Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery to feature mixed media and oil painting in May exhibit

Naida Zucker and Roberta “Bobbie” Widner’s work will be on display throughout the month in the historic Mesilla gallery

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery will highlight the work of two regional artists throughout May — mixed media artist Naida Zucker and oil painter Roberta “Bobbie” Widner.

The gallery, located at 2470-A Calle de Guadalupe in Mesilla across from the Fountain Theatre, features monthly exhibitions from among its 30 members working across a variety of mediums.

Zucker, a retired New Mexico State University biology professor, combines gelatin monoprinting techniques with digital photography to create one-of-a-kind pieces. She studied biology at Queens College and zoology at the University of Illinois Urbana, and she’s taken additional workshops in Photoshop and printmaking through regional art centers. Zucker currently serves on the board of Las Artistas in El Paso.

Widner, a native New Mexican, paints scenes inspired by the Southwest and its people. Her work also reflects influence from her travels through the Tarahumara and Mayan regions, as well as Europe. She has studied at the Fechin Institute, New Mexico State University and the Carrizozo Art School, and her paintings are included in collections across five countries.

In addition to the featured artists, the gallery includes work from 30 regional creators. Media on display includes:

• Oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolor paintings
• Photography and digital art
• Fused glass, ceramics and stained glass
• Textile weavings, fiber art and decorated gourds
• Jewelry using lampwork beads, ceramic components, recycled materials and antique trade beads
• Colored pencil, charcoal, pen and ink drawings
• Prints, art tiles, miniature paintings and cards

For more information on the gallery and its artists, visit mesillavalleyfinearts.com.