It was beautiful weather on Saturday, Sept. 15, at Montoso Campground at Wild Rivers as over 250 people arrived to explore the theme “Roots ~ Raices” at LEAP’s 10th anniversary outdoor contemporary art celebration. Art installations included a “wall” of rooted willows, innovative backpack kits for “short adventures in place” and root words flapping in the breeze; hands-on activities were for all ages, notably a booth in homage to the lowly beet. Participants were captivated by impassioned young poets at the afternoon Poetry & Music Salon, a bountiful locally sourced (and served) feast, soulful tunes, and informative artist talks at dusk. Featured artists were Scott Sutton, Kacie Smith and UNM Land Arts of the American West artist group (a selection of which also comprised our poets this year); contributing artists were Nicholette Codding and Martha Shepp; featured local musicians were Mad Cat Jack Lorang, Mark Dudrow and Kate Mann. The local feast featured Questa Farmers Market produce and cooks. Approximately one third of the visitors hailed from within a 20-mile radius, and the other two-thirds were from further afield New Mexico towns and cities and surrounding states. NeoRio draws a wide array of participants, diverse in age, interests and cultural backgrounds.
Join us for NeoRio 2019 on Saturday, September 21 at Wild Rivers to explore “Elements ~ building blocks of the Universe.”
Learn more or get involved with NeoRio at LEAPsite.org