Joycelyn Schroulote, a student at the New Mexico School of the Arts said, ‘Moving Arts Española has always been a safe space for me. Growing up, I was such a shy and introverted kid, always felt unseen and unheard, but Moving Arts saw me. They taught me how to use my voice. Now I am unafraid to speak up for people and help them find their voices.’ Schroulote is currently participating in the Moving Arts STAC program which stands for the Spaña Teen Art Collective. This group is focused on creating programs for teens by teens and intends on hosting an art walk in April 2023. Photo by Nicholas King

ART News:

ESPAÑOLA –– The vibe was exhilarating at Moving Arts Española’s (MAE) recent celebration commemorating 15 years of service to the community.

The Feb. 21 event was at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe and was selected as a way to thank supporters.

Performances and presentations by students demonstrated their talents and the impact of MAE programs has had on their lives. 

The evening was a kaleidoscope of color with performances by the Flamenco, Hip Hop, Ballet and Folklorico students set against Meow Wolf’s neon stage. In between student dance performances, the audience heard from Moving Arts alumni who are on a career path influenced by their time in the program. Chef Sophia and the Community Health Ambassadors talked about the new aquaponics farm and agriculture partnership with NASA. Audience members got to witness a father/son performance by David and Maximiño Manzanares, all while noshing on the eclectic cuisine of one of Santa Fe’s most talked about chefs, Raymond Naranjo of Manko. 

Executive Director of Moving Arts Española, Salvador Ruiz, shared his vision of what the future holds for the Española based non-proft that provides after school art and cultural programs for the youth of the Rio Grande Valley. “The children and youth deserve to have access to arts education and healthy meals so they can succeed and thrive. Seeing the kids who have grown up in our program, now as young adults committed to the health and wellness of Española, is a dream come true. We are proud to have made it these fifteen years and have even greater dreams. Now these kids are helping us create the next generation of Moving Arts.” 

With last fall’s opening of a media center – Bowie’s Backstage, a launchpad for young adults – MAE is ramping up to serve more teens and young adults with wrap around services in behavioral health and career pathways. Ruiz told the audience that Moving Arts is drafting concepts for improvements to their facility to target areas of growth where they can have the greatest impact. 

MAE provides high quality, affordable performing and visual arts education and free nutritional and academic support for children and youth ages 3-18. Their programs are designed to promote the creative, physical, academic, social and emotional health and well being of children and youth from the Española Valley and the surrounding communities of Northern New Mexico. 

Ruiz invited members of the audience to contribute to their program expansion. Donations will help Moving Arts Española expand their facility and operate the additional programming for teens and young adults.

To donate to Moving Arts Española, donations can be mailed to: Moving Arts Española, PO Box 505, Velarde, NM 87582. Donations are tax deductible. 

For additional information about giving opportunities, including grants and corporate sponsorships, you may contact Salvador Ruiz by email.

Natalya Backhaus, a former student and teacher at Moving Arts Española said at the event, ‘While I have worked very hard to stand on these feet, I’ve been inspired and driven by the mission and core values of Moving Arts.’ Backhaus is now a social worker in the Española Valley and is assisting Moving Arts in designing their behavioral health services program, and working on her master’s degree. Photo by Nicholas King

Lacey Romero has been a student at Moving Arts Española for over 8 years and dances both Flamenco and Folklorico. She recently began performing Flamenco professionally with her instructor Mina Fajardo. Romero spoke at the event saying that she is grateful for the opportunities that Moving Arts has provided her. Photo by Nicholas King