Chaco Canyon celebrated in art show

By Mike Marino
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — The Cibola Arts Council/Double Six Gallery is getting ready to Celebrate Chaco.

The opening reception for the event will take place on Saturday. Aug. 4 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. The Celebrate Chaco event will run until December 31 and is designed to coincide with the grand opening of the art council's new historical museum that is currently exhibiting art and artifacts from the ancient pueblo peoples who inhabited Chaco Canyon and the surrounding area.

"In conjunction with the show we also have new creative works on display from our members and a wall of student art from young artists from Grants High School," said arts council Executive Director Robert Gallegos. "The public really enjoyed the Mt. Taylor exhibit and we know they will love this new one too."The Chaco showing will not only feature art and artifacts but will also include information about the ruins and pueblos in the Cibola area that at one time were a significant part of the Chaco network during it's greatest period. It's primary purpose is to act as an educational resource for locals and visitors who want to learn more about this unique historical culture."

"Our mission with both the art show and the museum is to show the beauty, history and cultural influence that Chaco Canyon has been and continues to be. During the show we will also have lectures by archeologists and other experienced professionals who will share their knowledge about Chaco Canyon," said Museum Committee Chairman, Ava Peets.

The arts council has been enjoying a highly successful year with it's array of shows including the Mt. Taylor exhibit, the recent quilt show, the installation of the student art wall and PAH Fest and there are more shows to come and new innovations for the council including new websites, concerts and expansion of exhibits.

The Celebrate Chaco reception is free of charge and everyone is welcome to attend. The Cibola Arts Council/Double Six Gallery is located at 1001 W. Santa Fe Avenue. To find out more about Celebrate Chaco or any other upcoming events at the arts council, call (505) 287-7311 or visit their new website at http://www.cac66.com .

See what's going on the arts council at their new YouTube site located on-line at http://www.youtube.com/cibolaarts