Carlsbad, NM – July 24, 2019 – Carlsbad, NM, known as the Pride of the Pecos, is most famous for Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located just outside the city. But with its tree-lined streets and friendly, small-town atmosphere, Carlsbad boasts a wide array of art and cultural attractions that can be enjoyed year-round, due to the area’s temperate climate and 350 plus days of sunshine a year.
“In Carlsbad, we’re well-known for the Caverns,” said Robert Defer, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. “However, there’s much more to Carlsbad than meets the eye. From art and entertainment to outdoor exploration, there are adventures for each visitor to make their trip to Carlsbad well rounded and exciting. If you’re coming to explore the Caverns, be sure to stick around after and immerse yourself in our bustling culture throughout the city.”
Leading the charge of promoting the local arts scene is the Pearl of the Pecos Arts & Culture District. This brand new arm of Creative Carlsbad Arts Council looks to bring attention to the thriving art scene in Carlsbad. The organization can claim being a “State Recognized Arts & Cultural District” by the State of New Mexico.
“The Pearl of the Pecos Arts & Culture District believes that effective arts-based city projects extend beyond the idea of “art for art’s sake,” says Julie Chester, Director of the Pearl of the Pecos Arts & Culture District. “Our goal is to build a strong, healthy, and resilient Carlsbad by integrating the arts into broader economic revitalization projects like the rehabilitation of the Cavern Theater and Performing Arts Center.”
The Cavern Theater and Performing Arts Center in the heart of downtown is currently being restored back to its original glory through collaboration between Creative Carlsbad, Pearl of the Pecos, Carlsbad MainStreet and the city. Designed in the International Style featuring minimal ornamentation and streamlined forms, the theater once was the place to catch the latest movie releases. Designated a state Historical Cultural Property, the city’s vision is to see the theater as a multi-service, community-oriented performing arts center with state-of-the-art sound and technical capabilities to enhance the quality of life and provide economic revitalization of the downtown area in a mid-size venue.
Carlsbad draws in artists and art lovers with its thriving art scene. Visitors can explore the Carlsbad Museum & Arts Center—home to a collection of Native American ceramics from early Mogollon, Anasazi and Mesa Verde vessels to historic period pottery, as well as work from early 20th Century New Mexican artists. With exquisite and unique rotating temporary exhibits, the museum is a must-see on each visit. Carlsbad is also home to a wide variety of local artists. Their work in textiles, sculptures, photography, pottery and painting can be found at the Artists’ Gallery in the heart of the Pearl of the Pecos Art & Culture District. Visitors can view work from many of the local artists working in a variety of styles and mediums, as well as find something special to take home to remember their visit.
For those seeking live entertainment, the Carlsbad Community Theater offers a plethora of dynamic productions from its own theater troupe. The venue is also home to popular summer musicals and a spotlight for local talent.
The Pearl of the Pecos Arts & Cultural Arts District also works with local leaders and organizations to produce the annual Heritage Fest that will celebrate 80 years of mosaic pot ash, movies in the park, live performances, as well as working with the city’s events coordinator to bring arts and cultural events to beautiful Halagueno Arts Park.
Visitors will also discover that Carlsbad offers a vast variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Take in the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens or Brantley Lake State Parks, or stroll along the Pecos River running through the heart of town. The city also features hiking, golfing and water recreation in addition to the National Parks like Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, just a short drive away.
Come discover Carlsbad, the Pride of the Pecos. To learn more about the Pearl of the Pecos including local events calendar, visit http://creativecarlsbad.org/index.html. For more information or to plan your visit, go to https://cityofcarlsbadnm.com.