Erin Currier. Courtesy/Artist Steve Chavez

Tres Graces de La Acequia (After Picasso) Mixed media collage, acrylic on panel. Photo by Erin Currier

Millicent Rogers Museum:

The Millicent Rogers Museum is proud to present La Acequia, Nuestra Madre: Art and history of New Mexican waterways. Co-curated by artist Toby Morfin and Claire Pelaez Motsinger, this exhibition explores the rich topic of water stewardship through the work of contemporary artists of New Mexico, many of whom have parallel working practices in art making and care of the land.

Rooted in the Indigenous practices of gathering and distributing water for irrigation, the acequia system, which is composed of a network of surface ditches and headgates to control the flow of water, represents far more than simply an agricultural method. The history of this technology encompasses the Moors’ centuries long occupation of Spain, the colonization of the land eventually called Nuevo Mexico by the Spanish, and then the subsequent recolonization of the area by the United States government. This complex history only begins to reveal the profound importance of acequias. Fundamentally, they serve as a communal resource and responsibility, sustaining those who labor to maintain them.

This centuries old tradition that has been present in communities of the American Southwest is under threat, and the activists dedicated to water rights are unflinching in their defence of this piece of their cultural heritage. Land that has been in agricultural use for generations now lies fallow, or is sold or developed. The omnipresent reality of poor winter snowfall and extended drought causes many to wonder and worry how much water will be running through the ditches. Without the work of those who educate, advocate, and bring the conversation of water to the forefront of communal awareness, the way of life of the acequias and traditional care for the land may slip away.

Through the work of these extraordinary participating artists, the lifeways of the acequias are honored and the parciantes celebrated.

The artists exhibiting artists are:

Floyd Archuleta, Luis Barela, Erin Currier, Steve Chavez, Jodie Herrera, Nicholas Herrera, Steven Katzman, Juanita J. Lavadie, Felix Lopez, Krissa Lopez, Toby Morfin, Jody Naranjo, Michael Naranjo, Roxanne Swentzell, and Jim Vogel.

Exhibition programs:

• A public opening reception 5-7 p.m. Saturday, May 2; and 
• A screening of the film “Acequias: The Legacy Lives On” May 30 at the Taos Center for the Arts.

 Supporters:

This project would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and collaborators. We would like to thank the Taos County Lodgers Tax, Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association, Taos Valley Acequia Association, and Des Montes Art Gallery for their support of this project.

Located at 1504 Millicent Rogers Road in Taos, New Mexico, the Millicent Rogers Museum (a 501c3) partners with communities of the Southwest to share their stories, arts, and cultures.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Tuesday. General admission is $20, with $15 admission daily for veterans, students, and seniors (65+). Taos County residents receive free entry to the museum every Sunday. Free daily admission for children under 6, museum members, and tribal members.

Please check www.millicentrogers.org for updates about this exhibition and for winter hours.