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2nd Annual What's ART? Convention -- Monday, August 17, 2009 at 12:00

The second annual WHAT’S ART? Convention: Exploring the Creative & Green Economy of New Mexico; and the WHAT’S ART Street Festival will take place October 2nd and 3rd, 2009 at the Las Cruces Alma d’arte Charter High School at 404 West Court Avenue. The Talking Stick Institute and Alma d’arte/Court Youth Center will host the event supporting the Mesilla Valley Arts Scene through the collaborative energies of Dr. David Boje, NMSU Business Management Professor, Virginia Maria Romero, nationally respected artist and Irene Oliver-Lewis, Founder of Alma d’arte Charter School. October 2nd –Reception 6:30 – 9 p.m. - Keynote speaker, John Villani, author of “100 Best Small Arts Towns in America” will share his expertise in communities creating themselves as centers of Art, Creativity and Livability. - Rebecca Wurzburger, Mayor Pro Tem of Santa Fe and cultural tourism expert will also join in the discussion. This is a rare opportunity for artists, businesses and the general public to interact with Ms. Wurzburger and Mr. Villani! - Hors d'oeuvre and wine reception to be prepared by Chef Maurice Zeck, HRTM – NMSU October 3rd – 9:00am – 4:30pm Workshops – 9:00am – 3:30pm Participants have the opportunity to choose three of the 25 workshops. • Titles range from Tactic for Selling, Insuring and Collecting Art, Art in the Schools, Varies Art Forms – Hip-Hop, Culinary and Ice Sculpture. • Round table discussions will explore the Future of the Creative Economy of Southern New Mexico Street Festival. • Story Telling Tours of Alameda, Mesquite and Mesilla by expert historians. • Free Street Festival Activities will be available for all ages. These activities include entertainment, food, demonstrations, talking circles, an art gallery, and Art for Sale booths. • There will be a variety of music, dance and theatre productions, a Mural will be created in support of Environmental Arts by participants of all ages, and an ice sculpture will be created, among many other activities. Grand Finale - 3:30 -4:00pm. • Celebrating the day’s exploration of our Creative and Green Economy, the grand finale will include art created earlier in the afternoon, street festival participants and musicians. To leave the environment as we had found it, NMSU Aggie Recycling will be on hand to remove recyclable materials from the park. Virginia Maria Romero, organizer, said, “This won’t be just another art show, but something that can really make a real difference.” Price for Reception and Workshops: $30 pre-registration (before Sept. 18th, 2009) and $35 at the door. Student Price - $20 pre-registration (before Sept. 18th, 2009) and $25 at the door. For more information visit http://talkingstick.info, call Dr. David Boje at 646-2391 or Alma d’arte at (575)541-0145.