Friends of Valle De Oro

Native Seed Bursts for Healing the Earth and Ourselves
2022-05-07 05:00 - 07:00 (America/Denver) | Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, 7851 2nd Street SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, United States
We will make Seed Bursts of local mud, clay, and seeds to be used for spreading native and healing seeds throughout our community. This is an activity that educates us on local plants, medicinal herbs and connecting ourselves to the earth.
Register for this event here.
Learn more about Environmental Justice Community Days here.

Rio Grande Water Quality Workshop
2022-05-06 03:00 - 09:00 | Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, 7851 2nd Street SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, United States
Pueblo of Isleta Environment Department will be on the Refuge to educate participants on water quality of the Rio Grande. Water quality kits will teach users about dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity.
Register for this event here.
Learn more about Environmental Justice Community Days here.

Art Along the Rio Grande
2022-04-30 04:00 - 08:00 | Gutiérrez Hubbell House, 6029 Isleta Blvd. SW, ABQ, New Mexico, 87105, United States
Join us for the 6th Annual Art Along the Rio Grande — a one-day art fair showcasing the cultural heritage and ecological significance of the Rio Grande Valley!
The event will be on Saturday, April 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Gutiérrez Hubbell House.
Proceeds from artist registration fees and any art donated to the raffle will benefit the Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and the Gutiérrez Hubbell House Alliance!

Composting
2022-04-28 - 2022-04-30 | Isleta Pueblo
Join Cotton Blossom Gardens for a composting workshop at Iselata Pueblo.
There will be various sessions over two days:

Friday, April 29, 10:00am-3:00pm
Saturday, April 30, 10:00am-1:30pm

Register for this event here.
Learn more about Environmental Justice Community Days here.

Nuestras Acequias: Water Rights and Environmental Justice Panel
2022-04-28 12:00 - 14:00 | NM
Join Bernalillo County Open Space from April 22 to July 9 at the Gutierrez Hubbell House for Nuestras Acequias, remembering our history, irrigating our crops and nourishing the future of our community.
This event is hosted by BernCo Open Space, Gutierrez Hubbell House, CESOS, SVRAA, and AFSC.
Register for this event here.
Learn more about Environmental Justice Community Days here.

Visitor Center Volunteer Training
2022-04-26 11:30 - 13:30 | Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, 7851 2nd Street SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, United States
The Visitor Center at Valle de Oro NWR is opening in May- and we need your help!
Join us on Tuesday, April 26 for a special volunteer training for the new Visitor Center. Dakota Dominguez, the Refuge Volunteer Coordinator, will lead a Refuge orientation for the first hour. During the second hour. volunteers will be trained on Nature Store operations and/or Welcome Desk to-dos.
Please RSVP using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4fa9a823aafdce9-visitor
Questions can be directed to Dakota at dakota_dominguez@fws.gov or Kathleen at naturestore@friendsofvalledeoro.org.

Environmental Justice Toxic Tour
2022-04-22 - 2022-04-23 | NM
Take a virtual toxic tour with the Environmental Justice Leadership Team. The tour will highlight the environmental justice advocacy work happening in the Refuge’s host community, the Mountain View Neighborhood.
Register for this event here.
Learn more about Environmental Justice Community Days here.

Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, Healthy Communities: Work & Learn at the Farm
2022-04-22 04:00 - 08:00 | Los Jardines Institute, 803 La Vega Dr. SW, ABQ, NM, United States
Learn about soil health and organic farming with Los Jardines Institute. Participants will also enjoy a simple meal and paletas from Pop Fizz.
Register for this event here.
Learn more about Environmental Justice Community Days here.

Take a Water Walk
2022-04-16 05:30 - 07:00, 2022-04-16 04:00 - 05:30 | National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, United States
Participants will walk the route of stormwater! We will start in the National Hispanic Cultural Center parking area and make our way to the river. Along the way we will pick up trash and if time permits, we will make an art project with trash. We will also be doing some basic water testing to gauge the health of the river.
Register for this event here.
Learn more about Environmental Justice Community Days here.

Refuge Tour
2022-04-15 - 2022-04-16 | Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, 7851 2nd Street SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, United States
Tour the visitor center and bird watch with the Refuge’s visitor services and biology staff!
Two tours will be offered that day:

8:00 am to 10:00 am (two families/groups of 6 welcome)
10:30 am to 12:30 am (two families/groups of 6 welcome)

Register for this event here.
Learn more about Environmental Justice Community Days here.

McEwen Pond Day of Service in honor of Cesar Chavez
2022-04-02 03:00 - 09:00 | McEwen Pond, 1925 Citation Drive SW, ABQ, NM, United States
Participants will remove trash and invasive species from this prescription walking trail. There will also be light trail restoration.
Learn more about Environmental Justice Community Days here.

Tularosa Basin Downwinders Annual Demonstrtion & Educational Fiesta.
2022-03-31 - 2022-04-02 | Trinity Site and Carrizozo, NM, United States
Participants will travel to the Trinity Site to support the Rally and material drop that the Tularosa Downwinders Consortium have organized from 9:00-2:00. Folks will then go to Tularosa for food and music in the Tularosa Park.

Learn more about Environmental Justice Community Days here.

2021 7th Annual Golden Gala Online Auction
2021-11-01 02:00 - 2021-11-07 13:00 | NM
Our Auction will be held online from Nov 1 – Nov 7 .
We have an exciting array of items this year for the online auction and encourage you to keep checking the Gala Auction website to preview what’s will be available to bid on and win Nov 1 – 7.
Auction items can be previewed starting October 1st on our Gala Auction webpage.
Keep in mind that auctions items are constantly being added to the site through October 31 so keeping coming back for more sneak peeks!
Preview Gala Auction Items Here:
https://one.bidpal.net/goldengala2021/browse/all

7th Annual Golden Gala "Non-Event" Fundraiser!
2021-10-31 - 2021-11-07 | NM
You are cordially invited to the Friends of Valle de Oro NWR’s 2021 Golden Gala Non-Event Fundraiser!
This year we are having a “NON-EVENT” event for our 7th Golden Gala… what does that mean? It means you can support our biggest funraiser of the year from the comfort of your home and at your convenience!

The Friends of Valle de Oro NWR has reinvented its largest annual fundraiser to meet the constraints of the pandemic while also supporting businesses in our community. We invite you to join our 7th Annual Golden Gala celebration, from home this year.
Although our Golden Gala is virtual, your generosity and support are very real to the Refuge, wildlife, and people the Friends support.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE!
Thank you to our generous sponsors!

2021-2022 Opening Doors to Nature Education Scholarship - Application Deadline Sunday August 1st, 2021
2021-07-31 - 2021-08-01 | NM
2021-2022 OPENING DOORS TO NATURE
EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
CLICK HERE to learn more and Apply!

Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair - Saturday, July 10th
2021-07-10 03:00 - 07:00 | NM
Join us for the 5th Annual Art Along the Rio Grande — a one-day art fair showcasing the cultural heritage and ecological significance of the Rio Grande Valley!
Saturday, July 10th,
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Gutiérrez Hubbell House
6029 Isleta Blvd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105
A portion of proceeds from art sales benefit
the Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
and the Gutiérrez Hubbell House Alliance!
Pre-Registration is Requested to Facilitate Contactless Payment.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND THE EVENT
After registering to attend the event, we encourage you to add Credit Card information to your account in order to use contactless payment using your phone to purchase artwork at the event!
To add Credit Card information, register for the event, and create your account. Then you will be brought to a “Your Account” page where you can enter your credit card information by clicking the “Credit Card” tab at the top. Or you can add it later by clicking the “Sign In” button on the right hand corner of the registration website.

Highlights of the Event Include:
– Over 25 local artists selling their art work focusing on the cultural heritage and
ecological significance of the Rio Grande Valley
– Opportunities to learn about Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and the Gutierrez Hubbell House
– Live music by Local Musicians
– Food Trucks
– Free Kids Area & Activities

Interested in Becoming one of our Amazing Artists and Selling your Wares?
ARTIST APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO TUESDAY JULY 6TH
– For Artist Information and Guidelines, click HERE
– You can Apply to be an Art Vendor by clicking HERE
– Contact our Arts Fair Committee at 505-274-3560 or artfair@friendsofvalledeoro.org with questions

Interested in Inviting your Friends and Exploring more?
– For a PDF Version of our Flyer click HERE
– Like our Event on Facebook and get updates by clicking HERE
– Contact our Arts Fair Committee at 505-274-3506 or artfair@friendsofvalledeoro.org for more information

Interested in Volunteering for this Event?
– Contact Hannah Redwood at hannah@friendsofvalledeoro.org with your interest

2nd Street Clean-Up Volunteer Event - Saturday May 22nd, 2021
2021-05-22 03:00 - 06:00 | Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, 7851 2nd Street SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, United States
2nd Street Clean-Up Volunteer Event
Saturday May 22nd, 2021
Shift 1: 9:00 am – 10:30 am (16 volunteer cap)
Shift 2: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm (16 volunteer cap)
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Location:
Valle de Oro NWR
7851 2nd Street SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
Please join us for our biannual litter clean-up event and help clean-up 2nd Street along the Refuge! We will be cleaning up 2nd Street along the Valle de Oro NWR boundaries on Saturday May 22nd. We will have two different shifts, with each shift capped at 16 volunteers to maintain state guidelines on social distancing and group gatherings. We will meet at the Refuge Welcome Center (7851 2nd Street SW) at the beginning of each shift (9:00 am & 10:30 am) to have you sign-in, provide a snack you can take with you, discuss safety and cleanup assignments, as well as provide trash bags and supplies.
We require all individuals to sign-up for this volunteer activity to maintain contact tracing requirements for this in-person event. You can sign-up by clicking “Click Here to Register Online” above.
To volunteer you must bring and wear a face mask, and we will require all volunteers to maintain a 6 foot distance while working, frequently use hand-sanitizer, and not share tools without disinfecting them first.
We will provide high visibility safety vests for volunteers and have hand sanitizer available. Please bring a pair of gloves although we will provide gloves for volunteers that don’t have them. We have a few trash grabbers/pickers but if you have one or more, please bring them. For your safety, please wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt. Also please bring a water bottle and sun protection.

Friends Member Virtual Trivia Hour - Saturday, April 24th
2021-04-24 07:30 - 09:00 | NM
Friends Member Virtual Trivia Hour!!
Members of the Friends of Valle de Oro NWR are invited to an afternoon trivia challenge this Saturday, April 24 to join fellow members in a trivia game for an opportunity to gather virtually and test your knowledge and speed reflexes! Trivia topics will range from wildlife at Valle de Oro to New Mexico pop culture and more!

Events Details
Date: Saturday, April 24th
Time: Pre-game warm up starts at 1:30
Gameplay 2:00 – 3:00 pm
If you are unfamiliar with Zoom or the online trivia game platform Kahoot! then we recommend you joining the pregame warm up. Trivia questions will be broadcast via Zoom. Bring your smartphone for easiest gameplay (recommended but not required).
Since this is a Member’s event as a perk for being a Member, all current members will be emailed the zoom link and invitation to participate.
If you are not yet a Friends member, or need to renew your membership, please do so by Friday April 23rd so you will be emailed the link in time to participate. CLICK HERE to learn more about Friends membership, sign-up or renew or membership.
We hope to see you there!
Questions? Email membership@friendsofvalledeoro.org.

Environmental Justice Community Day - Saturday, April 17th
2021-04-17 05:00 - 08:00 | NM
Environmental Justice Community Day
Saturday, April 17th – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

To participate in the virtual event, CLICK HERE

Star Party - Saturday, April 10th
2021-04-10 09:00 - 10:00 | NM
Star Party – The Spring Night Sky
Saturday April 10th – 3-4pm
The Program will be Livestreamed on the Valle de Oro NWR Facebook Page Starting at 3pm
Visit: www.facebook.com/ValleDeOroNationalWildlifeRefuge
A Facebook account is NOT required to watch the livestream

Annual Meeting of Membership - Saturday January 30th, 1-2pm
2021-01-30 06:00 - 07:00 | NM
2021 Annual Meeting of Membership
Join us virtually on Saturday, January 30th, from 1:00 -2:00 pm for our Annual Meeting of Membership
The Friends will provide updates on 2020 accomplishments, recognize our volunteers and supporters, honor the 2020 Valle de Oro Photo Contest Winners, as well as detail priorities for 2021 and ways to get involved!
Valle de Oro Refuge Manager will present on progress at Valle de Oro NWR including the Visitor Center, and the Refuge’s impact in the greater National Wildlife Refuge System
Optional After-Party Until 2:30 pm includes Trivia Games and Prizes!
Registration is Required. To register for the virtual meeting and door prizes:
1. CLICK HERE for the registration page
2. Log in to your Friends member account to access registration*
3. Enter info and click submit!
4. You’ll be emailed a Zoom link for the meeting prior to the event
*Current membership is required to register for the meeting*
If you need to retrieve or reset your login info, click ‘Having trouble logging in?” and follow instructions.
Questions? Email membership@friendsofvalledeoro.org
We are providing supplemental information for our meeting in our Digital 2020 Annual Report
CLICK HERE to access our 2020 Annual Report
We will also email a link to the report to all of members prior to the Annual Meeting
Not yet a member? No problem… CLICK HERE to learn about the perks of membership and to sign-up!

6th Annual Golden Gala: Seek Refuge - Celebrate from Home October 10th-20th
2020-10-09 - 2020-10-20 | NM
Good News! The Friends of Valle de Oro NWR has reinvented its largest annual fundraiser to meet the constraints of the pandemic while supporting businesses in our community. We invite you to join this year’s Golden Gala celebration from home in support of the Friends & Refuge!
Our auction will be online and the in-person event is being replaced by a unique opportunity.
CLICK HERE to access the Virtual Golden Gala website, purchase “Seek Refuge Care Packages” and participate in the online auction.

When you make a donation to the Golden Gala by purchasing your “Seek Refuge Care Package”, the Friends will mail you everything you need to enjoy a nice evening at home. Options for your customized “Seek Refuge Care Package” are based on contribution level and can include local business gift certificates for dinner, drinks, giveaways as well as a link to an exclusive video program to be watched at your leisure.
“Seek Refuge Care Packages” are now on Sale!
CLICK HERE to access our Virtual Golden Gala Website!

2020 Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day - Starting September 26th, 9:00 am
2020-09-25 - 2020-10-26 | NM
Click the Image Below to Virtually Join us in Celebration for
Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day, National Public Lands Day and Valle de Oro’s Build Your Refuge Day!

VIRTUAL Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair - RECAP
2020-07-13 - 2020-08-31 | NM
Recapping the Virtual Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair

Below is a recap of our Virtual Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair, in case you missed it in real time this year. You will find information about our virtual event this year and all of the Artists we highlighted. We hope you will consider visiting their websites, social media pages, and getting in touch with them to purchase their artwork! Also check out this video interview on KRQE for more details on the impact of this Art Fair Fundraiser for the Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and the Hubbell House Alliance.
If you have any questions about the Virtual Event or information below, you can email us at artfair@friendsofvalledeoro.org

Art Along the Rio Grande was slated for its fourth year this April. The event has quickly become a South Valley spring tradition, bringing together residents of the Valley and from throughout the Albuquerque metro area to stroll the grounds of the historic Gutiérrez Hubbell House and browse and buy art from local vendors to benefit two local organizations which support local public lands including: Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and Gutiérrez Hubbell House.
The global coronavirus pandemic led first to rescheduling and then cancellation of the April 2020 event, leaving organizers, artists, and community members disappointed. Dave Barber, Friends of Valle de Oro NWF President and planning committee member noted, “Our members and neighbors look forward to getting together, enjoying the beautiful South Valley spring, and supporting two of the places that help our community thrive. In times like this, we need those connections more than ever.” The Friends of Valle de Oro NWR and Hubbell House Alliance sought a way to maintain community connections in a virtual space. Demetria Gutierrez, a member of the planning committee representing the Hubbell House Alliance said, “We wanted to celebrate the amazing community of artists that has grown out of the past three years of the Art Along the Rio Grande art fair. Because we can’t be together in person this year, we decided to set aside the week of June 20-27 to highlight the amazing artists who make this event so fabulous.”
So we opted to host an online event, sharing the work of some of the artists who planned to participate in the event, in tandem with an online auction of selected artwork. We are excited about this new way of sharing their love of art and providing a way for the community to support their work. Gutierrez said, “The Art Along the Rio Grande art fair is an important fundraiser for our organizations and helps support our programs and access to wildlife, art, history, recreation, and culture to the South Valley. We’re grateful to the artists who were able to contribute items to help us make up for some of the lost revenue of this annual event.” Barber added, “The pandemic brought many unexpected changes to our lives and work and will surely continue to do so. We are fortunate to work with the support of a community of artists, nature-lovers, storytellers, and all the other beautiful facets of our shared community. Let’s come together virtually to share and build our community from home, until we can be together in person.”
___________________________________________
Bean Street Studio:
Bean Street Studio is a Certified New Mexico True fiber art and jewelry design studio inspired by nature, memories, and frankly- whatever they like. According to Bean Street Studio, art should make you feel happy, warm, and inspired! The Bean Street Studio artists are new editions to the Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair, and we are so excited to promote their bead woven jewelry and macrame pods!
Bean Street Studio generously donated a beautiful pair of earrings called “Sunrise” for the Art Along the Rio Grande Online Auction!
You can learn more about Bean Street Studio and purchase their artwork through their online store by visiting: https://www.beanstreetstudio.com/

___________________________________________
Wren Dreams:
LWren Walraven of Wren Dreams has been creating art for over 20 years. While her work and style continues to evolve, she remains inspired by wildlife and nature which feature prominently in her pieces. Her creations include mixed media, oil and acrylic based paintings.
LWren helped plan the first ever Art Along the Rio Grande, and we have been delighted to have her presence at the event every year for the past 3 years, and into a virtual 4th year.
Take a minute to learn more about this local artist and see her beautiful work at www.wrendreams.com

___________________________________________
One Seed Design:
Artist Sarah Wallace is an Albuquerque based jewelry designer and silversmith. Her handcrafted silver and stone pieces are inspired by the varying landscapes and natural beauty of New Mexico.
Her studio, One Seed Design is new to the Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair, but we are so excited to promote her beautiful jewelry, especially because she is donating 15% of proceeds from her online Etsy store to Outdoor Afro, an amazing organization that promotes equity and opportunity in open spaces and conservation, and an important partner of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge!

Check out One Seed Design’s Instagram page to view more photos of her beautiful jewelry: www.instagram.com/one_seed_designs
And be sure to visit their Etsy page to support both Sarah and Outdoor Afro this summer: https://www.etsy.com/shop/osdjewelry

___________________________________________
Alumenart by Tambrian:
Brian Webb and John Newell of Alumenart by Tambrian began their careers making belt buckles in junior high school in the 1970’s. After a few years of working for others, they began working together again and have been creating beautiful jewelry, home decor accessories, and yard art for over 35 years. Their simple but elegant designs feature stylized southwestern and geometric motifs.
Alumenart by Tambrian generously donated a fantastic Lizard Sculpture for the Art Along the Rio Grande Online Auction.

To find more amazing jewelry, home decor accessories, and yard art crafted from aluminum, pewter, and steel, visit the Alumenart Gallery, located at 7200 Fourth Street, NW, is open on a limited basis M – F, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Call 505.897.9967 for someone to come help you.
Or, find them online https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlumenartbyTambrian
New Mexico True Certified (#nmntrue)

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Bate Bate Chocolate:
Chocolate lovers of Albuquerque and beyond, take some time to go check out Bate Bate Chocolate by Belen Romero!
Belen Romero, a painter turned chocolate maker, finds ways to infuse her love of art into her handmade confections. Specializing in craft, bean-to-bar chocolate, she makes each micro batch using single origin beans from social, ecological, and economically sustainable supply chains.
She puts love and intention into her craft and hopes to continue to build community and unite people through food!

This is Belen’s 3rd year in joining us at the Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair, and we are so happy to have her back.
Visit batebatechocolate.com to try some today!

___________________________________________
Fired Up Glass:
Artist Anita Ortiz, and her business Fired Up Glass are a new addition to the annual Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair, but we love her fused glass pieces! Check out that bird wind-chime!
She creates one of a kind, fused glass pendants, earrings, pins, crosses, structural folk art, nightlights, ornaments, nativities, wall and yard art. Some jewelry pieces are hand etched for added depth and visual interest. Each piece is uniquely hand crafted by her, fired, cold worked then re-fired as necessary. She endeavors to create pieces which integrate a variety of mediums and celebrate the cultural diversity of the southwest and the great State of New Mexico.
If you are interested in purchasing from Fired up Glass, feel free to email Anita at aortiz44.60@gmail.com!

___________________________________________
Artist Kathy Kocon:
Kathy Kocon’s work shows the craft and art of a lifelong love of using a needle and thread. She designs and creates fabric Raven dolls, who wear hand sewn, and hand embroidered jackets. She has been making and selling dolls for more than 30 years. She says her work is inspired by her love for the isolated natural world of the desert southwest USA. We welcome Kathy in her first year participating in our Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair! You can visit her website at www.kathykocon.com, and on Instagram at kathykoconabq.
Kathy also contributed one of her beautiful raven dolls to our Online Auction.

___________________________________________
Renewed Designs NM:
Renewed Designs NM creates up-cycled aluminum and tin can creations all inspired by nature.
This is the 3rd Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair for Susan Sanchez! Thank you for your continued support!
Keep up with Susan’s fantastic work on her page: Renewed Designs NM.

___________________________________________
Katy Widger Fine Art:
For our last, but certainly not least, featured artist, we are so excited to feature Katy Widger Fine Art! Katy is an award-winning animal artist whose primary focus in on canines, birds and wildlife. A native New Mexican, she was raised in Corrales, north of Albuquerque. She currently lives in Edgewood with her husband, four devoted dogs and two opinionated parrots. You can check out her artwork on her Facebook Page or her website, https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/katy-widger

“As an artist, I paint that which I love. My heart belongs in the animal kingdom! It is a great privilege to paint the various animals that come into my life, striving to capture their true essence on my canvas. I find no greater joy than to stand at my easel with another new critter painting taking on life under my brush.”
According Wesley Pulkka, Art Critic, Albuquerque Journal, “Katy Widger is a talented and thoughtful artist who weaves mythology and meaning into her nature-inspired creations. Her work speaks about the natural world in a high-spirited poetic language.”

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VIRTUAL Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair & Online Auction
2020-06-20 02:00 - 2020-07-02 14:00 | NM
Join us for our VIRTUAL 4th Annual Art Along the Rio Grande — an art fair showcasing the
cultural heritage and ecological significance of the Rio Grande Valley!
Although we couldn’t hold our Annual Art Fair in person this year, we are excited to hold a Virtual Event from June 20th – 27th, where we will highlight on Facebook some of the amazing artists who have participated in Art Along the Rio Grande. We will share their artwork, and contact information so you can support local artists this summer!
Additionally, we have an Online Auction from June 20th – July 2nd featuring some of their artwork!
All proceeds from our Online Auction will benefit the
Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and the Hubbell-House Alliance!

To participate in our Virtual Event, visit our Facebook Event Page to learn about several local artists.
We will post about a new artist each day from June 20th – 27th!
Many of these artists have participated in the Art Along the Rio Grande for many years, and have
online stores or methods for purchasing their artwork. Consider supporting our local artists this summer
and stock up on gifts for family, friends and yourself!
Check it out at and RSVP to the event to get daily reminders: https://www.facebook.com/events/303411207328392/

The Art Along the Rio Grande Online Auction will start at 8:00 am on June 20th, and end at 8:00 pm on July 2nd.
We have many unique art pieces up for auction that showcase the cultural heritage and ecological significance of the Rio Grande Valley!
All proceeds from the Online Auction will benefit the Friends of Valle de Oro NWR and the Hubbell House Alliance,
so consider placing ample bids!
Through our Online Auction Website, you can sign-up for text/email alerts when someone bids on the items
you have an eye on, additionally, you can set-up a “Proxy Bid” and set the the amount you are willing to bid up to, and
the system will automatically make your bids!
Visit the Online Auction Website today: https://bit.ly/ArtAlongtheRioGrandeAuction

Art Along the Rio Grande was slated for its fourth year this April. The event has quickly become a South Valley spring tradition, bringing together residents of the Valley and from throughout the Albuquerque metro area to stroll the grounds of the historic Gutiérrez Hubbell House and browse and buy art from local vendors to benefit two local organizations which support local public lands including: Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and Gutiérrez Hubbell House.
The global coronavirus pandemic led first to rescheduling and then cancellation of the April 2020 event, leaving organizers, artists, and community members disappointed. Dave Barber, Friends of Valle de Oro NWF President and planning committee member noted, “Our members and neighbors look forward to getting together, enjoying the beautiful South Valley spring, and supporting two of the places that help our community thrive. In times like this, we need those connections more than ever.” The Friends of Valle de Oro NWR and Hubbell House Alliance sought a way to maintain community connections in a virtual space. Demetria Gutierrez, a member of the planning committee representing the Hubbell House Alliance said, “We wanted to celebrate the amazing community of artists that has grown out of the past three years of the Art Along the Rio Grande art fair. Because we can’t be together in person this year, we decided to set aside the week of June 20-27 to highlight the amazing artists who make this event so fabulous.”
So we opted to host an online event, sharing the work of some of the artists who planned to participate in the event, in tandem with an online auction of selected artwork. We are excited about this new way of sharing their love of art and providing a way for the community to support their work. Gutierrez said, “The Art Along the Rio Grande art fair is an important fundraiser for our organizations and helps support our programs and access to wildlife, art, history, recreation, and culture to the South Valley. We’re grateful to the artists who were able to contribute items to help us make up for some of the lost revenue of this annual event.” Barber added, “The pandemic brought many unexpected changes to our lives and work and will surely continue to do so. We are fortunate to work with the support of a community of artists, nature-lovers, storytellers, and all the other beautiful facets of our shared community. Let’s come together virtually to share and build our community from home, until we can be together in person.”

If you have any questions about the Virtual Event or Online Auction, please email: artfair@friendsofvalledeoro.org or call 505-750-3383.

VIRTUAL Summer Art Camp - Nature Through the Eyes of an Artist
2020-06-07 - 2020-08-31 | NM
Join us in Experiencing Nature Through the Eyes of an Artist!
By making art in nature, or creating art that mimics the beauty and complex nature of our environment,
it allows you to experience the world around you in new and exciting ways!

Given the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge are unable to hold our annual, in person, Summer Art Camp this year, so we created this virtual event space for everyone to participate in art in nature activities this summer! Invite your friends and family to join in, learn something new, and create beautiful works of art.
Feel free to make artwork at your own pace, and participate in whichever order you please.
We encourage you to share your artwork with us!
To be featured in a digital gallery, email photos of the artwork you create while participating in this virtual event to teresa_skiba@fws.gov. Also we encourage you to post pictures on Facebook using #VdOKidzArtCamp. Feel free to tag Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge so we can share them as well!
Thanks for joining us for our 2020 Virtual Summer Art Camp, and happy creating!

Activity 1
To get our creative juices flowing, and to learn about some of the wildlife species you may encounter at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge or in public lands throughout New Mexico, we will start with these fun coloring and activity pages! As you color, consider which of these wildlife species you have had an awe inspiring encounter with, or hope to see the next time you are exploring nature. Feel free to share your experience, or your interest in viewing one of these animals in their natural environment, in the comments or when you share your coloring pages with us. #VdOKidzArtCamp
Download PDF versions to print these pages and view all the wildlife images ready for your touch of color by clicking here:
https://bit.ly/VdOActivityPages
https://bit.ly/WrenColorPages
Also, shout-out to Wren Dreams for creating these beautiful wildlife coloring pages for us all to enjoy!

Activity 2
In Activity 2 we will build off of our coloring skills from our first day activity and move to painting… with mud!
Have you ever made your own paint with natural materials? Today we will learn how to paint an image using soil as your pigment. The goal is learn more about soils, dirt and minerals while using a low impact way to create art. Our partners, the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program, shared this fun activity during Earth Day this year, and we had so much fun with it, we wanted to bring it back for this Virtual Summer Art Camp.
Check out the detailed instructions below, and as you paint consider that throughout history people have used soil, minerals, plants and even insects to create color. Explore how different soil types and minerals impact the pigment of your ink. Maybe paint a series of pictures of the different places where you collected the dirt from. Feel free to share your works of art and your experience painting with mud or the connection with the places where you collected your soil. #VdOKidzArtCamp
There are only a few steps to follow for this activity.
To make your own paint you will need:
1. A piece of paper (or a sidewalk if your parents allow)
2. A recycled container
3. Water
4. A paintbrush
5. Soil or dirt
Go outside and collect a handful of dirt or mud from your backyard and put it in your container. Slowly pour water into the mud and stir to make a paint-like consistency. Dip your paintbrush into the mud and begin painting onto your paper or sidewalk. Maybe paint a picture of the place that you collected the dirt from. If you enjoyed this activity, try to find different soil and dirt types and see what new pigments you can create. Consider how minerals in the soil impact the pigment of the ink. If you’re feeling extra creative try out a chlorophyll or flower pigment painting!
¿Haz hecho alguna vez tu propia pintura con materiales naturales? A través de la historia las personas han usado tierra, minerales, plantas e inclusive insectos para crear color. Hoy aprenderas como pintar una imagen usando tierra como pigmento. Este no solamente es un camino de bajo impacto para crear arte, sino también un camino para aprender más acerca del barro, la tierra y los minerales.
Hay solamente unos pocos pasos para seguir ésta actividad.
Para hacer tu propia pintura necesitaras:
1. Una hoja de papel (o una banqueta si tus padres lo permiten)
2. Un contenedor reciclado
3. Agua
4. Una brocha
5. Barro o tierra
Ve afuera a tu patio trasero y recoje un puño de tierra o lodo y ponlo en tu contenedor. Lentamente agrega agua al lodo y revuelvelo para obtener una consistencia similar a la pintura. Sumerge tu brocha dentro del lodo y comienza a pintar sobre el papel o banqueta. Pinta tal vez la imagen del lugar donde recogiste la tierra. Si disfrutaste esta actividad, intenta encontrar barro y diferentes tipos tierra y mira que nuevas coloraciones puedes creas. Considera como los minerales en el barro impactan la coloración del tinte. ¡Si te sientes super creativo trata pintando con el pigmento de la clorofila o las flores!

Activity 3
Through Activity 3 we will learn more about the complexity of the natural world around us, and build bird nests!
For today’s activity, you will use natural materials found in your yard to mimic the process of building a bird nest to hold eggs and baby birds. Although this nest will just be for you and can be a nice decorative piece, it is fun to try your hand at creating something that birds do every year, with only the use of their beaks! Before you start, feel free to do some research on bird nests, and the requirements for different bird species and mimic what you learn, or you can jump right in, get creative and explore your space to see what materials might be available to local birds in your backyard! As you build your nest, consider what types of natural materials native bird species might use in your area, the locations in your yard where birds might build their nests, and how you can provide additional materials in your backyard to support birds on the search for their nests in early spring. Feel free to share in the comments your works of art and your ideas for supporting native birds in your backyard!
Check out a fun instructional video, created for this virtual event by Katherine Smith, Teen Miss Colorado Earth 2020 and volunteer at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge!
https://youtu.be/pYwSr3q1suE
Also, you can find details instructions and a materials list here:
https://friendsofvalledeoro.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Build-a-Bird-Nest-Activity-Valle-de-Oro-NWR-2020-Virtual-Summer-Art-Camp.pdf

Activity 4
Through Activity 4 we will learn how to interpret the world around us through the use of a Nature Journal!
¡Hoy aprenderemos cómo interpretar el mundo que nos rodea a través del uso de un Diario de la Naturaleza!

If you don’t yet have a nature journal, don’t worry, we have instructions on how to make one! Check out this beautiful instructional video on how to start nature journaling, created for this virtual event by Juliette Conzuelo, a Student Conservation Association (SCA) intern at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and Sandia Mountain Natural History Center!
In English: https://youtu.be/B9MP6PTdHBM
Also, you can find detailed instructions and tips for creating a nature journal here: https://friendsofvalledeoro.org/…/Nature-Journaling-Activit…
Si aún no tiene un diario de la naturaleza, no se preocupe, ¡tenemos instrucciones sobre cómo hacer uno! ¡Mira este hermoso video instructivo sobre cómo comenzar a escribir en la naturaleza, creado para este evento virtual por Julietta Conzuelo, un internada de la Estudiantes Asociación de Conservación Student Conservation Association (SCA) en el Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre de Valle de Oro y el Instituto de Historia Natural Sandia Mountain Natural History Center.
En Español: https://youtu.be/2lxOI6dmAO8
Además, puede encontrar instrucciones detalladas y consejos para crear un diario de la naturaleza aquí: https://friendsofvalledeoro.org/…/Nature-Journaling-Activit…

As you sit in nature and journal, whether it is a local green space or your own backyard, consider the plants and wildlife that make up your local ecosystem and are most prominent in your space as well as the interactions between them. Make sure to also jot down the sights, sounds, smells and other sensory details of the experience, or your feelings or reflections when journaling in nature. Did the experience change you as a person? Feel free to share your sketches and your reflections on the activity and experience!
Mientras te sientas en la naturaleza con tu diario, donde sea, puede ser un espacio verde local o su propio patio trasero, considere las plantas y la vida silvestre que conforman su ecosistema local y que son las cosas que vez que son apareciendo más prominentes en su espacio, así puedes ver todo las conexiones entre ellos. Asegúrese de anotar también las imágenes, los sonidos, los olores y otros detalles sensoriales de la experiencia, o sus sentimientos o reflexiones cuando escriba en la naturaleza. ¿La experiencia te cambió como persona? ¡Por favor, siéntase libre de compartir sus dibujos y sus reflexiones sobre la actividad y la experiencia!

Activity 5
For Activity 5 we encourage you to build off of your experience in our Virtual Summer Art Camp to create a capstone project, using any type of art medium, that will convey your hopes to see and create CHANGE!
Artists and scientists have the power to engage the public in critical environmental issues through different lenses. These can reach people at a personal level and create emotional connections to what’s happening in their surroundings. What can you do today to create change through Art? Our partners, the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program, shared a great video about exploring water pollution through art that we know will spark some thought about the power of Art to affect change. Check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KsHTRSDGIg
As you create your capstone project, consider what has empowered you to make change, the emotions behind your advocacy, and how your capstone art piece can spark similar emotions to empower others to make the change you hope to see. Feel free to share with us your works of art, the change you wish to see, or the emotions you hope to invoke through your capstone project in order to create change. #VdOKidzArtCamp

Thanks for joining us for our Virtual Summer Art Camp. We hope you will continue to create art while in nature, and that you learned some new skills throughout these activity to support you in engaging with nature in new and exciting ways. Happy exploring and creating!

POSTPONED: Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair
2020-04-25 04:00 - 09:00 | NM
The Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair, originally scheduled for April 25th, has been postponed.

The Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, Hubbell House Alliance, and Bernalillo County Open Space have optimistically rescheduled the Art Along the Rio Grande Art Fair for the evening of Saturday, June 27th, 2020. Mark your calendars!

We will reopen artist registration a few months ahead of the rescheduled event and still have slots for additional vendors. Prospective or currently registered artists can reach out with questions at 505-205-5926 or artfair@friendsofvalledeoro.org. Also artists can sign up for email updates to artists directly by visiting:

https://friendsofvalledeoro.z2systems.com/survey.jsp?surveyId=5&

In addition to the Art Fair being rescheduled, the museum exhibit: Art Along the Rio Grande — Experience Nature through the Artists’ Lens will be extended through late September once the Gutierrez-Hubbell House reopens.

We thank you for continuing to do your part in whichever way you are able and look forward to seeing you all this summer.

Sincerely,

Art Along the Rio Grande — Art Fair Planning Committee

To get updates from the Friends on this event and future events and activities, you can sign-up for our contact list by CLICKING HERE

Join us for the 4th Annual Art Along the Rio Grande — a one-day art fair showcasing the
cultural heritage and ecological significance of the Rio Grande Valley!
This year’s event will be on Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the
Gutiérrez-Hubbell House located at 6029 Isleta Blvd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105
A portion of proceeds from art sales will benefit the Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and the Hubbell-House Alliance!

Highlights of this Free Event Include:
– Over 40 local artists selling their art work focusing on the cultural heritage and ecological significance of the Rio Grande Valley
– Tours of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and the Gutierrez-Hubbell House
– 2020 City Nature Challenge ABQ Events – we suggest downloading the iNaturalist Phone App before the event
– Live music by Local Musicians
– Local Food Trucks
– Free Kids Activities
Interested in Registering as an Artist Vendor?
Click here for the Online Registration Form to review artist information and register as an artist vendor for this event.
For Detailed Information on Artist Vending, please review the ARTIST INFORMATION & GUIDLINES
If you would prefer to submit a paper registration form, you can download a PDF VERSION HERE
The artist registration deadline is April 18th

Interested in Inviting your Friends and Exploring more?
– For a PDF Version of our Flyer click HERE
– RSVP for the Event on Facebook and get updates by clicking HERE
– Learn More about the City Nature Challenge ABQ 2020 by clicking HERE

Interested in Volunteering for this Event?
– Join the Friends of Valle de Oro NWR’s Volunteer Database to get updates on volunteer opportunities for this event including planning, tabling for the Friends at the event, and much more! Click HERE for the Friend’s volunteer database and then click on “New Application” if this is your first time volunteering.
Questions?
With any questions, please contact the Art Fair Committee at: 505-205-5926 or artfair@friendsofvalledeoro.org.
This phone line is not answered but monitored for voicemails, so be sure to leave a message.

Family Program: Finding Art in Nature
2020-03-07 03:00 - 05:00 | NM
Saturday March 7th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Gutierrez-Hubbell House
6029 Isleta Blvd. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
Spend the day with Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of Valle de Oro NWR at the Gutierrez Hubbell House. We’re creating art with nature and finding beauty all around us. Enjoy making leaf prints, mural painting, nature crowns and much more! Bring your friends, neighbors and the whole family! This event is open to everyone of all ages who wants to have fun and make art!!
Vengan a festejar con Valle de Oro Nacional Fauana Silverstre Refugio y los Amigos del Valle de Oro en la Cas de los Gutierrez y Hubbell. Descubre arte en todos partes. Compartimos actividades de arte para ninos tanto como los adultos incluyendo impresion de hojas, pintado de mural, coronas de naturaleza y mucho mas! Traigan sus amigos, vecinos y toda la familia a divertirse!!

TEMPORARILY CLOSED - Art Exhibit: Experience Nature through the Artists' Lens
2020-03-05 - 2020-05-09 | NM
