Artists who wish to exhibit their work in a superior exhibition space should consider the Tombaugh Art Gallery.
Gallery Mission
The mission of the Tombaugh Art Gallery is to reach out to the wider community so that thought-provoking art may be contemplated within an open, tolerant and forward-reaching faith community.
Exhibitions
Gallery exhibitions normally change every month. The gallery is operated by a committee of artists and church members who meet once a month to review artists’ submissions and coordinate installations. The Gallery Committee promotes emerging artists and welcomes new artists and groups of artists to show their work in the Tombaugh Art Gallery. The Committee chooses artists who will challenge the viewers to think “outside the box” and open their minds to different ideas and ways of engaging with art and the greater world.
Why the Tombaugh?
Since 2000, the Tombaugh Art Gallery has established its reputation as an outstanding exhibition space. In 2008, artists’ shows enjoyed more press coverage than ever before. In August 2008 a record 20 pieces were sold at a single show and in September 2008 the gallery participated for the third year in the annual Las Cruces ARTSHOP tour of galleries.
The gallery attracts exhibits in all styles and media due to its flexible climate-controlled space, high ceilings, and fine lighting. The Gallery Committee will help artists mount solo, two-person and group exhibitions. In addition, they will work with exhibiting artists to ensure that their shows are well publicized.
Physical Specifications
Gallery space can be modified with pedestals and a movable, modular mesh “wall” to in order to showcase the artist’s work to its best advantage. A new thick-monofilament mounting system suspends art from special moldings and holds items weighing 70 pounds or less. Mounting chains are available for larger art pieces.
Opening Receptions and Artist Talks
In addition to helping artists publicize their work, the Gallery Committee conducts an opening-night reception, usually with refreshments supplied by the Gallery Committee. The Committee encourages artists to participate in an artist’s talk, which provides an excellent way for artists to connect with the public.
Accepted artwork is hung by an artists’ representative, a curator from the committee and one or more volunteers. The committee facilitates sales at the opening reception while a docent coordinator ensures that a docent, who is qualified to sell the artist’s art, is in the gallery during all operating hours. Artists are paid at the end of the show and sold art is generally not removed from an exhibition until the show is taken down. If a piece is removed prior to the show’s closing, the artist may replace the work with another piece. The Gallery Committee encourages all artists to sell their work and limit the number of “not for sale” items
on display.
Calls For Exhibition
Calls for art are made three times a year; twice for standard exhibitions, and once for a themed, juried, open media exhibition for the ARTSHOP.
Gallery space is booked through 2009, but artists are encouraged to apply for showings in 2010.
