Lecture: Experiences in Figurative Sculpture

New Mexico sculptor Michael Naranjo will present a lecture “Experiences in Figurative Sculpture” at the Rio Grande Theatre on Saturday, October 4th at 12:30 pm. The lecture is presented in conjunction with the Las Cruces Museum of Art exhibition “Rodin: In His Own Words; Selections from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation.” The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 North Main Street in Las Cruces.

Michael Naranjo grew up in the Tewa Indian Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico and currently resides in Santa Fe. Despite loosing his sight and partial use of his right hand while serving in the military, he continues to sculpt and appreciate works of art through touch. As inspiration for his own creative work, Naranjo has been permitted to examine several legendary masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s “David.” Perhaps best known for his Native American figures, his sculptures are represented in private collections and museums worldwide, including the Vatican and the White House.

The lecture is funded in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts and with financial assistance from the Foundation for Las Cruces Museums. In addition to the lecture series the Museum of Art, in collaboration with the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, is launching a new program “Art by Touch – Beyond Sight” an educational experience for the visually-impaired.

The gallery hours for “Rodin: In His Own Words” are as follows: Monday through Thursday 10 am to 5 pm, Friday 10 am to 7 pm, and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. The Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main St., on the north end of the Downtown Mall. For more information on exhibits or our Studio Programs art classes, please call (575) 541-2137 or visit http://museums.las-cruces.org