bragging ABQ is a campaign to tell everyone what you love about our city. Got a brag about ABQ? Send it to us at editor@abqthemag.com.
There’s a Cornish superstition that buying a new broom in May is bad luck. The origins of these superstitions have been lost, but it is likely that the Newfoundland influence can be traced to 19th-century England.
Melodie Lamb
AGE: 8 SCHOOL: Bellehaven Elementary School TOTALLY INTO: Drawing and painting, playing with her pet guinea pig, Oreo, and animals NOT A FAN OF: Vegetables, spiders and bullies FUTURE PLANS: To become an artist or graphic designer. HER STORY: Melodie is one of the most artistic and sincere kids you would ever meet. You can always find her drawing and pulling inspiration from those around her to incorporate into her art work. When she’s not in school, she enjoys spending time with her family and going shopping with her mom. Melodie has always been commended for having such a kind heart. “She is the most compassionate and respectful kid there is,” says her mom, Shazda. She continues to be awarded by the staff at her school because of her respect and kindness. Wherever Melodie goes, laughter follows. She never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face. “Melodie is full of life and is always the life of the party. She’s super goofy and loves making others laugh,” her mom
exclaims. —ASHLEE OLSEN
Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com
VIVA VINO
Wine enthusiasts can rejoice the return of the New Mexico Wine Festival after a three year hiatus. The age 21 and over event, will be held May 28 through May 30 at Balloon Fiesta Park, 9401 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE. Attendees will notice a new element this year. Guests can wander the Wine Garden, surrounded by fresh flowers and floral decor, showcasing flower and plant vendors. Eventgoers will find a new festival layout with covered wine pavilions where they can enjoy tastings from 18 New Mexico wineries serving up more than 200 wines. Wine by the glass, bottle or case will be available for purchase. Live music, painting classes conducted by Go To Art Camp and a silent disco pavilion are returning to the event. Tasting tickets are $30 and can be purchased at nmwine.com. The ticket price includes a $5 off any bottle of wine at the festival and $1 from each ticket benefits the Vineyard Restoration Fund. The fund is an initiative to plant 200,000 new vines across New Mexico. — RM
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Be a Hero
The Haven House Domestic Violence Shelter in Rio Rancho hosted an event on April 2nd at Haynes Park in Rio Rancho. The event brought awareness to children who have witnessed or have been affected by Domestic Violence. The Haven House understands the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. 1. Rio Rancho Mayor: Gregg Hull, RR City Councilor: Bob Tyler, State Rep: Joshua Hernandez, Jennifer James 2. Andrea Rogers, Estella Weitz, Dale Klein-Kennedy, Seth Muller 3. Juli Velasco, Jalene Berger 4. Zia Ghostbuster: Knox Yazzie, Xander Chang, Daniel Mullahey 5. Rada Moss, Andrea Rogers 6. Cherish, Flash, Smiley 7. William Chisholm, LoisAnn Brock
