LAS CRUCES - Some say February For the Love of Art Month
will be better than ever this year.
After a couple of years of reporting on dying and
dramatically altered fiestas, I’m happy to see that FLAM is still going strong.
So are its founders, Kelley Hestir and Myriam Lozada-Jarvis.
It was fun reminiscing with them about the event’s
beginnings, long ago at a lunch meeting at Myriam’s art-filled Mesilla Park
home. Others have carried the torch since then, but both Myriam and Kelley have
expressed an interest in planning some wild and crazy antics for the event’s 20th
anniversary in 2018. (At least we think that’s when it happens; since the first
FLAM celebrations were freestyle, there is some controversy about when it
officially began. )
Many dedicated and professional volunteers have devoted a
lot of time, heart and soul over the past two decades to make FLAM an ongoing
enterprise, involving thousands or artists and arts aficionados and an amazing
number of visual artworks, poems, plays, literary readings, exhibit venues and
art happenings.
Among my favorites, over the years, were what would now be
called a pop-up gallery, late at night in a deserted Lohman Avenue building; a
benefit event involving the creation of exotic shoes, painted by local artists;
and a multimedia bash at what was then the Hilton, featuring unique floral
arrangements, and culinary art by local chefs, served up on tableware made by
regional artists. The artistic banquet tables also featured a cancan line of
spirited dancers. There was a talent night with poems and standup comedy at El
Patio and one of my all-time faves: a whimsical art car parade.
Kelley remembered that Miguel Silva was there to lead and
cheer us on, as he did so many art events, wearing some of his remarkable hats
or his impressive drum major uniform. We’ll think of you during FLAM, Miguel,
and cheer for peace and adventure for your artistic alma y corazon.
And let’s all cheer for FLAM itself, an example of what
artistic souls can do with heart and spirit to showcase a community which has
extraordinary talent that finds creative ways to transcend limited monetary resources.
To paraphrase a credo from the artistic hippie era: Art can get you through
times of no money better than money can get you through times of no art.
“Back then, it was daunting to imagine that it would be so
successful,” said Kelley, who said that FLAM has exceeded its founders’ wildest
expectations.
Which is not to say there isn’t room for expanded artistic dreams.
They knew Las Cruces has the right artistic stuff, and that confidence has
helped create so much more than a month of artsy fun in a community that now
boasts a monthly gallery ramble, state-of-the-art venues like the ASNMSU Center
for the Arts and the refurbished Rio Grande Theatre, an ever-growing
performance art and literary community, and a burgeoning roster of other arts
resources and opportunities.
At the first FLAM celebrations, Kelley said, she loved
seeing art in new places, like beauty salons and restaurants and offices,
something that seems more common these days.
“I’d like to see a lot more of that, more involvement with
the university and regional schools and a lot of businesses and organizations
participating,” Kelley said.
David Jacquez, one of the heroes who has helped keep FLAM
alive and get it into right-sized, sustainable shape, stressed that though
ArtForms is the official founder and sponsor, FLAM is for all of us.
It’s a month to use your artistic license to thrill,
entertain and beautify yourself and your surroundings. It’s not too late to
organize an art exhibit or happening at your home, club or office. Sing and
dance at the gym. Start an impromptu flash mob with your friends and family at
your favorite restaurant or supermarket checkout line.
And don’t forget FLAM WAPP (For the Love of Art Month
Wearable Art Parade and Promenade) next Saturday Feb. 6. Search your closets
for your most artistic hat, jewelry or other wearable art garb (or better yet,
make or buy something new and wonderful). Then, strut your stuff at the
Saturday morning Las Cruces Farmers’ and Crafts Market on Main Street Downtown
and amble artistically over to celebrate For the Love of Art Day that afternoon
on the Mesilla Plaza.
And don’t feel you have to confine your artistic expression
to a one Saturday or even a single month.
Use Feb. 29 as a Leap Day kickoff for a whole year of artistic
fun in one of the most creative cities and states on the planet. Share your
talent and your appreciation for our artistic bounty. Happy FLAM 2016!
S. Derrickson Moore may be reached at dmoore@lcsun-news.com,
@derricksonmoore on Twitter and Tout, or call 575-541-5450.
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