Arts & Entertainment in Silver City New Mexico
MUSEUMS
Silver City is home to two outstanding museums: the Silver City Museum and the Western New Mexico University Museum. The Silver City Museum is located downtown in the history H.B. Ailman House and features special exhibits, a local history library and a museum store. It is open Tuesday through Sunday at easily caters to locals and tourists. The WNMU Museum is located on West 10th Street in the interior of the campus, housed in a 1917 building with intact design features such as the truss-beamed ceiling. The famous architectural firm of Trost and Trost designed it and the extensive collection includes the world’s largest permanent display of the region’s Mimbres pottery, artifacts and culture. Historic photographs of the university, Maria Martinez pottery and traveling exhibits also fill the museum. The museum and gift shop are open daily, but normally closed during university holidays and breaks.
THE ARTS COMMUNITY
The arts scene in Silver City offers colorful galleries, electric art, independent artists, high curbs and funky streets lined with murals and turn-of-the-century buildings offering a fantastic walk, with many special openings scheduled throughout the year. Here artists escape the high rents and rigid lifestyles to find freedom of expression and friendly camaraderie. Artists often welcome visitors into their creative space, offering a personal touch that has all too often disappeared in larger communities.
The crossroads of Yankie and Texas Streets is the center of the man Arts District; studios, galleries, a coffee shop and an eatery beckon visitors to “sit a spell.” Artists are often available to discuss their work first hand that ranges from simple and inexpensive to museum quality. Galleries are also dispersed throughout downtown as well as Bayard and Hurley.
Silver City has been name as one of the “100 Best Art Towns in America” even though the art scene is fairly recent compared to its rich mining and ranching history. Part of this success has been due to The Mimbres Region Arts Council, which is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of southwestern New Mexico by providing quality programs that nurture and inspire a love and understanding of the arts.
ENTERTAINMENT
The SCGC Chamber of Commerce, Grant County Community Concert Association, Mimbres Region Arts Council, Western New Mexico University, private business and numerous community-based programs round out the gamut of entertainment opportunities. The most wonderful obstacle of the local residents is directly reflected through the abundant assortment of year-round happenings to choose from.