The Woods Before Sunrise: Environment and Place in New Mexico's Black Contemporary
June 20 - October 18, 2026
Image: Karsten Creightney, Outskirts, 2018, collage, acrylic, oil and wax on wood, 66 x 78 in. Private collection.
The Woods Before Sunrise: Environment and Place in New Mexico’s Black Contemporary showcases the work of nine contemporary artists whose interpretations of the local environment appeal to universal themes of sustainability, cultural history, and a personal connection to nature. Working across a wide array of mediums, these artists collectively ask: What makes a “landscape”—and who gets to decide?
The third installment in a trilogy of environment-focused exhibitions at the Museum, this presentation is co-curated by artist Nikesha Breeze and Assistant Curator of Art William Gassaway, PhD. Featured artists include Breeze, Ron Adams, Noé Barnett, Maurice Burns, Karsten Creightney, Jakia Fuller, Jackie Mitchell Edwards, Rein Whitt-Pritchette, and Paula Wilson.
Media Coverage
Eight Black New Mexican artists explore the concept of land through art, Pasatiempo/Santa Fe New Mexican, 6/19/26
Public Programs
Thursday, July 16, 5–8:30 PM
Free Event: Third Thursday—Celebrate Third Thursday with an evening of art, music, film, and community inspired by The Woods Before Sunrise. Enjoy music by DJ Ryan Demond, create your own artwork, experience thought-provoking films, and connect with organizations dedicated to New Mexico’s landscapes. You can also meet the 2026 Frederick Hammersley Visiting Artist Eric J. García as he brings his mural to life, then conclude the evening with an original theatrical performance presented in partnership with Fusion Theatre.
Saturday, September 12, 2:00 PM
Talk—Carolyn Finney, Ph.D., author of Black Faces, White Spaces, will present a talk reflecting on her research and The Woods Before Sunrise.