Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell and surrounding environs

Roswell (pop. 48,000) is a high plains community (3,560 ft. elevation) and the economic hub of rural southeastern New Mexico. It is roughly 200 miles from the nearest large cities, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe and El Paso. The economy is based on agriculture, ranching, oil and gas, light manufacturing and tourism.

Average seasonal daytime/nighttime temperatures are as follows: Summer (91/65 degrees); Fall (74/40 degrees); Winter (56/28 degrees); Spring (75/40 degrees). The dry season extends from October through June, although snow is not uncommon in winter. Spring is dry and windy, followed by the summer monsoon rains in July and August.

Public transportation is limited and some form of personal transportation is advisable. Transportation to and from Roswell is possible by bus or airline commuter service.

In and Around Roswell:

The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art - The Anderson (AMoCA)  is our very own roadside attraction with a collection of hundreds of works by former and current RAiR artists. Interested in the last forty years of art-making and what motivated American artists as well as some of our overseas colleagues? With a little detective work you can travel across the decades and even explore some of the images and issues that motivated your parents' generation of artists.

Roswell Museum - Housed in part in a traditional adobe structure built by the WPA (Works Project Administration) in the 1930's, the Roswell Museum is home to a gallery that shows current RAiR artists’ solo exhibitions.  There are also major works by former RAiR artists as well as fine examples of the Taos School and artifacts ranging over four centuries of regional history.

Miniature and Curious Collections Museum - Displaying a permanent exhibition of dozens of miniature houses and spaces. Where they celebrate the craft of miniature making, showcase contemporary miniaturists and entertain visitors with exhibitions of curious collections.

Bone Springs Art Space - Cool art exhibitions, ceramics classes and gift shop. Founded by a RAiR alum.

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Head east on Pine Lodge Road and you're there. Take a walk on the Oxbow Trail, or go at sunset, from November through March to see thousands of sandhill cranes flying in to their roosting spot in the lake.

Bottomless Lakes State Park - A bit farther away but worth it.  The closest thing to a "beach" in these parts.  Head east on 2nd Avenue across the Pecos River.  Once you're up on Comanche Ridge watch for the sign and head south. 

Under 3 hours away:

Carlsbad Caverns — "Journey to the Center of the Earth" — You’ll see some of the natural wonders of the caves and when you take the walk in, you'll understand that this isn't just another hole in the ground. And if you go at a time of year when the bats are still in their summer habitat, stick around for the sunset show when they all leave for the evening, en masse.

White Sands National Monument - One of Americas most beloved wonders.  Take 70 west, over the mountain past Alamogordo about 20 miles.  The Moonlight Tour is reckoned to be breathtaking.

Ski Apache - The last gasp of the Rocky Mountain Ski Industry.  Southernmost lift ticket going.  Take 70 west and follow the Texas license plates.

Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site - A site that memorializes the dark chapter in U.S. / Native American relations, known by the Navajo People as “The Long Walk.”

3-5 hours away:

Meow Wolf (Santa Fe) - The original permanent Meow Wolf installation, House of Eternal Return is a monumental achievement in DIY world creation and collaboration, featuring over 70 rooms made by local and community artists.

SITE Santa Fe - An absolute must for every hip artist.  Showing only the most up to date works.  It's like walking into the pages of ARTFORUM magazine!  Fridays are FREE!

Chinati Foundation (Marfa, TX) - A true pilgrimage destination for enthusiasts of minimalism and modernism and specifically Donald Judd.  A two-day adventure into the Davis Mountains and the land of James Dean's "Giant".

The Lightning Field by Walter De Maria - Open for six months of the year, the installation can be visited only by making an advance reservation that includes an overnight stay in the accommodations at the site.

VLA (Very Large Array) and Magdalena, NM - VLA is an array of 28 large radio telescopes arranged in a Y-shaped formation on the Plains of St. Agustin in western New Mexico. Astronomers using the VLA have made key observations of black holes and protoplanetary disks around young stars. Magdalena is a small town near the VLA where several artists live and work. Notable galleries: Warehouse 1-10 and kind of a small array.