Cibola Arts Council opens new museum

By Mike Marino
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — The best kept secret in Grants is the new Cibola Arts and Artifacts Museum located inside the Cibola Arts Council/Double Six Gallery. Having been open for two months, last week the arts council board officially christened it with its proper name. The naming came in conjunction with the weekend’s Archeology Fair.

The museum opened to the public in August, and its focus is on the culture, history, people and landscapes of northwest New Mexico. The museum was put together by the tenacious endeavors of Eva Peets, Robert Gallegos and Sherri Carattini. Peets worked together with representatives from Dr. David Phillips of the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, Russ Bodner of Chaco Canyon National Historic Park, Rick Best of the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center and Kayci Cook-Collins of El Malpais/El Morro National Monuments.

Collins thinks the partnering is good for everyone.

“The museum is a great idea to educate and get people excited about the area and its history. It also helps to support the resources of the national monument. We intend to work further with them on future projects that will promoted the richness of the regions past,” she said.

The exhibits are attractively displayed with labels and informative literature to describe the items that is a wonderful tool for education for individuals or groups that have interests in the region. “Celebrating Chaco” opened in August and will run until December 31 when it will be replaced by the exhibit that features the homestead era of western New Mexico.

The museum is located at 1001 W. Santa Fe Avenue. For hours and exhibit information call (505) 287-7311 or visit their website at www.cac66.com