A Cedar Crest art gallery marked its first year of operation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in October and the opening of a new exhibition featuring regional artists.
Enchanted Soul Art | Creatives’ Gallery & Shop, located along the Turquoise Trail, hosted community leaders and business advocates for the anniversary celebration before launching “Nocturnal Buffet,” a fall art experience originally scheduled through Nov. 9.
Due to overwhelming response, the “Nocturnal Buffet” exhibition has been extended through Nov. 16. The immersive 3D and UV light art experience is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5-8 p.m. and is free and family-friendly.
Gallery founder and curator Dame Brown said the gallery aims to support the area’s cultural and economic development.
“While the East Mountains of New Mexico are breathtaking in their landscapes, what makes this place truly beautiful is the people who live, work and create here,” Brown said.
Brown cited New Mexico Tourism Department figures showing $8.6 billion in visitor spending last year and estimated that $10 million flows through the NM-14 corridor annually.
The gallery has announced several initiatives for its second year, including a local artist loyalty program, public art projects and the formation of the Cedar Crest Community Development Committee. The committee will include residents, business owners and community leaders focused on cultural preservation and economic growth.
“Nocturnal Buffet” features visual arts, artisan crafts and storytelling. The exhibition includes work by artist Ricardo Chavez-Mendez and other hand-selected New Mexico artists who bring light, texture, and imagination to life through this one-of-a-kind sensory art show.
A special closing party will take place on Sunday, Nov. 16 from 5-8 p.m., featuring a live flow performance by Megan Provost, whose luminous hoop artistry embodies the spirit of movement, rhythm and transformation that defines Nocturnal Buffet.
Enchanted Soul Art | Creatives’ Gallery & Shop is located at 12220 Highway 14 N, Suite A, Cedar Crest, NM 87008. For more information, call 505-226-5757 or email inquire@enchantedsoul.info
