SW New Mexico News

The New Mexico State University Museum is set to unveil a new exhibit titled "Corn Mother: Her Story in the Southwest." The grand opening event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, at NMSU's Kent Hall.

Curated by Sabrina Gonzalez, a graduate student in NMSU's anthropology program, the exhibit delves into the cultural and historical importance of corn within Indigenous communities of the Southwest. It highlights corn as a symbol of sustenance, resilience, and spiritual connection and examines its influence on traditions, ceremonies, and daily life over centuries.

Through artifacts, historical narratives, and artistic interpretations, the exhibition aims to convey how Indigenous knowledge has preserved corn's agricultural and cultural significance across generations. It also explores how corn remains an integral part of Indigenous identity, linking past with present.

"The grand opening event will provide visitors with the first opportunity to experience the exhibit and learn more about its themes," said Kelly Jenks, director of the museum and associate professor of anthropology. "Attendees will have the chance to explore the artifacts on display and gain insight into the research that shaped the exhibit’s development."

After its debut, the exhibit will be open to the public starting Friday, February 28. The University Museum welcomes visitors from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, with free admission.

The University Museum is part of NMSU's Department of Anthropology and serves as a resource for education, research, and public engagement. Its exhibits highlight Southwestern cultural heritage while providing opportunities for students and faculty to present their work to a broader audience.

For more information about the exhibit and museum hours, follow the University Museum’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NMSU.UniversityMuseum.