SPOTLIGHT ON NM
Episodes on PBS will feature stories on some local greats
For centuries, New Mexico has been home to artists’ inspiration.
From artists to authors, the land has definitely enchanted the creative types.
And New Mexico PBS’s new show, “New Mexico Masterpieces,” highlights a few of them.
The show will air at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26 on channel 5.1.
Producer Tara Walch says the onehour special tells the stories behind Chaco Canyon’s Pueblo Bonito, Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Grey Cross with Blue,” John Nichols’ “The Milagro Beanfield War” and more.
“These pieces have a story about New Mexico heritages,” she says. “We haven’t singled out individuals. It’s a mix, and we really wanted to pick pieces that were about New Mexico and give insight on that.”
In getting it together, Walch and New Mexico PBS reached out to various art experts in the state for a list.
“What’s great is that each list was different,” she says. “There were some artists that appeared on many of the lists, but none were identical. This shows that the state is a hub for artists.”
Walch says the segments also include:
Painter Georgia O’Keeffe’s First Visit To New Mexico;
Taos landscape painter Victor Higgins; Taos painter Ernest Blumenschein; Frederico Vigil & The Torreón Fresco at the National Hispanic Cultural Center;
Author John Nichols & “The Milagro Beanfield War;” Native American artist T.C. Cannon; Renowned filmmaker Godfrey Reggio and his film “Koyaaniqatsi”;
Pueblo Bonito (in Chaco Canyon), one of N.M.’s greatest works of architecture.
“It’s important to take a moment and stop and understand our history, its significance and how it’s connected to so many cultures,” says Michael Kamins, executive producer. “These artworks reach out to us. Through them we learn about how profound New Mexico really is. ... There are so many more great artworks to share and stories to tell.”