The New Mexico State University Museum will introduce a new exhibit, “El Santo Niño de Atocha: Narratives of Faith and Devotion in the United Sates-Mexico Borderlands,” Wednesday, Dec. 4. The NMSU University Museum also will celebrate its 60th anniversary. (Courtesy photo)

The New Mexico State University Museum is commemorating its 60th anniversary with the unveiling of a new exhibit, “El Santo Niño de Atocha: Narratives of Faith and Devotion in the United Sates-Mexico Borderlands.” The debut event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Kent Hall, 1280 E. University Ave.

The exhibit will introduce Santo Niño de Atocha and his importance to the communities in the borderlands. It will feature numerous photographs of the Santo Niño from two churches in the area including one in El Paso, Texas as well as another in Chimayo, New Mexico. Pictures of personal altars from individuals who are devoted to the Santo Niño are going to be incorporated into the display. It will even include various retablos and ex-votos borrowed from the NMSU permanent art collection. 

The event is open to the public and attendees can expect free food and luminarias.

The University Museum’s main mission is to serve as an academic environment for the analysis of visual art as well as grant accessibility to culturally relevant and conceptual practices for the university and its surrounding communities.

The University Museum happily accepts monetary donations of any amount; however, it’s not a requirement for those who wish to view exhibits.

“El Santo Niño de Atocha: Narratives of Faith and Devotion in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands” will be on display until spring 2020.

For more information about the event or the incoming exhibit contact Rachel Cover at 575-646-4536 or rcover1@nmsu.edu.