(Las Cruces Arts and Cultural District Kicks Off Third Cycle)
(Las Cruces, NM) Over the last three years, the Las Cruces Arts and Cultural District (LCACD) has celebrated the unique makers, creators, and artists who live and work in the district through a video spotlight program. Historically, this program has been titled “Artists in Residence” (AIR), a play on the traditional program of bringing in an outside artist to breathe creativity into a designated place and produce lasting art in a community. Our program, born in the darkest days of COVID, sought to investigate our own backyard and showcase the artists who were already part of the district, who were interwoven into the fabric of the community.
“The ACD Icons program is as exciting as it is diverse. One of my favorite aspects of the program is getting to know the wide array of creators and makers in the district and being able to celebrate the depth and breadth of creativity and creatives in the ACD,” said Susan Cabello, Director of the LCACD.
This year the LCACD has decided to continue the program but under a new name, “ACD Icons.” ACD Icons will showcase and promote businesses and artists from various sectors of the creative economy. In the current cycle of the program, we will spotlight six artists/creators who exemplify the LCACD tagline: “Authentically Southern New Mexico.” Those chosen will be featured in a series of videos that discuss the creative process and what it means to be a creator in our vibrant and culturally rich community.
We are pleased to announce Coy Lowther as our first ACD Icon for 2023. Coy Lowther is a native Las Crucen and who comes from a long line of female artists who have called Southern New Mexico home. Lowther’s art can be experienced throughout Downtown and the Arts and Cultural District. She is a weekly vendor at the Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces. Her work is displayed and for sale at Woody’s Gift Gallery at 309 E. Organ Avenue. Lowther’s many murals in the district can been seen at Coas (317 N. Main Street), Boneyard Cantina (139 N. Main Street) and Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science (411 N Main Street).
More information about the ACD Icons program can be found at www.downtownlascruces.org or on our social media @DowntownLasCruces (Facebook and Instagram).
