Live Programs
The New Mexico Museum of Art provides both in-person and virtual live programs throughout the year. Continue reading to learn about our varied real-time engagement opportunities. These offerings range from regular event series, such as our annual collaboration with El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, to standalone programs, such as an Open Mic Poetry event for New Mexico Youth. Whether you are looking to bring a museum educator to lead a program in your classroom, or an art enthusiast searching for a hands-on workshop, or even a parent interested in an art-making event for the whole family, this is the place for you. Read below for general descriptions of our live programming. For specific, upcoming events click here to be directed to the Museum’s events page. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Email Museum Educator, Amanda Formby, at amanda.formby@dca.nm.gov.
Invite an Educator
Invite an Educator is the best way to request one of our museum educators to facilitate a program in your classroom or community gathering. Available both virtually and in-person, the Museum’s programs are listed on the Invite a DCA Educator portal hosted by The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA). To schedule with one of our educators, visit the Invite a DCA Educator program page and fill out a request form. Make sure you select from the New Mexico Museum of Art’s offerings, as there are many different museums and historic sites that use this portal.
Las Golondrinas Lecture Series
Each year, from January to March, the New Mexico Museum of Art is pleased to partner with El Rancho de Las Golondrinas to bring a stunning series of speakers to the St. Francis Auditorium. Presentations cover a range of topics, from author talks to the history of witchcraft in New Mexico. To find out what events are taking place soon, visit this link.
Free Community Days
On these special days, the Museum offers free admission to the public, special activities related to exhibitions, and other entertainment. The next Free Community Day will be an Open Mic for Youth in conjunction with the Poetic Justice exhibition on May 28, 2022.
Free First Fridays
As part of the newly formed Palace Arts District, the Museum joins with the other museums and galleries along Palace Avenue to offer programming and events on the first Friday of every month from 5-7 PM. Look to the Museum’s events page for announcements of special First Friday programs. Admission is free for everyone from 5-7 PM on First Fridays. Don’t forget that, during extended seasonal hours from May through October, admission to the museum is free for New Mexico residents from 5-7 PM every Friday!
COMING SOON at Vladem Contemporary
Enhanced School Tours
Enhanced School Tours allow teachers and students to dive deeper into exhibition themes and the elements of art in conjunction with a Docent-led tour of one or more of the exhibitions on-view at the Museum. This program is available for free to any school group and can be customized to fit the needs of individual groups. From art activities to presentations about museum careers, and even guided research in our Library and Archives, the options for extended learning are expansive. Just ask to discuss options for enhancing your school tour when scheduling your visit!
Studio Workshops
Studio Workshops will provide opportunities for anyone to become an artist. From week-long classes on smartphone photography to drop-in life drawing sessions, we hope to provide a variety of artistic instruction for the New Mexico communities.
Family Art Making Days
Family Art Making Days will occur every third Saturday of the month as well as Wednesdays in June and July. From 10 AM to noon, participate in an art activity in the classroom space at Vladem Contemporary; take a Docent-led tour of the exhibitions at both locations (Vladem and Plaza); and enjoy a variety of other entertainment options such as story time, music, and more! These events will be FREE for families.
High School Photography Workshops
High School Photography Workshops will be a new, three-week summer intensive for high school photographers. Each workshop will include instruction in landscape, portrait, and studio photography, basic studio lighting, an introduction to digital editing workflow and concepts, and digital portfolio and critique experience.