By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. โ The New Mexico Lady Bullsnakes have quickly become one of the top stories in women’s semi-professional basketball in the Southwest. While the program may not receive the same attention as some of the state’s larger sports organizations, it has quietly emerged as one of Albuquerque’s hidden gems, building a […]
Sara Atencio-Gonzales
Sara Atencio Gonazales is a features reporter for nm.news and The Paper. She is a native of Albuquerque.
Posted inAlbuquerque
Profiles in Creativity: Local horror writer Scotty Milder scares up interest in his favorite genre with “southwestern gothic” vibe
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. โ For Scotty Milder, horror has never been just a genre. It has been a lifelong fascination that has shaped his work as a writer, filmmaker, podcaster and educator while helping connect horror fans and creators across New Mexico. “I’ve been into horror since I can remember, since I was […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
For “death doulas”, end of life is just part of the process of being human
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. โ When Danielle Slupesky talks about death, she does so with a calmness that might surprise people. As the founder and executive director of the New Mexico Deathcare Network, Slupesky has made it her mission to help New Mexicans navigate one of life’s most difficult experiences, but her journey into […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
Downtown Albuquerque Roleplaying Coalition rolls for initiative
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. โ For the members of DARC, tabletop role-playing games are about more than rolling dice. They are about building community, sharing stories and creating opportunities for people to connect through a shared hobby. Founded in 2024, DARC is a community organization dedicated to tabletop role-playing games and collaborative storytelling in […]
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Create or die: Arts Hub teaches financial literacy to artists in weekend workshop
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper โ For many artists, pursuing a creative career can mean navigating an unpredictable income, balancing multiple jobs and figuring out financial planning without the benefit of traditional employment structures. A free upcoming workshop hosted by Arts Hub hopes to make that process a little easier. “Building Your Financial Future,” led […]
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Festival Flamenco dances into Albuquerque for a 39th year
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. โ Festival Flamenco Albuquerque will return for its 39th year, bringing world-renowned artists, emerging talent and thousands of flamenco enthusiasts to New Mexico for what organizers call the largest flamenco festival outside of Spain. Presented by the National Institute of Flamenco in partnership with the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the […]
Posted in+Arts & Culture
(Un)bound to Boundless exhibit explores Juneteenth through photography, ceramics, printmaking and more
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. โ A new exhibition at Gallery One in City Hall is using art to explore freedom, resilience and the expansive possibilities of Black creative expression. (Un)bound to Boundless, the Juneteenth exhibition, brings together nine local and regional artists working across poetry, textiles, photography, ceramics, sculpture and printmaking. Curated by Angie […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
Improv City: Albuquerqueโs improvisational comedy scene explodes
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. โ The actors will have about 10 minutes. That’s all the time performers in As They Are Written will get to read their scripts before stepping onstage at Q-Staff Theatre on June 13. There are no rehearsals. No director telling them where to stand. No carefully planned character choices. “The […]
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Pride Profiles: ORCA is creating community and connection for LGBTQ+ seniors
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. โ As Pride Month celebrations take place across New Mexico, the Older Rainbow Community of Albuquerque (ORCA) is focused on something that lasts long after the parades end: creating community for LGBTQ+ older adults. Founded in 2013 as SAGE Albuquerque, the organization was created after Katherine Palmer and Sheila Mink […]
Posted in+Arts & Culture
Music Under the Stars brings salsa, jazz and more to Albuquerque Museum for 35th year
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. โ For 35 years, Music Under the Stars has brought live music, dancing and community gatherings to the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater. This summer, the long-running concert series returns with a lineup featuring salsa, jazz, blues and Latin music, continuing a tradition that organizers say has endured by responding to what […]