As Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department, I welcome you to New Mexico, a truly diverse destination. Spring is upon us and with it comes the rafting, fishing, camping and road trips that make the Land of Enchantment something special. In addition, a wealth of attractions, activities, natural wonders, and memories of a lifetime await. There is no place like New Mexico and no time like now.
Michael Cerletti
Like the material itself, the discourse surrounding glass is also always in a state of flux. The exhibition "Flux: Reflections on Contemporary Glass", which considers the sculptural possibilities of glass - from vessel to minimalist sculpture, blown glass to cast glass, ancient artifact to popular culture icon - opens at the New Mexico Museum of Art June 7, 2008, 10 a.m. to noon.
Many of the acknowledged international masters of glass are included in this survey exhibition, among them: William Morris, Stanislav Libensky and Jaroslava Brychtova, Dante Marioni, Toshio Lezumi, Lino Tagliapietra, Dale Chihuly, Bertil Vallien, Jessica Loughlin, Michael Glancy, and Toots Zinsky as are some of New Mexico's own artists working in glass, including Mary Shaffer, Larry Bell, Charlie Miner, Timothy Horn, Tony Jojola, Stacey Neff, and Judy Tuwaletstiwa.
In all, nearly 50 artists will be represented in this contemporary glass survey that will explore the themes of cultural artifacts and appropriation, the metamorphosis of the vessel, and sculptural studies.
"Flux" looks at contemporary glass as if through the lens of the medium's own history. The exhibition begins by exploring artists who reference the cultural artifact (past or present) in glass. Some re-create ancient Mesopotamian glass vessels, while others emulate African textiles or Chinese jades or European jewelry design. Glass can disguise itself in so many ways that it can appear as stone, wood, metal, or fiber. Next the show moves to a consideration of the metamorphosis of the vessel, which is historically the most common form for glass to take.
As a result of substantial winter snowpack and spring runoff, reservoir levels statewide are projected to be good for recreational opportunities in New Mexico for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
"Despite above average snowpack we can expect variable water conditions around the state this year," said State Engineer John D'Antonio. "On one had we can expect optimal and prolonged rafting conditions as well as high reservoir levels on the San Juan and Rio Grande, however, the southern part of the state is still pretty dry and we need to be cautious of drought conditions and increased fire danger."
New Mexico has had one of the wettest years on record in the northern part of the state. For some of the river basins the March 1st snowmelt runoff forecast is the highest on record since the 1960s. In contrast the southern and southeastern parts of the state have been unusually dry with almost no rain or snow this year.
The projected high runoff should mean a prolonged and exciting rafting recreation season in the northern part of the state. It is also good news for recreation on New Mexico's reservoirs. Despite this good news people need to be aware of potential flood damage from overflowing rivers and high fire danger in the southern parts of the state.
"State Park lakes are in excellent shape this season," said State Parks Division Director David Simon. "And since State Parks is celebrating its 75th Diamond Anniversary all year, this should be on of the best years ever to visit New Mexico State Parks."
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Fun and a sense of humor are what come to mind as you stroll the streets of Aztec, a small community of "6,378 friendly people & 6 old soreheads," according to the welcome sign at the city limits. The town sits along the Animas River in the Four Corners region of New Mexico, just 15 miles east of Farmington and 30 miles south of Durango, Colorado. Aztec continues to be discovered by folks who appreciate its native history and contemporary, upbeat festivities. Since locals posted their campy sign, the town has grown to more than 7,000.
The first stop for any visitor is Aztec Ruins National Monument, on the edge of town. These ruins aren't as extensive as those in the famous Chaco Canyon, but they're not as remote, either - a cup of coffee is only minutes away, and no camping is required. Crouching low to get through small stone-framed doorways or walking the circular dirt path of the Great Kiva, you can't help but feel drawn to the world that flourished here nearly a thousand years ago. Then you can head to downtown Aztec for a contemporary fix at such artisan studios as Feat of Clay Artists Cooperative, with its broad spectrum of paintings, pottery, and metal craft. Or chill out at Rubio's, a bar and restaurant known for laid-back live music and tall margaritas served in big beer mugs.
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Governor Bill Richardson, Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught, and a group of dignitaries April 24, 2008 celebrated the start of the final phase of Rail Runner construction in Santa Fe.
"There has never been a better time, or a greater need for this kind of public transportation," Governor Richardson said. "Ever-rising gas prices are busting budgets and crushing consumers, and an affordable and economical choice like the Rail Runner is a great alternative."
Phase II of Rail Runner construction includes 18 miles of new track and 4 miles of reconstructed track that requires almost 7200 tons of new steel rail and 79,000 new concrete ties. A significant amount of grading has is being done as part of this project. Almost 1.2 million cubic yards of dirt is being moved in the Waldo Canyon area to establish the new grade for the track. Another 600,000 cubic yards of dirt are being moved in the I-25 median. And now, work has moved inside Santa Fe city limits.
"I am happy to report that we are moving as planned to bring the Rail Runner Express into Santa Fe," said Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught. "Since the Belen to Bernalillo service began in July 2006, the ridership is fast-approaching the one-millionth mark. And, with rising gasoline prices, I have no doubt that we will see more and more people use the train once service is up and running throughout the entire 100-mile corridor."
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Ski New Mexico members experienced 4 percent increase in skier days over the recently-completed 2007-20008 ski season compared to the highly-successful 2006-07 season.
"Ski season in New Mexico was incredibly exciting," said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. "High altitudes, coupled with New Mexico's light, fluffy snow and brilliant sunshine, created some of the finest ski conditions in the West. And with the snow storms that blanketed the high country, there was no reason for anyone to spend an extra five or six tiring hours in the car heading further north just to stand in long lift lines. They could already be on the slopes at one of New Mexico's incredible ski areas."
The number of skier visits to Ski New Mexico resort members (Taos Ski Valley, Red River Ski Area, Angel Fire Resort, Sandia Peak, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort and the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area) was up from 689,244 in 2006-07 to 716,477 in 2007-08. The resorts were blessed with great snow fall, ranging from 93 inches at Sandia Peak to 293 inches at the northern ski resorts. See below.
The Village of Ruidoso and the New Mexico Tourism Department have joined forces to help the staff of the Billy the Kid Byway Visitor Center along US 70 in Ruidoso Downs in its promotion of all state-wide attractions and events.
A Memorandum of Understanding, signed April 18, 2008 by Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the Tourism Department, and Village of Ruidoso Mayor Lonnie R. Nunley, creates 'a partnership' between the Village and the Tourism Department, whereby the Tourism Department will supply the necessary brochure and magazine racks and displays; provide the brochures, magazines and any other promotional material that is currently available in the nine state-owned centers; and provide the center staff (employed by the Village) with periodic training. These employees, hired by the village, will manage the center, while the Village is charged with building maintenance and providing building and liability insurance.
Although the Billy the Kid Byway Visitor Center is not an official state visitor center (which takes Legislative approval), it does meet certain state-owned center criteria. Most of the nine state Visitor Information Centers are at key entry points around the state, with most of them situated on or near major state highways utilizing Department of Transportation Rest Areas, Property Control buildings and a partnership with one city. Center locations are Anthony, Manuelito, Glenrio, La Bajada, Chama, Lordsburg, Raton, Texico and Santa Fe.