Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
El Paso Matters Book Club Writing Workshop
Join the El Paso Matters Book Club for a writing workshop, taught by El Paso author and playwright Octavio Solis, from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the Jenna Welch and Laura Bush Community Library at El Paso Community College’s Northwest Campus, 6701 South Desert Blvd.
Solis is the author of “Retablos: Stories From a Life Lived Along the Border,” the latest pick of the El Paso Matters Book Club.
The workshop is designed to enable participants to connect with their living narratives through a process involving relaxation, meditation and visualization. It will include time to share writing with other participants in a safe and uncritical environment. Writing tools and snacks will be provided. The workshop is hosted by the El Paso Matters Book Club. Click here for registration information.
‘Our History’: An Augmented Reality Experience
El Pasoans can explore a new augmented reality experience that brings local history to life through the art of Borderland native Carlos Callejo.
“Our History,” the mural created by the artist in the atrium of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse 30 years ago, will be transformed into a multisensory experience with 3D models, animations and music during a ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, on the third floor of the courthouse, 500 W. San Antonio Ave. Attendees will be invited to use their smartphones or tablets to interact with the mural.
The event will also include Callejo’s artist statement, presented through an oral history interview.
Also in honor of the artist, the Armijo Branch Library, 620 E. Seventh Street, will rename a study area as the Carlos Callejo Mural Room from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Callejo painted a mural titled “Discover the Secrets of the Universe through Your Library” in what was then an outdoor atrium before the area was enclosed and the mural preserved.
UTEP Football Kick Off Party
Football fans can mark the approaching season for the University of Texas at El Paso squad during the 2024 UTEP Football Kick Off Party scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the GECU Terrace in Sun Bowl Stadium. Attendees will be treated to tailgate-style festivities, remarks from UTEP head football coach Scotty Walden and athletic director Jim Senter. There also will be a selection of game day food and non-alcoholic beverages offered. A cash bar will also be available. Entry is $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 2-12. The Miners will begin the season Saturday, Aug. 31, in a road contest against the University of Nebraska. UTEP’s home opener will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, against Southern Utah University. Information: utepminers.com
The Biden administration designed Castner Range in El Paso a national monument. Mexican poppies bloom there each spring and the land features natural springs, habit for wildlife and archeological sites. (Courtesy of Mark Clune)
Frontera Land Alliance 20-Year Anniversary
Nature lovers and conservationists can support the Frontera Land Alliance at its 20-year anniversary celebration. The nonprofit is dedicated to conserving the natural landscape, watersheds and wildlife of the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Throughout the year people can attend guided hikes, bird watches and other events with experts. The organization’s work also includes policy advocacy, climate research and programs for youth stewardship.
The anniversary dinner will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing in Sunland Park. Tickets are $36 for members/$40 for nonmembers with funds going toward the organization’s work. To purchase a ticket, make the payment via PayPal and add “anniversary dinner” to note. Information: fronteralandalliance.org
Art in the Park: Ink and Paint
Explore your creativity with a hands-on workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at Tom Mays Park’s Interpretive Building. This final installment of the summer series invites participants to craft their own inks and paints using natural and recycled materials. Artists of all levels can participate in the event that encourages creativity with a mortar and pestle, and offers the option to bring an apron or wear old clothes. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and $1 for children ages 12 and younger. Reservations are required due to limited space. Information: 915-444-9121.
Encores & Overtures Gala
El Paso Opera’s Encores & Overtures Gala returns this year at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at the newly opened Special Event Center at the Elmont, 240 W. Castellano Drive. The event will feature fine dining, opera performances and a silent auction. Guests are invited to a dance at the exclusive After Party on the Terrace. Tickets to the event range from $150 to $1,000. Seating is limited. Tickets and information: epopera.org
‘Stories in the El Paso Museum of History’
The El Paso Museum of History will host “Stories in the El Paso Museum of History” from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, and Friday, Aug. 23, as part of Binational Education Week 2024. This free event will feature the Club Búhos Lectores from Ciudad Juárez, who will read and bring to life Mexican legends. Additionally, Mauricio Ibarra, consul general of Mexico in El Paso, and Ivette Sanchez, news anchor for Telemundo 48, will discuss the significance of Mexico’s independence. Attendees will receive free textbooks aimed at promoting bilingualism and strengthening Spanish literacy. Information:epmuseumuofhistory.org
The post El Paso events: Book Club writing workshop, courthouse mural goes interactive, UTEP football appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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