Voices of American Farm Women

Two Dona Ana County women who have been heavily involved in agriculture for years will be the speakers at an exhibit opening at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.

Emma Jean Cervantes and Lacy Simpson will speak at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 20 in the Museum's theater. They will discuss the role of women in agriculture and will share their experiences. Cervantes owns JP Apodaca Farmers, Cervantes Agribusiness and Enterprises in La Mesa. Simpson's husband Tom owns Simpson Farms, Inc., with his sister north of Las Cruces.

The photographic exhibition, "Voices of American Farm Women," presents a contemporary perspective on women in agriculture. The opening reception begins at 6 p.m. on July 20 and will include refreshments. Admission to the opening and the lectures is free.

Photographer Cynthia Vagnetti has documented women from across the United States whose farming techniques promote environmental responsibility, economic stability and community well-being. The exhibition weaves together the power of image and word by featuring selections from oral history interviews conducted with the subjects of Vagnetti's work.

The 30 striking black-and-white photographs explore a diverse group of women and their relationship to the land. Their voices narrate a multifaceted view of work, family, and community. Strong opinions on many topics--including farm work, childcare, and housework--dispel many misconceptions about women who work the land.

"Voices of American Farm Women" is part of a larger documentary project conducted by Vagnetti, who has a long-standing commitment to sustainable agriculture, rural communities, and related issues. She has produced numerous multimedia projects and photography exhibitions, and she is co-author of "People Sustaining the Land." Her work in the past decade is inspired by the work of Farm Security Administration photographers, most notably Dorothea Lange and Russell Lee.

"Voices of American Farm Women" is toured by ExhibitsUSA, which is the national touring division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, a non-profit regional arts organization based in Kansas City, Missouri.