RMAC Virtue Exhibit

The African American Museum and Cultural Center of New Mexico, in partnership with the Roswell Museum and Art Center, is presenting the exhibition “The Virtue of Ownership,” accompanied by a panel discussion that examines the journey of African American homesteaders in New Mexico.The history of New Mexico is a complex blending of many cultures, but the contributions made by African Americans are often overlooked. This traveling exhibit is a reminder that African American people have been in New Mexico as long as white pioneers, and they put their own distinctive mark on our shared heritage.
Five artworks from RMAC’s collection by African American artist and former Roswell Artist-in-Residence Joe Edward Grant will be included in the exhibition at the Roswell museum. His architectural constructions, made of found objects, are playful and ironic, featuring doors that can’t be opened, windows made of concrete, and transparent walls.

The opening reception will take place Sunday, April 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. The event will begin with an informative panel discussion about Blackdom, an African American town formerly located 20 miles outside Roswell. The panel will feature descendants of Blackdom residents, including Grover Pettes and his daughter Marilyn Hill of Las Cruces, Rodney Bowe of Albuquerque and Steve Wagoner of Roswell. A PhD student in history at the University of New Mexico, Carlyn Pinkins, will join the panel to talk about her research on Blackdom. Musical entertainment by the Rodney Bowe Trio and refreshments will follow beginning at 3:30 p.m.

The exhibition runs through Nov. 24. The Roswell Museum and Art Center is located at 1011 N. Richardson Ave., just north of the Roswell Convention Center. For more information, please visit roswellmuseum.org or call (575) 624-6744.