,
Thursday, June 17
Found Objects
Join Santa Cruz-based artist Laurie McCann at Tortuga Gallery (901 Edith Blvd. NE) to enjoy the transformation of found objects into engaging works of art. Lauri McCann’s RainDragon Workshop show The Materials Become the Muse opened June 11 and continues though June 19. Many colors and various textures of yarn, raffia, hemp, burlap, twine and string are coiled, woven, wrapped, knitted and stitched to rusting metal and weathered wood to “evoke the prize hiding within the prize.” An artist talk by Mitch Berg, founder of Fuego in the South Valley, kicks off the show’s closing weekend on June 17 at 5pm. A conversation about the making of art follows on Saturday, June 19 at 6pm with McCann herself. Two artworks, donated by local artists Mitch Berg and Ric LaBan, will be raffled off on closing day. Head to tortugagallery.org for more info. (Devin D. O’Leary)
Thursday, June 17
Scary Circus
The Paranormal Cirque ’21 Tour rolls into Albuquerque June 17 through 27, pitching its tents in the Cottonwood Mall parking lot (10000 Coors Bypass NW). This goth-inspired, adult-oriented big top show promises “a world at night” where “ghouls and sexy vampires come out to play.” This is a 13 and over event featuring a European-style mixture of magic, acrobatics, chainsaws, dance, death-defying stunts and scary clowns. The first show is June 17 at 7:30pm. Tickets ($10 to $50) are available in advance at black.cirqueitalia.com/events/476_Paranormal-Cirque-Albuquerque-NM. For more details go to paranormalcirque.com. (Devin D. O’Leary)
Friday, June 18
Get Current
CURRENTS New Media returns to Santa Fe’s Center for Contemporary Arts (1050 Old Pecos Trail) June 18 through 27. It’s been 19 years since this annual multi-media art sprawl saw the inside of CCA. About a dozen high-tech artworks will be on view, ranging from interactive installations to virtual, augmented and mixed reality experiences. Organizers will be exhibiting several other works in conjunction with the festival and throughout the summer at their year-round exhibition and experience space, Currents 826 on Canyon Road in Santa Fe. There will be partner events and exhibitions in the Santa Fe Railyard—including AR installations by CURRENTS artists—and associated shows at Form & Concept and the Thoma Foundation. (There’s also a COVID-friendly online portion.) For a complete list of happening throughout the summer, go to currentsnewmedia.org. Reservations are required for opening and closing weekends at the CCA. Timed entry tickets ($7 general admission) can be acquired at eventbrite.com/e/currents-new-media-2021-festival-cca-tickets-155849374675. (Devin D. O’Leary)
Friday, June 18
Pride in the Park
Celebrate being queer with Pride in the Park, a “silent disco” taking place at Roosevelt Park (500 Spruce St. SE) on June 18 from 5 to 9pm. DJ Bliss Fool, Eros Silent Disco and Leafy O Lief provide the tunes via headphones for a socially distanced dance party. A $10 suggested donation (sent via venmo.com/erossilentdisco) gets you in on the action. Rumor is there will be an afterparty. (Devin D. O’Leary)
Monday, June 21
Out West
The West Central Community Development Group invites people to participate in the Virtual Route 66 West Fest Showcase the week of June 21 through 26. Learn about the work of WCCDG and the upcoming Route 66 Visitors Center. WCCDG is a coalition of neighborhoods organized to promote the redevelopment of West Central and surrounding areas. Their annual event is a community meeting disguised as a fiesta. The West Central Group surveys the community for input on how to enhance the community. Provide your feedback and enter for your chance to win some cool community prizes. The free online event features performances by: La Emi, JJ Jones, Simpatico, Ana Maria, DaJerney, Marisol Flores, Freddie Chavez, Aria Marie Hernandez, the Powerdrive USA Band, Felix Y Los Gatos and Twist & Shout—A Tribute to the Beatles. Organizers have also lined up a special Spanish Colonial art session by world renowned artist Sean Wells. To RSVP (and get the online link), go to wccdg.org/events/virtual-rt-66-west-fest-powered-by-think-big. (Devin D. O’Leary)