via Pixabay

There seems to be a concentrated interest—from rhetoric in blockbuster movies to the President and everything in between—in the depiction of refugees as flat, generic characters. They are supposed to represent either a threat or a charity case, and both of those ideas piss half the country off. The reality, of course, is that refugees are people just like any of us, only they have been forced into situations more unfortunate and more dangerous than any one of us will ever confront. This Friday, July 28, 40 refugee students will be sharing their lives and experiences with the public in the form of a participatory photography presentation called PhotoVoice. The key to a harmonious country and world will be appreciation and understanding of the similarities and differences between neighbors and strangers alike. No matter what side of the ideological aisle you stand on, shed your preconceptions and appreciate the struggles, successes and stories of these 40 brave students hailing from throughout Africa and the Middle East. Following this totally free presentation at Highland High School Auditorium, running from 10am until noon, will be a reception catered by Talking Drums African and Caribbean Grill. (Adam Wood)

Shutterbugs gather up your best pieces and pick some to submit for hanging in the new Bernalillo County headquarters when the gov-peeps move to Alvarado Square, happening now until Monday, August 31. The selected photographs will be printed in a large scale and format. They will be used to create a welcoming environment for county customers, county employees and the general public. Some will be used on the windows of the new Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office suite. The photographs should represent the history and character of Bernalillo County and its people, places, landscapes and unique events in our county. There are some big bucks involved as chosen photographers will receive $1,500, with a limit of one photograph per artist. The chosen photos will become part of the public art program’s permanent collection. There is no fee or age limit required to submit. For more information, visit bernco.gov/community-services/current-call-for-entries.aspx. Ends August 31. (Carolyn Carlson)

Looking for a little chile? The 2020 Bosque Chile Festival, a celebration of food, art, and culture on the Rio Grande, is happening Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, with times waiting to be officially announced. But due to COVID-19 and the State of New Mexico public health order, the festival will be presented virtually! There will still be entertainment, art activities, a virtual artisan market, chile-chef demonstrations, educational workshops and more. This free, all-ages event is meant to give those stuck at home a chance to see what the state has to offer. If you are a high-quality chile-inspired and authentic New Mexican business with an e-commerce website and want to be a vendor, there is still time. Applications are being accepted until Wednesday, August 5. For more information email bosquechilefestival@bernco.gov.