South Central New Mexico

Living in a rural area, it is often difficult to keep up with news. Lincoln County has two newspapers, but neither are dailies, and radio reception from Ruidoso does not always extend to more isolated areas. While social media, particularly Facebook, serves as a source for information, particularly among the young, many older residents remain skeptical and hesitant to use it. Enter Judy “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, a Carrizozo resident who sends out the Carrizozo Community newsletter via email. Published on Mondays…

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“Big green house with Gumby out front,” emailed Rick Geary when describing his home and studio in Carrizozo. Sure enough, a large metal Gumby cheerfully waves from his yard. In 2006, Geary was asked to illustrate a new series of Gumby comics to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ever-smiling green slab of clay character created by Art Clokey. The book created with Bob Burden who wrote the story and Steve Oliff and Lance Borde as colorists won the 2007…

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Some artists outwardly look at their surroundings seeking to capture and ultimately share a beautiful landscape made unique by the famous New Mexico light. Jake Valentine looks inward and brings forth images and figures that reflect a darker vision, one based on deeply turbulent personal experiences. Far from being nihilistic, however, Valentine’s creations have a whimsical feel that make his works both compelling yet somewhat disturbing. These are not your typical “pretty” pieces; their appeal lies in the gloom that…

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