Museums and Cultural Affairs Department - City of El Paso

12/23/2022

Happy Holidays from your MCAD team!

In observance of the Holiday, all museums will be closed Saturday, December 24 and Saturday, December 31.

12/22/2022

Haven’t gotten a chance to view “Away from Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories?” Don’t miss out!

Join the El Paso Museum of History on Saturday, January 7, beginning at 2 pm for a free closing event of Away from Home and hear from members of different regional nations and tribes about their work to recover and practice Indigenous lifeways.

About the exhibit:
Beginning in the 1870s, the US government attempted to educate and assimilate American Indians into “civilized” society by placing children—of all ages, from thousands of homes and hundreds of diverse tribes—in distant, residential boarding schools. Many were forcibly taken from their families and communities and stripped of all signs of “Indianness,” even forbidden to speak their own language amongst themselves. Up until the 1930s, students were trained for domestic work and trade in a highly regimented environment. Many children went years without familial contact, and these events had a lasting, generational impact. "Away from Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories" explores off-reservation boarding schools in a kaleidoscope of voices.

NOTE: "Away from Home" contains stories of resilience and revitalization, agency and honor. Please be aware that it also contains descriptions of human indignities and hardships and terms that reflect historically racist perspectives and language from past eras. In speaking the truth about acts of seemingly unfathomable violence and suffering in the lives of Native peoples, this exhibition is advised for more mature audience members, grades eight to adult.

This exhibit is made possible through funding from the Texas Historical Foundation.

12/19/2022

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology presents, Weaved Treasurers, Baskets from the Museum Collection on view beginning December 21, 2022.

The exhibit features a collection of Native American Basketry dating back to the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century.

For more information on the the El Paso Museum of Archaeolog, visit www.epmarch.org.

12/17/2022

Make your way down to Arts Festival Plaza today!

There’s still time to get your Holiday shopping done and make plans to attend the last market of the season.

In celebration, The Downtown Art and Farmers Market will join WinterFest at Arts Festival Plaza from 4 pm to 9 pm.

See you there!

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12/16/2022

Join the El Paso Museum of History for Family Day: Las Posadas happening this Saturday, December 17 from 11 am to 3 pm.

The free event will feature dancer, author, educator, and noted El Pasoan Rosa Guerrero. Guerrero will kick off the event with a talk about the cultural significance of Las Posadas and then guests can enjoy free crafts, champurrado, and aguinaldos to take home while supplies last. Mrs. Guerrero will also sign and sell her book on Las Posadas tradition.

12/15/2022

There’s still time to get your Holiday shopping done and make plans to attend the last market of the season.

In celebration, The Downtown Art and Farmers Market will join WinterFest at Arts Festival Plaza from 4 pm to 9 pm.

See you there!

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12/14/2022

Happening this Saturday, December 17th at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology!

David Bustos, Resource Program Manager, talks about the fossil prints that have been preserved for over 23,000 at Whjte Sands National Park.

The free talk begins at 2:00 pm.

12/13/2022

Recap of Monday’s Open House at El Paso Museum of History!

12/13/2022

Are you a UTEP student who is eligible for work study opportunities this Spring? if so, we have an internship position available! The Cultural Event Associate will be part of the planning and organizing processes for major arts and cultural festivals like Chalk The Block and Dia de Mu***os! Interested students should apply on UTEP Job Mine: https://www.utep.edu/student-affairs/careers/students-alumni/finding-a-job.html

12/13/2022

Artist Oppoprtunity!

🚨 Applications now open for our Spring/Summer Artist Residency! 🚨

We are looking for a new resident artist for Spring/Summer 2023! If you or anyone you know is interested in being the next Border Art Resident, you can get more info and apply at https://borderartresidency.com/apply-1

The Border Art Residency offers a selected artist a period of retreat for creative work in a living/studio space in the heart of El Paso, Texas. Resident artists are provided with a fully furnished living/working space, a monthly stipend, and utilities paid.

The next open residency period is from April 1 to August 31, 2023. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 1, 2023. The selected artist will be notified by March 1, 2023.

Selection of the artist is made by a panel of nationally recognized artists and arts professionals. Because the selection committee members are far-removed from each other, we request that the application be submitted digitally via email. Photos of artwork should be 300 DPI JPEGS and sent with the email application.

We can't wait for you to apply!

12/09/2022

Spots are still open for the El Paso Museum of Archaeology’s Tigua Christmas Ornaments workshop by Master Tigua Potter Albert Alvidrez.

Albert Alvidrez is a member of Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo located in El Paso County, Texas and has served his tribal community as director of the Cultural Center, Historical Preservation Officer and as an elected Councilman and Tribal Governor.

During the workshop participants will receive clay to make ornaments as well as pre-fired pieces to paint and take home.

Pre-registration is required. Please email [email protected] or call us at (915) 212-0421 to rsvp.
Space is limited!

12/08/2022

We are hiring! We are looking for the founding director of the El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center! The Director will develop a team to create and implement exhibitions, dance, theatre and culinary arts celebrating Mexican and Mexican American heritage and perspectives.

The City of El Paso is seeking a creative, dynamic leader to develop and lead staff and programs at the upcoming MACC! Ideal candidates should be passionate about engaging and experienced with community-facing programs! https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/elpaso

12/08/2022

The El Paso Museum of History is gearing up to open an exhibit on El Paso's Black History in February 2023 - and they need your input!

4 PM - 7 PM
Monday, December 12
El Paso Museum of History

During this free open house, members of the public are invited to share their own objects and photographs with the Museum for display in the exhibit. Items can either be loaned to the Museum or simply scanned and returned. They will also be seeking feedback on the exhibit title, color palette, and content. See you there!

12/06/2022

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology is excited to present: A Museum Lobby Pop-Up Exhibit in celebration of the El Paso Archaeological Society's 100th Anniversary.

Join them all day this upcoming Saturday, December 10.

12/05/2022

The El Paso Museum of History presents Merienda Talk: Revolt, Resistance, & the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, a free event happening Wednesday, December 7 from 2pm - 4 pm.

As part of their “Away from Home” exhibit, Rick Quezada (Director of Cultural Preservation at Ysleta del Sue Pueblo) will be discussing the causes of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt and how the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tigua we’re affected by boarding schools. The Tigua Indians have a unique history in El Paso, Texas and are the only Pueblo Indian tribe within the state of Texas. Their forced migration to the El Paso area by the retreating Spanish during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 makes them the only surviving pueblo in El Paso. Join them as they explore the Indigenous histories in our region and how these local histories interest with national ones.

12/03/2022

A perfect take home activities for the Holidays, join the El Paso Museum of Art for a WinterFest Family Day: Snow Globe Making.

The free family event is happening tomorrow, December 3 from 12 pm to 3 pm at Classroom C in the Museum Art School.

11/26/2022

Happening today!

Join the El Paso Museum of Archaeology for their annual outdoor Native American Storytelling event with storyteller and interpreter Alex Mares happening November 26, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology.

Stories will include Coyote stories shared during the winter months by Navajo, Pueblo and Apache tribes.

Alex is a a formally trained Native American storyteller and interpreter whose cultural background includes Diné, Pueblo, Jicotec and Spanish.

Event is free admission and will be taking place outdoors around a campfire. Open to all ages.
Free hot chocolate will be served, folding chairs and blankets are highly encouraged.

11/26/2022

Shopping isn’t done yet, don’t forget to visit the El Paso Downtown Art and Farmers Market tomorrow, support small businesses and shop local this holiday season!

Visit the region's talented artisan vendors, find fresh locally grown produce, and try some tasty treats from food trucks and vendors at the El Paso Downtown Art and Farmer’s Market’s Shop Small Saturday Holiday Market.

You can find them this Saturday, November 26 from 4 - 9 PM in the Arts Festival Plaza, next to the Museum of Art!

For more information regarding events, programming, and parking, visit epwinterfest.com for up-to-date information!

11/24/2022

Support small businesses and shop local this holiday season!

Visit the region's talented artisan vendors, find fresh locally grown produce, and try some tasty treats from food trucks and vendors at the El Paso Downtown Art and Farmer’s Market’s Shop Small Saturday Holiday Market.

You can find them this Saturday, November 26 from 4 - 9 PM in the Arts Festival Plaza, next to the Museum of Art!

For more information regarding events, programming, and parking, visit epwinterfest.com for up-to-date information!

11/22/2022

Join the El Paso Museum of Archaeology for their annual outdoor Native American Storytelling event with storyteller and interpreter Alex Mares happening November 26, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology.
Stories will include Coyote stories shared during the winter months by Navajo, Pueblo and Apache tribes.
Alex is a a formally trained Native American storyteller and interpreter whose cultural background includes Diné, Pueblo, Jicotec and Spanish.
Event is free admission and will be taking place outdoors around a campfire. Open to all ages.
Free hot chocolate will be served, folding chairs and blankets are highly encouraged.

11/21/2022

Make plans!

Register now for our Tigua Christmas Ornaments workshop by Master Tigua Potter Albert Alvidrez.

Saturday, December 17th, 2022
2:00 PM
$25 members
$40 non-members
All supplies are included

Albert Alvidrez is a member of Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo located in El Paso County, Texas and has served his tribal community as director of the Cultural Center, Historical Preservation Officer and as an elected Councilman and Tribal Governor.

During the workshop participants will receive clay to make ornaments as well as pre-fired pieces to paint and take home.

Pre-registration is required. Please email [email protected] or call us at (915) 212-0421 to rsvp.
Space is limited!

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Inscríbete ya a nuestro taller de Adornos Navideños Tigua con el Maestro Alfarero Tigua, Albert Alvidrez.

Sábado,17 de diciembre, 2022
2:00 PM
$25 miembros
$40 sin membresía
Todos los materiales están incluidos.

Albert Alvidrez es miembro de Ysleta del Sur Pueblo localizado en el condado de El Paso, Texas y ha servido a su comunidad tribal como director de el Centro Cultural, oficial de Preservación Histórica y como concejal y gobernador de Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.

Los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de crear su propio adorno navideño de barro y recibirán adornos previamente horneados para decorar y llevar a casa.

Se requiere inscripción previa. Para reservar tu lugar escríbenos a [email protected] o llámanos al (915) 212-0421. Cupo limitado!

11/18/2022

Happening tomorrow!

Join the as
they celebrate Native American Heritage Month this
November, and honor Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.

The free event is happening next Saturday, November
19th from 12 pm to 3 pm at the El Paso Museum of
Archaeology and will feature Tigua Youth Dancers,
Tigua oven bread sampling and traditional feast day
cookies and a crafts workshop.

11/17/2022

Las Artistas Art & Fine Crafts Show provides unique gift ideas in El Paso

MCAD Cultural Funding Awardee Las Artistas is prepping fior their annual showcase and sale!

The Las Artistas Art & Fine Crafts Show will be this weekend. Find out more about this once-a-year event.

11/17/2022

Make the Holiday Market part of your stop this Saturday, November 19 during WinterFest!

The Holiday Market will be open from 2 to 11 pm in Arts Festival Plaza and is the perfect place for Holiday shopping.

11/17/2022

Visiting WinterFest this Saturday? Make sure to stop by the for a WinterFest Family Day based on Leo Villareal's work and an illuminated light box making activity.

Born in 1967, in Albuquerque, artist Leo Villareal is internationally known for activating space with light. Currently based in New York, Villareal was raised in the El Paso/Juárez region.

When: November 19
Time: 12 PM to 4 PM
Location: C2 Gallery space

11/15/2022

Mark your calendars!

Join the El Paso Museum of Archaeology for their annual outdoor Native American Storytelling event with storyteller and interpreter Alex Mares happening November 26, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology.

Stories will include Coyote stories shared during the winter months by Navajo, Pueblo and Apache tribes.

Alex is a a formally trained Native American storyteller and interpreter whose cultural background includes Diné, Pueblo, Jicotec and Spanish.

Event is free admission and will be taking place outdoors around a campfire. Open to all ages.

Free hot chocolate will be served, folding chairs and blankets are highly encouraged.

11/14/2022

In five days, dive into Winterfest and create unforgettable memories by visiting the El Paso Downtown Art and Farmers Market Holiday Market and enjoying holiday fiestas at San Jacinto Plaza. The season starts on Saturday, November 19. For more information on events and programming, visit epwinterfest.com!

11/12/2022

Join the El Paso Museum of Archaeology as they celebrate Native American Heritage Month this November, and honor Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.

The free event is happening next Saturday, November 19th from 12 pm to 3 pm at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology and will feature Tigua Youth Dancers, Tigua oven bread sampling and traditional feast day cookies and a crafts workshop.

11/12/2022

El Paso dowtown art, farmers market hosts northeast Fall festival

🍁🍁🍁

Downtown Art and Farmers Market Hosts Northeast Fall FestivalThe City of El Paso will be hosting the Fall Festival Downtown Art and Farmers marketThe City of E

11/12/2022

Don’t forget to join us tomorrow at the Fall Farewell Pop Up Market!

Join the El Paso Downtown Art and Farmers Market and for a fall market featuring over 60 local market vendors, live entertainment, a canned food drive supporting , a pet food drive supporting El Paso Animal Services and fun for the whole family!

11/11/2022

Happy Veterans Day to all those who served and their families! Check out this great initiative from our El Paso Museum of History!

11/10/2022

Join the El Paso Museum of History today!

Exhibition opening of "Away from Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories" on Thursday, November 10 from 6PM - 8PM.

Beginning in the 1870s, the US government attempted to educate and assimilate American Indians into “civilized” society by placing children—of all ages, from thousands of homes and hundreds of diverse tribes—in distant, residential boarding schools. Many were forcibly taken from their families and communities and stripped of all signs of “Indianness,” even forbidden to speak their own language amongst themselves. Up until the 1930s, students were trained for domestic work and trade in a highly regimented environment. Many children went years without familial contact, and these events had a lasting, generational impact. "Away from Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories" explores off-reservation boarding schools in a kaleidoscope of voices.

NOTE: "Away from Home" contains stories of resilience and revitalization, agency and honor. Please be aware that it also contains descriptions of human indignities and hardships and terms that reflect historically racist perspectives and language from past eras. In speaking the truth about acts of seemingly unfathomable violence and suffering in the lives of Native peoples, this exhibition is advised for more mature audience members, grades eight to adult.

This exhibition will be on display through January 7, 2023

This exhibit is made possible through funding from the Texas Historical Foundation.
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Images
(Left) Tom Torlino, Navajo, as he entered Carlisle Indian School, 1882;
photograph, variable size Courtesy of Cumberland County Historical
Society, Carlisle, PA.

(Right) Tom Torlino, Navajo, after 3 years at Carlisle Indian School, 1885;
photograph, variable size Courtesy of Cumberland County
Historical Society, Carlisle, PA.