A new exhibit opening soon at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum showcases a lifetime of beautifully creative work by the late Las Cruces artist Connie Garcia.

The show, “Connie Garcia: A Lifetime of Art,” opens with a free reception from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 14. Members of Connie’s family will attend the reception, and there will be refreshments.

Connie, who passed away Jan. 3, 2017 at age 66, had a creative flair and a love of art that is evident in her work. She expressed her creativity through tile, foil, drawing, contemporary painting, cards, and much more.

Connie began creating her artwork in the 1970s, starting with batik art, which she sold at art shows throughout the country. Batik is both an art and a craft, using wax and dye to decorate cloth.

“I create my art with devotion and intensity,” Connie wrote in her artist’s statement last year. “I like to carve my own style. I don’t follow any particular ‘school’ of art or technique but instead see myself as being a piece of most schools, whether logical or illogical. I find that modern, expressionists, mythological, and psychic autonomous pieces, are my strongest influence. The energy of a piece pulls the spirit and material collage assemblage. If a client is not disturbed, if there is no mystery, curiosity, or reason for further contemplation about a piece, then there is no need for the piece.”

Connie’s daughter, Victoria Franks of Las Cruces, said her mother’s art is best described as “very eclectic.”

“She went through different phases with her artwork and always had a million ideas going at once,” Victoria said. “She was inspired by everything around her.”

The show has been in the works for almost two years. It includes 37 pieces of artwork.

“This has all been overwhelming and emotional,” Victoria said. “She was so excited for this show. The last year of her life, she was in declining health while preparing for this show. She was so proud to know it was going to be on display.”

The show will be in the Museum’s Arts Corridor through April 1, 2018.

About the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum:
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children ages 4 to 17, and $2 for active U.S. military members and veterans. Children 3 and under, and members of the Museum Friends receive free admission. The Museum is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.