SW New Mexico News

After two years of dedication to capturing the essence of local wildlife, Las Cruces artist Kathy Morrow is set to celebrate her completed rock art mural at New Mexico State University's Golf Course with a ribbon-cutting event. This celebration is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, at the NMSU Golf Course clubhouse located at 3000 Herb Wimberly Drive.

Morrow's journey with rock art began in 2017 at the Tortugas Dam, where she crafted animal designs using vibrant rocks. In 2021, she was required by the Elephant Butte Irrigation District to relocate her art, prompting a nine-month effort to move the rocks to the NMSU Golf Course. Once relocated, Morrow embarked on a 17-month venture with assistance from volunteers to recreate and rebuild her mural.

Reflecting on the experience, Morrow described it as akin to "painting a giant coloring book with rocks." She shared the moment of realization in early April 2024 that the original art's relocation from Tortugas Dam and recreation at NMSU had concluded, resulting in the creation of 26 animals from rocks, tiles, and glass. "Oh my gosh, I think we are done!" she exclaimed when she and the volunteers saw their efforts completed.

In this project, 130 volunteers collaborated to transform Morrow's designs into a vibrant half-acre display of 26 animals using colored rocks. Pat Gavin, director of the NMSU PGA Golf Management Program, expressed amazement at the project's culmination, particularly noting, "Our PGA Golf Management students were 'all-in' on helping Kathy finish the project." He also praised the incorporation of the Gage Wings, a tribute to his late son, into the artwork, describing it as incredible.

The NMSU PGA Golf Management program will support the event, offering printed posters and postcards of Morrow's mural for sale. Proceeds from these sales will benefit the Gavin M. Memorial Marketing Endowed Scholarship, aimed at supporting undergraduate students majoring in marketing. Morrow will also be signing these items at the event.

The celebration invites members of both the NMSU and Las Cruces communities to attend and take part in the event.