Luz es Vida: International Year of Light

It’s 2015 – The International Year of Light!

In proclaiming an International Year focusing on Light, UNESCO has recognized that light plays a vital role in our daily lives and is an important cross-cutting discipline of science in the 21st century. On the most fundamental level through photosynthesis, light is necessary to the existence of life itself, and the many applications of light have revolutionized society through medicine, communications, entertainment and culture. Light-based technologies have opened up international communication via the Internet and continue to be central to linking cultural, economic and political aspects of the global society.

This year LEAP and its collaborators are putting a regional spin on this international theme: Luz es Vida – Light is Life.  Light gives life everywhere, but especially here in northern New Mexico! Light supports our agricultural heritage, heats our homes, and is muse to many. Let’s not forget how our stunning NM light across sagebrush stopped a couple of artists in their tracks a hundred years ago. (They stayed in the Taos area and started the Taos arts colony!)

We hope you’ll join us for some of the Luz es Vida events and programs!

Luz es Vida Event + Program Schedule

March 9 – April 18: “Luz es Vida” painted banner workshops
Taking place at Questa Alta Vista Elementary and Intermediate School, Rio Costilla Southwest Learning Academy and Roots & Wings Community School.

June – September:  Youth Wilderness Field Trips + Luz es Vida Workshops
Wilderness Field trips for local students, paired with innovative STEM + Art workshops. Students will interface with their environment in creative ways and expand their ideas about light.

April 22, 6 – 8 pm: Luz es Vida Earth Day Youth Performance Café
OCHO Art + Event Space, #8 State Hwy 38 (across from Questa Visitor Center)
Community Event showcasing “Luz es Vida” banners and performances by local students, in celebration of the Earth and this year’s event theme, “Luz es Vida” – Light is Life. FREE

June 5 – July 5: Luz es Vida Art Show: Light is Life – Small Works
OCHO Art + Event Space, #8 State Hwy 38, Questa
An open exhibition of small works by local, regional, traditional and experimental artists exploring the meaning of “Light.” Open Fridays – Sundays, 11 – 5 pm and by appointment. FREE

June 6, 5 – 8 pm: Opening Reception “Luz es Vida Art Show: Light is Life – Small Works”
OCHO Art + Event Space, #8 State Hwy 38, Questa
Reception kick-off for the new exhibition of small works by local and regional artists exploring the meaning of “Light”; live music, refreshments + event surprises FREE

July 18, 7 – 10 pm: “Luz es Vida: 20 Images x 20 Seconds + Many Stories” (PechaKucha)
Wild Rivers Visitor Amphitheater, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Cerro
An evening of audio-visual shorts and creativity: presenters have 20 slides/20 seconds each to showcase local stories related to “Light.” $7/ticket + extra for optional, light, pre-show meal.

September 12, Afternoon – Evening: NeoRio 2015: Light is Life
Wild Rivers, RGDN National Monument
NeoRio featured artist lecture and artwork by optical + light artist, Ethan Jackson followed by an art-filled evening celebration; music, poetry + traditional local feast on the rim of the gorge. FREE

September 21 – December 11: Luz es Vida Rotating Youth Community Art Shows
Various locations in Questa
Artworks by local youth displayed in unexpected venues. FREE

October 3: Public Lands Day Volunteering + Eagle Rock Lake Reopening Celebration
Eagle Rock Lake, Questa
Morning beautification volunteering; midday meal, live music, + ribbon cutting ceremony. FREE