Community News

SILVER CITY, NM - The Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art is hosting an exhibition of ceramic art created by two WNMU post-baccalaureate students, Hugh Remar and Allyson George, and BFA student Victoria Prejean.

The exhibition includes both sculptural and functional ceramics that are the culmination of the artists' experiences working in clay at the university. The artists chose to title the show the Studio 118 Exhibition in recognition of the working space where the students create their art, said Prejean. In the ceramics studio, "We all get to learn so much from each other," she said. "It has been exciting to work alongside both [Remar and George] to see the kind of work they make and their process. … It has been super helpful and insightful."

This Monday the Cliff School Elementary traveled to the Gila Senior Center and performed a few songs during their lunch time gathering. Cliff school does not have a formal music program but Chelsea Shock has made it her mission to keep the joy of music in these children's hearts. Without designated funding the teachers and the our wonderful principal have carved out a way to expose our children to music and dance.

Western New Mexico University class of 2024 spring graduates were honored both on campus and virtually with a Friday evening hybrid ceremonySILVER CITY, NM – This spring, 535 students earned degrees or certificates from Western New Mexico University, and the Mustang community celebrated their achievement through a hybrid commencement ceremony that once again allowed for the participation of graduates on campus as well as those living and attending WNMU at a distance. Of the graduates who received diplomas from WNMU this spring, 408 chose to participate in the graduation ceremony on Friday, May 3, with 355 walking across the stage at Ben Altamirano Field and 53 participating virtually.

[Editor's Note: The Beat awaits some photos, but this is the list of winners.]

The Volunteer Center of Grant County announced the 2024 Volunteers of the Year recipients at a gathering held at The Commons: Center for Food Security and Sustainability on Saturday afternoon April 13, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The list below describes the groups and their award recipients.

Western Institute of Lifelong Learning (WILL)

• Susan Beck

PFLAG Silver City

• Victoria Reece

The Commons: Center for Food Security and Sustainability

• Kathleen Wigley
• Paula Makara
• Don Pryor
• Steve White
• Gayle Sera

This evening, we celebrate the illustrious career of Claudia Lynn Smith as she steps into retirement after over three decades of unwavering dedication to education. Claudia's journey began at Deming High School, where her leadership and passion for excellence set the stage for a storied career that culminated at Silver High School. 

Get Ready to Give Grandly: Join Us for a Day of Celebration and Giving!

Featured in this email:

• Give Grandly - May 4, 2024
• Social Media Workshop - May 8,2024
• Executive Director Round Table May 14, 2024
• The 30 Something Call for Applications Deadline
• Special Thank You to Groundworks New Mexico

Dr. John Bell and Susan Berry

In ceremonies recently held in Albuquerque, the Historical Society of New Mexico honored two accomplished Silver City residents for their contributions to New Mexico history.