County Councilor Antonio Maggiore, left, presents Los Alamos Arts Council Executive Director Patrick Neher with a proclamation recognizing October as Arts and Culture Month at Tuesday’s meeting in Council Chambers. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County and local arts organizations are kicking convention to the curb. Traditionally, every September representatives from the Los Alamos Arts Council attend a County Council meeting to receive a proclamation recognizing September as Arts and Culture Month.
Not this time. On Tuesday, Los Alamos Arts Council representatives, including new Executive Director Patrick Neher, did return to Council Chambers to receive a proclamation but it recognizes a more significant undertaking.
To align with the national recognition of October being proclaimed National Arts and Humanities Month, County Council will also honor October as Arts and Culture Month.
This recognition goes beyond just a piece of paper. County Senior Management Analyst Libby Carlsten said throughout the month different local arts and culture organizations and programs will be highlighted; similar to the Los Alamos County Community Services Department’s 100 Days of Summer.
A booklet detailing all the organizations and programs will be available on the County’s website and hardcopies will be offered throughout the community including the municipal building and Mesa Public Library.
The key event and the kick off for the rest of the month will be the Evening of Arts and Culture from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 13. Twenty presenters at nine different venues, all within walking distance in the Creative District, are participating in the event.
A dance at the Betty Ehart Center, performances by various Los Alamos High School music ensembles, a sculptor, poetry readings and a string quartet are just a few things on the schedule. Food and beverages will also be served at the different venues.
The entire event is free to the public.
“It will definitely showcase all the arts and culture offerings here in Los Alamos,” Carlsten said. She added, “It will be huge fun.”
Neher said, “It’s going to be a really fun party.” He compared it to a block party one might see in New York City.
The idea to enhance the Arts and Culture Month originated from the Arts Forum, a collection of local art entities spearheaded by the Arts Council. Carlsten said the forum is made up of an “eclectic” group which includes the Los Alamos Community Winds, Fuller Lodge Art Center, the Los Alamos Little Theater, Hillstompers, Los Alamos Historical Society, Los Alamos Retired Senior Organization, Arts in Public Places, the Creative District, Los Alamos Concert Association and the Studio Art Tour.
The whole purpose of the month is to draw awareness to the wealth of local arts and culture programs and organizations.
“The whole purpose is to highlight all the arts and culture offerings here in Los Alamos,” Carlsten said.
Neher added it is important to spread awareness about the arts. “I think it’s important that we collaborate and develop audience and develop awareness of the importance of the arts to people’s well-being.”
The Evening of the Arts and the Arts and Culture Month is also an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the many art organizations in town. “It’s just a big collaboration to get people to be aware of all the fantastic collaborations that go on here,” Neher said.
He added the hope is to build on this program each year.
