The Branigan Cultural Center’s newest exhibit, Pottery and Weaving: A Living Tradition, by artist Leon Nastacio, opens Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
Source: City of Las Cruces
The exhibit will be on view July 10 through Aug. 24, 2024, at Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main St. in Downtown Las Cruces. An opening reception will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 13. Artist Leon Nastacio will be at the reception to discuss his pottery and weaving.
Nastacio showcases a diverse array of his pottery and woven pieces, exploring the creation process through the lens of his Zuni traditions while giving a contemporary perspective for these two important traditions in Zuni Culture.
The Zuni Pueblo is largely an artistic community located two hours west of Albuquerque. Nastacio’s pottery reflects its historical and practical significance, serving purposes in farming, religious ceremonies and daily life. Additionally, Zuni weaving encompasses a spectrum of styles, ranging from intricate to simplistic designs. Originating in the early 1900s, Zuni weaving has evolved significantly over the past century, benefitting from the generational changes to this unique and skilled craft.
Pottery and Weaving: A Living Tradition examines Leon Nastacio’s interdisciplinary artwork within his Zuni traditions. Nastacio showcases his own creative works as an artist while sharing and teaching others of these important interwoven traditions while informing visitors of Zuni’s history and culture. Nastacio masterfully presents these two art forms in a stunning collection, showcasing both his expertise and the inherent beauty of these crafts.
The Branigan Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. There is no admission charge. The museum is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1 Stop 1. For more information, call (575) 541-2154 or visit the museum website. site at https://www.lascruces.gov/museums.