CliffDwellingsSpiritExhibit Reception: Thursday, September 12, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
On Display: September 12 – October 31, 2024

SILVER CITY, NM – The Murray Ryan Visitor Center is hosting a new exhibit, "The Art of Johnny Sosaya," in their Art Alcove, September 12 through October 31, 2024. The exhibit reception will take place on Thursday, September 12, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Murray Ryan Visitor Center, 201 North Hudson Street in Silver City. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.

Johnny Sosaya, a resident of Bayard, passed away on May 6, 2024. He was a surveyor by profession, but he was also a musician, an artist, and a writer. Sosaya left behind a substantial collection of work he created. This work is currently being held by his friend, Dan Arsola. Sosaya's work speaks of the earth, light and shadow, seasons, and mystical messages found within those elements.

The Visitor Center is honored to share Sosaya's art with the community, as it has been mostly kept out of the public eye until now. "It's an incredible honor to be presenting the art of Johnny Sosaya to Silver City and Grant County," states Kelly Johnson, manager of the Murray Ryan Visitor Center. "His work is unique and spiritual and connects us to concepts that are of another time, another realm, and – for some of us – another culture. It is my hope that, as a result of this exhibit, a permanent location becomes available for the art of Johnny Sosaya, as well as for other contemporary indigenous artists."

The exhibit will be on display September 12 – October 31, during the Murray Ryan Visitor Center regular business hours, Mondays through Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.