‘Uncaged’ art exhibit features works of migrant children

Branigan Cultural Center (BCC) opened a new outdoor exhibit, “Uncaged Art,” in early July and will continue the exhibit through Sept. 18, the City of Las Cruces said in a news release.

The exhibit features images of mixed media artwork made by some of the child detainees previously held at the controversial Tornillo Detention Camp, the news release said. It was created by the Museo Urbano in the History Department at the University of Texas at El Paso by Dr. Yolanda Chávez. It also explores the history of similar encampments.

BCC is offering additional educational content for Uncaged Art:

• Culture of Empowerment, a series designed around the idea that people are powerful when learning together. Each quarter’s topics will revolve around a single theme, with chances to dig deeper, learn how to activate community impact and connect. The July-September theme is Youth and Migration.
• Know Your Rights: Immigration with the American Civil Liberties Union. Learn what rights people in the Immigrant community have and how to use them. The program was held July 7. Watch the full video on Facebook @LCMuseums.
• Expression and Migration Workshop, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 28. Participants will learn more about youth and migration and then be able to express themselves through art with the activity kit and various art supplies provided as part of the workshop. Register to attend by emailing Kayla Myers at kmyers@las-cruces.org.
• Community Roundtable: Child Detention and Separation, 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4. Hear from local experts on child detention and separation about the history, policies, migrant experiences, community impact and future of the issue. Tune in with the link https://rebrand.ly/ChildDetention.
• Community Roundtable: Dreamers, 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1. Learn about the history and policies of the Dream Act, experiences of Dreamers and the current situation for Dreamers in New Mexico. Tune in with the link https://rebrand.ly/NMDreamers.

BCC’s interior remains closed until Oct. 1 for pre-scheduled repair work.

BCC, 491 N. Main St. Downtown, is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1, Stop 36.

Visit http://las-cruces.org/museums and follow Las Cruces museums on Facebook and Instagram @LCMuseums.