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 at XYZ Studios this year include:

Deborah Welch, Abstract painter Deborah has exhibited in over 50 solo and group shows throughout New Mexico and the Midwest. She finds a large empty canvas is one of the most exciting things in the world. Creating abstract paintings allows her to venture off traditional paths and into realms of chance, risk and artistic peril. Deborah paints with brushes, rollers and an array of tools. She occasionally applies shimmery metallic fabrics, papers, stencils and stamps to enhance her intent. Her method of painting is guided by color theory principles; hue contrast and tonal layer. After retiring from a 20-year Military career, she embarked on her next adventure as a painter. Currently Deborah volunteers on a Disaster Action Team with the American Red Cross.

Regina Francesca Leyva, Acrylic painting on canvas Regina is a visual artist living in Las Cruces. Originally from New York, she moved to San Jose, California, where she began her teaching career. She is now a retired Career Technical Educator in the Arts, Media, and Entertainment sector. She resides with her husband, Mike, her elderly mother, Rose, and a motley crew of rescued pets. Regina is most engaged when she experiments with new ideas and a variety of traditional and digital media in her new happy place at XYZ Studio.

Jim Rodgers, Photography Jim Rodgers’ interest in photography started at an early age. In his hometown of Chicago, he started with a simple Kodak camera. While attending high school in New York City, he used 35mm and Twin Lens Reflex cameras while doing his own darkroom work. Rodgers’ work includes literal, abstract, and composite pieces in a broad range of subject matter. In addition to this work, Jim has also been incorporating his images in encaustic work. A long-time resident of Las Cruces, he has cultivated a deep love for the environment and community which is reflected in his work. Rodgers’ photos are part of the permanent collection at Pace University in New York City. He has won many awards for his work, including First Place in the 2019 New Mexico Magazine contest. Jim’s work has also been shown in many local galleries.

Christopher Alexander, Watercolor/Pen & Ink By training, Alexander is a child psychologist in private practice, specializing in work with abused, neglected, and children with histories of trauma. Christopher’s inspiration came from years of collecting the works of regional artists and from making frequent trips to Europe with his husband of 33 years. With the Covid lockdowns, Christopher devoted more serious time and attention to creating art, primarily in watercolor, acrylics, and pen/ink. Through his art, Christopher aims to capture and portray the people, history, and culture of New Mexico. Christopher’s work can be seen at XYZ Studios and through various regional shows.

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 - February 28 (Fridays, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm; Saturdays, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm; Sundays, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

Las Cruces Art Association Member Show

Big Picture Gallery

February 1 - February 28

30 artists from the Las Cruces Art Association will display their work at the Big Picture Gallery, 2001 Lohman Avenue.