Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
El Paso Museum of Art’s New Exhibits
The El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza, will debut two exhibitions Saturday, Feb. 15, showcasing the artistic legacies of Tom Lea and Judithe Hernández. “Tom Lea and Contemporaries” explores the work of the celebrated 20th-century muralist alongside pieces from his creative circle, including Manuel Acosta, Lois Denton and Peter Hurd. “Judithe Hernández / Beyond Myself, Somewhere, I Wait for My Arrival” presents a retrospective of the Los Four collective co-founder, featuring over 80 works that examine Xicano culture and the U.S.-Mexico border. Both exhibitions open with a reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 15.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz Leads Author Discussion
Award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye will join acclaimed local author Benjamin Alire Sáenz for a literary conversation from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Philanthropy Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza. Nye, the recipient of the 2024 Texas Writer Award and a former Young People’s Poet Laureate of the U.S., is known for her poetry that bridges cultures and experiences. Sáenz, the first Latino to win the prestigious PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, brings his celebrated storytelling to the discussion. The event, part of the Texas Book Festival and hosted in partnership with the El Paso Community Foundation, is free. Information and registration: eventbrite.com
from the archives
‘It’s a wonderful movie,’ El Paso author Ben Sáenz says of ‘Aristotle and Dante’ film adaptation of his novel
“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” premieres in theaters, including El Paso, this week. The movie is an adaptation of Ben Sáenz’s young adult novel.
After Hours at La Nube for Valentine’s
La Nube is offering a Valentine’s Day alternative for those looking to mix science with socializing. The interactive museum will host an age 21-and-older event from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, featuring hands-on exhibits, live music, complimentary adult drinks and snacks. Whether attending with a partner or solo, guests can explore the exhibits while enjoying an atmosphere designed for connection and discovery. Tickets are $45 for general admission and $40 for La Nube members, with no sales available at the door. Information: la-nube.org
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Transforming Downtown: Counting down to La Nube STEAM Center’s Aug. 10 opening
La Nube STEAM discovery center opens Aug. 10 in Downtown El Paso, transforming the city’s cultural landscape with innovative, interactive exhibits for all ages.
El Paso Home & Garden Show
The 24th annual El Paso Home & Garden Show returns Feb. 14-16 to the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, offering home improvement solutions, expert advice and family-friendly activities — all with free admission. Attendees can explore kitchen and bath remodeling ideas, solar energy options and landscaping solutions, as well as shop for unique gifts and home decor. The event will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16. Information: showtechnology.com
‘Resisters’ Author Discussion
Historian Wolf Gruner will present his book “Resisters: How Ordinary Jews Fought Persecution in Hitler’s Germany” during an event at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center, 715 N. Oregon St. The book explores the stories of Austrian and German Jews who defied Nazi oppression, highlighting their acts of resistance and resilience. Gruner, a professor of history at the University of Southern California and an expert on Holocaust studies, draws on research to challenge the narrative of Jewish passivity during the era. The event offers a chance to engage with his findings and gain insight into individual acts of defiance under the Third Reich.
Black History Month Events
Black History Month Parade
The Inter Club Council of El Paso will host the 2025 Black History Parade from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 22. This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” highlights the contributions of Black workers and labor movements throughout history. The parade will begin at the intersection of Blue Ridge Drive and Diana Drive, proceeding north toward Hondo Pass Drive before turning right onto Hollings Street and concluding at Nations Tobin Park, 8831 Railroad Drive. The event is open to the public and aims to celebrate Black history and culture in El Paso.
Black History Month Storytime Events
El Paso Public Libraries, in partnership with the NAACP El Paso Branch, will host a series of Storytime events throughout February in celebration of Black History Month. The events aim to highlight the cultural and historical contributions of Black communities and foster inclusivity through storytelling. The programs are part of the city’s efforts to showcase El Paso’s diverse cultural heritage.
- 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15: Jose Cisneros Cielo Vista Library, 1300 Hawkins Blvd.
- 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18: Richard Burges Library, 9600 Dyer St. Suite C.
Information: elpasolibrary.org
Coming Up
Writing Workshop with Author Luis Jaramillo: Let your creativity flow during a free writing workshop with Luis Jaramillo, author of “The Witches of El Paso.” Hosted by the El Paso Matters Book Club and “Chrysalis,” the El Paso Community College literary and arts journal, this interactive session will guide writers of all levels in discovering voices, characters and stories through engaging exercises. The workshop takes place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at EPCC’s Rio Grande Campus, Building A, Room A119. Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot.
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‘Witches of El Paso’ by Luis Jaramillo explores characters’ supernatural gifts
Nena’s premonitions and fainting spells make her worry she’ll end up like the scary old curandera down the street. Will she grow into her power? Read an excerpt to learn more.
El Paso Matters Book Club Meetup: Explore the spellbinding world of “The Witches of El Paso” with author Luis Jaramillo during the El Paso Matters Book Club meetup from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 1, at Barnes & Noble, 8889 Gateway Blvd. West No. 120. This free event includes a moderated discussion about the novel, followed by a live Q&A with Jaramillo. Attendees are encouraged to join the El Paso Matters Book Club on the Fable app to connect with fellow readers before the event. Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot.
Run for the Fallen 5K: Honor fallen service members at the annual Run for the Fallen 5K and 1-mile walk Saturday, Feb. 22, at Fort Bliss. The event begins with a remembrance ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center, 20751 Constitution Ave., followed by the run and walk at 9 a.m. Participation is free, with commemorative pins for registered participants and event T-shirts available for $10. The event is open to the public, but those without military base access must obtain a Community Access Pass in advance. Registration is required and available through active.com. Information: 915-744-5785.
DiscoverE Engineers Week: The TecH2O Center, 10751 Montana Ave., will host the DiscoverE Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, as part of National Engineers Week. Aimed at inspiring the next generation of innovators, the event will feature hands-on demonstrations and projects designed to engage students of all ages in engineering concepts. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive activities that highlight the role of engineers in shaping the future. The event is free and open to the public. Information: tech2o.org
Mark Your Calendar
Book Launch — ‘The Crossing’: Award-winning journalist and El Paso native Richard Parker will debut his latest book, ‘The Crossing: El Paso, the Southwest, and America’s Forgotten Origin Story,” at a special launch event hosted by the El Paso Matters Book Club at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at Margin Notes Bookbar, 7460 Cimarron Market Ave. Building 2, Suite 300. The event will feature a discussion on El Paso’s role as a cultural and historical crossroads, followed by a Q&A session and book signing. Attendees can purchase “The Crossing” on-site and enjoy Aurellia’s El Paso Matters Beer, a Mexican-American lager brewed exclusively for El Paso Matters. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged. Information and registration: elpasomatters.org
Change Makers: Celebrate Women’s History Month during Change Makers, a collaborative event presented by Progress321 and El Paso Matters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Hotel Paso del Norte, 10 Henry Trost Court. This year’s luncheon honors outstanding women in health from various fields.. Details about the keynote speaker and tickets will be announced soon, but nominations for honorees are now open here. Information: elpasomatters.org
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