Nearly 3,000 American Indian dancers and singers representing more than 700 tribes of Canada and the United Stated will gather in Albuquerque for the annual Gathering of Nations Pow Wow April 25-27, 2013 at The Pit at the University of New Mexico.

Activities and events include competition Indian singing and dancing. Indian traders market, and a street fair on Pow Wow Alley, filled with aisles of shopping, and native foods and music.

The Indian Trader's Market offers a very special shopping experience and exhibition of Native artifacts from throughout the Americas featuring over 800 artists, crafters and traders, and the crowning of Miss Indian World. All events are open to the public, and photos are encouraged.

The Gathering of Nations is a Native American Indian 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1983 to promote Native American, American Indian (indigenous) culture and tradition, and dispel stereotypes created about Native American Indian and indigenous people. Among many contributions to the Native American community, the Gathering of Nations founded and funds the Academic Scholarship Foundation for Native American students.

Visit http://www.gatheringofnations.com/

“What’s New in New: Recent Acquisitions” is the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture’s annual exhibition of new acquisitions celebrating the gallery’s namesake, Lloyd Kiva New, running throughout 2013.

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture is located on Museum Hill, on Camino Lejo just off Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe.

Curator Tony Chavarria’s focus with “What’s New in New” is on modern and contemporary Native art, including paintings, monotypes, poetry, and sculpture created between 1968 and 2012. Approximately 35 works will be featured, representing artists such as Samuel Manymules, Marla Allison, David Bradley, Ambrose Atencio, Ross Chaney, and Fritz Scholder.

Dates for the artists’ speaker series are March 17, April 14 and May 5.  All talks begin at 2 p.m. in the MIAC O’Keeffe Theater.  Talks are free. Seating is limited.

“What’s New in New: Recent Acquisitions” also celebrates 20 years of the Friends of Indian Art’s newly dedicated exhibit display case, which features selected Native works of art purchased by the Friends group over the years for the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture’s collection.

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

Visit www.indianartsandculture.org, www.museumfoundation.org or call 505-476-1250.

“Plain Geometry: Amish Quilts,” featuring 34 quilts from local collectors and from the Museum of International Folk Art collection, begins Sunday (March 3) and runs through September 2, 2013. A visual testament to the origins and aesthetics of a tradition that has evolved in a changing world, these remarkably crafted textiles illustrate the influence of religious proscriptions, westward migration, and interaction with "English" neighbors.

The Museum of International Folk Art, which houses the world’s largest collection of international folk art, is located on Museum Hill, Camino Lejo off Old Santa Fe Trail, in Santa Fe.

The Amish practice a very conservative form of Protestantism. A set of rules that vary with each community govern all aspects of behavior including what colors are permissible to wear and what toys children are allowed. Community life is based on self-denial, simplicity, and obedience. Amish quilts reflect this value of simplicity. Often made from the same bolts of dark solid color fabric used for family clothing we don’t see print fabric or decorative imagery. Nonetheless there was remarkably intricate needlework—complex swirls, curves, and grids; most notably on the early quilts.

Quilt making was uncommon among the Amish until the late nineteenth century. Before this, bedding represented the German tradition—feather-filled comforters and woven blankets. The height of production for home use took place during the 20th century. Today, quilts are made for home use and for sale with quilters adapting to the needs of the market.

Quilts in the exhibit will illustrate the changes in everyday life that occurred when families moved west and established communities in Ohio, Indiana, and other Midwestern states. A somber color palette gave way to brighter colors and more complex pieced patterns (although always a few decades after their height of popularity in the general population). The use of cotton or wool fabrics, border width, and color choice were regionally specific as well and color preferences differed according to settlement and time period.

Also on view will be crib and doll quilts. These were made by an expectant mother or grandmother to welcome a new baby into the world. Crib quilts were more frequently made in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois than in Lancaster County.

It is noteworthy that Amish quilts, appreciated and collected today as an art form, were originally intended as utilitarian objects made by isolated groups of women to accord with strict religious precepts.

Visit www.internationalfolkart.org.

Fuego at La Posada Pato En Chocolate — Seared Duck Breast with Calabasitas, Sofrito Rice and Cherry Chocolate Mole. ($30 for 3 courses)

The Ranch House Our Famous Red Chile Honey Glazed Baby Back Ribs — 4 Bones Served with Ranch House Beans, Green Chile Slaw and Cornbread. ($20 for 3 courses)

Il Piatto Chicken Livers "Agre Dolce" — with caramelized onions, raisins, pine nuts, vinegar & mashed potatoes rilled Rattlesnake Sausage served with an ancho chile cherry sauce. ($20 for 3 courses)

Anasazi Restaurant Free Range Northern New Mexico Lamb Roast with Jalapeño-Cheddar Croquettes, Vegetable Ragoût, and Cherry Molé. ($30 for 3 courses)

Osteria d'Assisi Rose And White Truffle Mahi Mahi — Pan seared mahi mahi topped with a fresh white truffle cream and organic roses. ($30 for 3 courses)

The Old House at Eldorado Hotel Cassoulet — Duck Confit, White Bean, Pork Sausage, Bacon.

Ristra Braised Lamb Shank — Creamy Tomato Parmesan Polenta, Sauteed Butternut Squash & Rosemary Cabernet Reduction. ($30 for 3 courses)

The Palace Restaurant & Saloon Butternut and Gorgonzola Ravioli — Hand-made in-house ravioli in a sage brown butter sauce, topped with hazelnut cookie crumbles. ($20 for 3 courses)

Terra at Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Arctic Char — braised leeks • wild mushrooms • spinach red wine essence. ($40 for 3 courses)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE MENUS.

The Museum of Contemporary Native Arts invited four photo/mixed media-based artists   Brenda L. Croft, Tom Jones, Greg Staats and Anna Tsouhlarakis to address the complexities of family, biography, and race that intersect through blood and memory. Portraiture, family photo albums, documentary film, private and public archives and performance offer a rich platform to explore manifestations of Indigenous knowledge that negotiate ideas of “blood” as metaphorical and racial/biological measures for family and communal relations.

Autobiography often connotes a concern only with one’s personal genealogy and the nuclear family. Thicker Than Water recognizes a broader understanding of communal ideologies that extends into and then past this western construct of individualism to encompass Indigenous references of community, clan, and nation. An awareness of these various levels of belonging enable conversations where the imaginary and the real intersect, co-mingle and create space for a more comprehensive understanding of Indigenous realities in global contexts. The selection of artists from Canada, the US and Australia facilitate this more expansive conversation on what the notion of “belonging” means in a globalized 21st century.

“Blood memories” and Indigenous worldviews serve as powerful political tropes that bear witness to the legacies of colonialism. Memory in this sense engages trans-generational experiences as a means of upholding the persistence of communal knowledge. Our stories and the visual representations of our ancestors become the language of remembrance, belonging and place across borders and time. The body acts as a potent reminder of all that has occurred over the past centuries via acculturation, death, disease and survival. Our blood, ever thicker than water, continues to instruct, remind and renew us as we move into new territories, imagine new stories and continue to create in the ever-evolving ways of our ancestors.

The exhibition is supported by a grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

Visit the MoCNA webite http://www.iaia.edu/museum/exhibition/thicker-than-water/

One of the biggest names in all of music, Willie Nelson, visits the Inn of the Mountain Gods Sunday, March 3 for what is sure to be a sold-out show featuring an anthology of his greatest hits. At 79 years of age, Nelson has been performing for audiences around the globe for more than 50 years, enjoying continued success throughout his career with more than 60 studio albums, 10 live albums, 37 compilations and 27 collaborations. Tickets are on sale now at InnOfTheMountainGods.com, starting at just $40.

Situated high in the picturesque mountains of Mescalero, New Mexico just outside of Ruidoso, guests return time and time again to Inn of the Mountain Gods to enjoy the clean mountain air, stunning panoramic views, and exciting entertainment options. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted by a stunning lobby featuring a sweeping view of the snowcapped mountains, lake and championship golf course.

Guests have come to expect all of the little extras that come standard here at Inn of the Mountain Gods. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be enchanted by original works of art throughout the property, roaring fireplaces in the lobby, and a tranquil setting that makes the everyday world feel a million miles away. Beyond that, discover an endless variety of activities, entertainment and escapes to make it a getaway you’ll never forget.

The sixth annual Taos Shortz Film Festival - rapidly becoming internationally known – is March 7-10, 2013 in Taos.

This year’s lineup features 88 short films from 17 countries to our little town; and will also showcase some of the best New Mexican and Native American filmmakers.

Panel discussions include “Happiness is a Warm Projector,” led by Bryan Konefsky, who is a moving image artist, teacher, lecturer and film festival director and teaches moving image production and critical studies in the Department of Cinematic Arts at the University of New Mexico; “Chalkboard Animation,” led by Dustin Grella. His accolades include winning the Walt Disney Award at the Ottawa International Animation Festival.

The goal of the Taos Shortz Film Fest is to grow as a leader in presenting world-class indie cinema and to put Taos on the map as a cinematic destination worldwide. It is made possible in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment of the Arts.

Visit http://www.taosshortz.com/NEWSITE/index.html

The third annual Las Cruces Arts Fair  - featuring more than 100 artists from around the country and a special event, “the Premier Potters of Mata Ortiz” - is March 15-17, 2013  at the Las Cruces Convention Center.

Artist demonstrations and lectures continue throughout the fair as well as children's art, computer generated art, jewelry making, and paper box decoration free to children age 6-12. All artists will participate in a silent auction that benefits the Dona Ana Arts Council, sponsor of this event.

This year’s feature artists at the 3^rd Annual Las Cruces Arts Fair will be the potters of Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico. These award-winning, world-acclaimed potters will demonstrate their unique Mata Ortiz methods of hand-building and decorating their pottery. Potters expected to attend and offer their work for sale are a Who’s Who of famous potters: LAURA BUGARINI, MARTIN COTA GUILLEN, HECTOR GALLEGOS, JR., HECTOR GALLEGOS, SR., GRACIELA MARTINEZ de GALLEGOS, PAULA GALLEGOS BUGARINI, AIDE GONZALES, ELI NAVARETTE ORTIZ, JORGE QUINTANA, MANUEL “MANOLO” RODRIGUEZ GUILLEN, DAMIAN ESCARCEGA QUEZADA, LYDIA QUEZADA, MIGUEL ESCARSEGA QUEZADA, MORONI TALAVERA QUEZADA, PABLA TALAVERA QUEZADA, GREGORIO “GOYIN” SILVEIRA, JESUS OCTAVIO “TAVO” SILVEIRA and SABINO VILLALBA.

Hand-dyed garments, glass art, copper enameling, pottery, furniture, jewelry, metal art, mixed media, and traditional acrylic and oil paintings will all be on display with several available for purchase.

The Las Cruces Arts Fair is sponsored by the Dona Ana Arts Council, a non-profit organization,  dedicated to improving the quality of life in Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico by ensuring that the performing, visual, and literary arts are an integral part of the education, economic growth and community development of the surrounding areas.

Hours of The Las Cruces Arts Fair at the Las Cruces Convention Center:

• Opening Night - Music and Cash Bar: March 15, 5- 9 p.m., $6 (Children under age 12 admitted free)
• March 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ,$6 (Children under 12 free)
• March 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $6 (Children under 12 free).

Visit http://www.las-cruces-arts.org or call 575-523-6403.

Come to cook, come to watch, or just come to eat- with the happy crowd at the Southwest New Mexico annual Dutch Oven Cook-Off in Glenwood, April 6, 2013.

The event is at the Glenwood Community Park on Cat Walk Road in Glenwood, located on State Road 180 an hour north of Silver City.

Wendy Peralta, owner of the Glenwood Trading Post, first started Glenwood’s Dutch Oven Cook-Off in 2003.  Each year since, the event has grown in size, number of cooks, and fun.  This event is reminiscent of the old days when members of small communities would gather for shared food and “visiting.”

In the past this event has attracted cooks from Glenwood, Cliff, Gila, Reserve, Albuquerque, Cuba, Las Cruces and Silver City and communities in Arizona.

Everyone is welcome to enter, no matter where you call home. If you need overnight lodging, there are several unique motels in Glenwood.

Come try your hand at this age-old (and delicious!) method of outdoor cooking, Everyone, experienced or amateur, is welcome to enter, no matter where you call home. (And if you’re a member of an organization, consider getting your own team together.)

Cooking categories will again be “Fancy Fixer,” “Camp Cookie,” and “Tenderfoot,” with submitted recipes and level of experience considered.  Cooks can register to do Single Pot or Three Pot dishes in these categories. (Three Pot consists of Main Dish, Bread, and Dessert.)  Winning cooks will share jackpot cash awards and specialty prizes, not to mention all the fun they’ll have!

Visit www.glenwoodgazette.com

The USA Indoor Track and Field Championships are back again and kick off Friday, March 1st at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The event showcases the best track and field athletes from around the country and is the final event of the Indoor Championship Series. The event will last the entire weekend, ending on March 3rd and will be nationally televised on NBC networks.  Three-day reserved chairback seats are $30 each. Two-day reserved chairback seats are $25 each. Single day chairback tickets are $15 each. General admission tickets are $25 each for a three-day pass, $20 each for a two-day pass and $12 each for a single day. Tickets can be purchased at the UNM Ticket Office located at 1155 University Boulevard SE, by phone at (505) 925-5858 or online at unmtickets.com. The competitors taking part in the event will be competing for a total prize purse of $130,000 and the U.S. athletes will be competing for a national championship title and will have the opportunity to compete for Team USA events. This is the 4th year that USATF Indoor Championships have been held in Albuquerque.

Visit http://www.usatf.org for more information

Livability.com Names the Top 10 Romantic Cities

These sentimental cities help couples set the mood for a vacation to remember

Franklin, Tenn. – Livability.com, a national website that highlights more than 500 of America’s best places to live and visit, has released a list of the Top 10 Romantic Cities 2013.

The list highlights those small towns and mid-sized cities that set the stage for couples to write their own love story by sharing an exquisite meal, a romantic walk in the park or along the beach, or a night of live entertainment – all in picturesque surroundings.

To narrow down the list, editors asked travel writer Paris Permenter, co-publisher of Lovetripper.com, a site that specializes in honeymoons and romantic trips, to help determine what makes a city romantic. Permenter suggests that the most romantic cities are those with charming hotels and B&Bs, intimate restaurants, breathtaking scenery, and a unique and alluring atmosphere.

Finally, editors factored in the number and type of amenities for couples, such  as outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and nightlife.

“With this list, we specifically looked for smaller, more intimate destinations where couples can enjoy all the city’s romantic amenities without having to fight crowds,” says John Hood, Livability.com spokesman. “But we also chose cities that have a unique appeal, whether it be the haunting history of Savannah or the stunning mountain views in Scottsdale.”

Top 10 Romantic Cities 2013

1. Scottsdale, AZ
2. Napa, CA
3. Bend, OR
4. Charlottesville, VA
5. Santa Fe, NM
6. Kansas City, MO
7. Savannah, GA
8. Cambridge, MA
9. Coral Gables, FL
10. Hot Springs, AR

TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site*, today announced the U.S. and worldwide winners of its 2013 Travelers’ Choice Awards for the Most Romantic Hotels. Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world.

“If you need inspiration for a romantic getaway, close to home or somewhere more exotic, look no further than the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor.  “The awards are based on feedback from couples who have stayed at these hotels and given them the highest romantic stamp of approval.”

Top 10 Romantic Hotels in the US:

Bardessono, Yountville, California

Koa Kea Hotel & Resort, Poipu, Hawaii

Inn of the Five Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

Honor Mansion, A Wine Country Resort, Healdsburg, California

Ocean Lodge, Saint Simons Island, Georgia

Casa Laguna Inn & Spa, Laguna Beach, California

Mountain Home Lodge, Leavenworth, Washington

Tickle Pink Inn, Carmel, California

Henderson Park Inn, Destin, Florida

March 2013 Events

1-31 Women & Creativity 2013, art exhibits, performances, workshops, and discussions Albuquerque, various dates, venues and times - http://www.womenandcreativity.org/

2 Four-mile, four-hour guided hike to Oliver Lee Ranch House, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park – http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/

8 Crownpoint Rug Auction, Crownpoint Elementary School – http://www.crownpointrugauction.com/

14-17 Bead Fest Santa Fe Bead and Jewelry Show, Santa Fe Community Convention Center – www.beadfest.com

17 22nd Annual Bataan Memorial Death March, White Sands Missile Range – www.bataanmarch.com/

21-24 ¡Cine Magnífico! Latin Film Festival, various dates and locations, Albuquerque - http://www.cinemagnifico.com/

20  Santa Fe Japanese Cultural Festival, Santa Fe Convention Center – http://www.santafejin.org/

23  Annual Hook & Ladder Firefighter Chile Cook Off, featuring firefighters from around the state, Wingfield Park, Ruidoso -  575-257-411

23-24 Civil War Anniversary Weekend, tours and speakers, Pecos National Historic Park – http://www.nps.gov/peco

30-31 Main Event Car Show and Cruise in Artesia – 575-746-1117 or www.artesiamainstreet.com/

April 2013 Events

5-6  Albuquerque Antiquarian Book Fair, the city's oldest and largest antiquarian event, at the University of New Mexico Conference Center - http://www.unm.edu/~alshal/aabf.htm

5-27 Masterworks of New Mexico Fine Art Show, featuring four arts societies combined efforts for an exhibition and juried competition, at Expo New Mexico - www.masterworksnm.org

6 Trinity Site Open House Tour, White Sands Missile Range - 800-826-0294, 575-437-6120 or http://www.wsmr.army.mil

7 Pond Skimming Championships, at Taos Ski Valley, in which competitors use inventive means to skim across an 80-foot pool of ice-cold water - http://www.skitaos.org

12-14 San Juan College Contest Powwow, at the McGee Park Coliseum in Farmington - 505-566-3321 or www.sanjuancollege.edu/nac

27  Park 'n the Park Car show, including games, music and food, in Cabazon Park in Rio Rancho, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. - 505-891-5015 or http://www.rioranchonm.org/index.aspx?nid=143.

27 - Weekends through mid-October Santa Fe Society of Artists Art Festival, in the First National Bank Parking lot near the Plaza in Santa Fe - www.santafesocietyofartists.com