FOR THE LOVE OF ART MONTH
For the Love of Art Month
February 2026
Multiple venues in Las Cruces
Every year during February, ArtForms Artists Association of New Mexico organizes and produces For the Love of Art Month, coordinating with art galleries, artist studios, and art spaces throughout town in a celebration of the Arts. Many galleries, studios, and art spaces participate in this annual event, to reflect the diversity, history, and culture of art in Southern New Mexico. This month-long celebration of art in all its forms includes several exhibitions, four weekends of studio tours with over 30 participating locations, and the opportunity to pick up some art skills at workshops.
The Las Cruces City Council has officially proclaimed arts an important component of our community’s quality of life. These events are an opportunity to showcase various art forms for the community to see and experience.
Las Cruces is a vibrant and diverse hub of art and culture. From its lively downtown to its popular museums (Las Cruces Museum of Art, NMSU Museum of Art, Museum of Nature & Science, Railroad Museum, Farm & Ranch Museum, J Paul Taylor Cultural Center), there is something for lovers of art. We have several galleries and studios, as well as venues for practicing and learning about art.
Studio tours are a popular part of FLOA. This year, over 30 studios will be available for the public to tour, free of charge. The four weekends of studio tours provide the opportunity to see where artists work, to talk to them about their artistic process, and to make purchases directly from them. You can view and download the Guide at www.artformsnm.org
XYZ Studios here at Casa de Arte will take part in the art studio tours, with public openings every Saturday and Sunday (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) in February.
Participating artists this year include:
- Deborah Welch, Acrylic painting on canvas
- Regina Leyva, Acrylic painting on canvas
- Jim Rodgers, Photography
- Christopher Alexander, Watercolor/Pen & Ink
Other events happening in and around Las Cruces during February 2026
10th Anniversary, EROTICA Art Exhibit
3390 Apple Cross Place, Mesilla Park
- Friday, February 13, 6:00 - 10:00 pm
- Saturday, February 14
- Sunday, February 15
- Saturday, February 21
- Sunday, February 22
Merriam-Webster defines erotica as literary or artistic works that deal with subject matter that is stimulating or arousing, but it doesn’t just have to be about the libido or the genitals. Like all art, erotica is meant to simulate the brain and to make us see things from a different perspective. It is a depiction of humanity at its most sublime. It is a release of inhibition.
The one thing erotica has always been about is sensuality. Good erotic art will relay some sort of message about the human condition. It will use sometimes shocking imagery to convey such complex human emotions as abandon, subjugation, loneliness, freedom, acceptance and vulnerability. It is, in a sense, a casting-off of the shackles imposed upon us by morality and social shame, to reveal the true self. How you deal with those revelations may have more to do with you than it does with the art in question.
In this popular exhibit, visitors will see erotic art portrayed in unique, talented, and creative ways, be it sculpture, paintings, photographs, or drawings. Much of the art will be for sale and on opening night, many of the artists will be present.
For the Love of Watermedia
Frame & Arts Center, 1100 Main Street, Las Cruces
- February 6 - February 27
An exhibit by members of the New Mexico Watercolor Society, Southern Chapter. Watermedia pieces to include watercolor, fluid acrylics, gouache, and ink drawings with watercolor wash. Many of the artists will be present on the opening night.
2026 ARTFORMSNM Member Show
The Hood Gallery, 3206 Harrelson Street, Las Cruces
A regional exhibition showcasing a variety of art forms by members of the ArtForms Association of New Mexico. Many of the artists will be present on the opening night.
- February 6 - 28 (Fridays, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm; Saturdays, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm; Sundays, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
