As 2024 comes to a close, the Cibola Arts Council and the Double Six Gallery celebrate a transformative year marked by creativity, community, and progress. Since my appointment as Executive Director on August 26, 2024, we have worked diligently to revitalize our organization and strengthen our connection with the community. These achievements would not have been possible without the support of our dedicated Board, staff members Ian Smith, Thia Ray, and Myriah Scarpati-Graham, and the invaluable guidance of Lezlie Smith during our transition period.
2024: A Year of Renewal
This year, we focused on revitalizing the gallery, engaging the community, supporting local artists, and improving operations. Here are some of the highlights: Gallery Revitalization
• Transformed the Double Six Gallery into a more welcoming and dynamic space.
• Cleared and reorganized the gallery and back vault to create curated art displays.
• Sponsored a community clean-up day for the Sculpture Garden, hosted in collaboration with Main Street and local volunteers.
Community Engagement
• Partnered with local media outlets like the Cibola Citizen and KMIN radio to promote events.
• Attended fairs and hosted community events, including a reception for the Emory brothers, a Bayanihan Festival, and the annual Cookie Crawl and Light Parade.
• Welcomed hundreds of attendees to these cultural celebrations.
Supporting Local Artists
• Launched a mural campaign in partnership with local artists Blake and James Emory, resulting in nearly 15 new murals across Grants and Milan.
• Expanded our consignment program, giving artists more opportunities to sell their work.
• Connected with Laguna and Acoma Pueblos to feature their rich cultural heritage in our gallery.
OperationalImprovements
• Streamlined processes and introduced event planning tools to improve efficiency.
• Developed clear job descriptions for staff roles and strengthened our Board.
• Created an additional revenue stream by offering gallery space for community events.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With renewed momentum, the Cibola Arts Council is excited to build on these achievements in the coming year.
Expanding Programming
• Launch quarterly themed exhibitions and a variety of workshops for all ages.
• Introduce new performances, including poetry readings, theater, dance, and music.
• Host a Christmas Gingerbread Contest and a Día de Los Muertos parade.
Fostering Community and Culture
• Plan an annual Arts & Culture Festival to celebrate regional heritage.
• Collaborate with local businesses to organize city-wide cultural events.
Strengthening Youth and Education
• Develop an 'Art After School' program to inspire young creatives.
• Partner with local schools for guest artist visits and special projects.
Ensuring Sustainability
• Expand our membership base and pursue new grants to support long-term growth.
• Continue to adapt programming to meet the needs of artists and the community.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
These accomplishments and plans are only possible because of your support. Whether you’re an artist, a donor, or simply a lover of the arts, your involvement is vital.
Join us in 2025 by attending events, participating in workshops, or contributing your time or resources. Together, we can ensure the arts thrive in Cibola County.
Here’s to a vibrant and creative year ahead!