Exhibit: Heart of the Home

Heart of the Home a solo exhibition of works by Patricia Burnett will open with an artist reception on Thursday, July 3, 2008 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The exhibit is a tribute to Esther McKinney, Burnett’s great-great grandmother.

McKinney (1849-1938) moved by covered wagon from Ohio to Kansas Territory in 1855 and experienced the turmoil of the Civil War, surviving the burning and looting of Lawrence, Kansas. Mother of nine children, she was very active in her community even after loosing a leg in an accident. Of special note is McKinney’s involvement with quilts and quilting bees, the inspiration for Burnett.

The exhibit is a blending of old quilting patterns and Abstract Expressionism. Burnett’s paintings, often involving collage techniques, result in abstraction of old patterns. Complimenting the paintings are narrative panels that provide the link between Burnett and her family history along with photographs and some of “Grandma McKinney” quilts.

“We will be closed on Friday, the Fourth of July, but wanted to open this exhibit in time for the weekend. That’s why our opener is on a Thursday,” stated Garland Courts, Manager of Branigan Cultural Center.

The Cultural Center, 501 N. Main, is located at the north end of the downtown mall. Parking is available at intersection of Water and Hadley streets. There is no charge and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. For more information about any of the exhibits, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at http://museums.las-cruces.org.