Entire staff of Warehouse 508 laid off without notice
By Alisa Valdes
In a move Friday that stunned the local arts community, the board of directors for New Mexico Xtreme Sports Association, Inc. (NMXSports) laid off the entire management team of its arts wing, Warehouse 508, effective immediately.
Believers in the power-cum-responsibility of art to change lives, attitudes and public policy, take heart—an exhibit opening tomorrow, wears its ideological zeal on its sleeve. With an impressive range of artists and artistic collectives whose work amplifies public awareness, WE HONOR: The Art of Activism promotes ecological reverence and justice for indigenous peoples. It’s hosted by Honor the Earth and Honor the Treaties, two Native-led activist organizations that invest in and benefit from connections to the art community.
Eminent environmentalist, author and two-time Green-Party vice-presidential candidate Winona Laduke speaks at the opening from 6 to 7pm. Contributing artists include Shepard Fairey, recognized for his iconic red-and-blue Barack Obama “Hope” poster; Gregg Deal, a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe best known for “The Last American Indian On Earth,” a performance piece in which he explodes racial stereotypes by embodying them in mundane settings like grocery stores, shopping malls and restaurants; and Nani Chacon, the local muralist behind the magnificent “She Taught Us to Weave” in Wells Park and co-curator of this exhibit with Kim Smith. Traditional foods will be served during the free opening reception, which starts at 5pm. Everything happens at Warehouse 508 (508 First Street NW); see bit.ly/wehonor for more info. Warehouse 508 • Thu Apr 24 • 5-8pm • FREE • View on Alibi calendar
This week’s Music to Your Ears is an online exclusive. We even futzed around with the column layout and experimented with selectively embedding A/V elements. Please check it out, and let us know what you think.
And now, whether you’re craving modern alt.folk, house, experimental, noise, rap or rockabilly, there’s (at least) one show happening this week that will suit your fancy. Singer/songwriter Samantha Crain visits Santa Fe—the city for which her most popular tune is named—on Friday. The 21-and-over concert court-and-sparks at 9 p.m. at Santa Fe Sol (37 Fire Place). Check out the video for Crain’s hit track below. Santa Fe Sol • Samantha Crain • Friday May 31 • 9 pm • $12 • 21+ • solofsantafe.com
Warehouse 508 has seen a spike in participation. They have the same number of events and the same facilities as always, but more and more youth are showing up. The difference may be Noah and Simon Kessler de St. Croix, two brothers who work hard to improve their community.
Remember that lone little green plant still somehow growing on a planet completely overflowing with trash in Wall•E? Warehouse 508 doesn't want to see such a grim future, so it's getting people to don discarded materials for a Trashion Fashion show. Co-presented by Keep Albuquerque Beautiful, feast your eyes on outfits and accessories made completely from recycled items. Top it off with musical entertainment by Basura banging on "upcycled" instruments, and you might just walk away being a little more careful about what you toss away. Trashion Fashion runs from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. (Adam Fox)
Young folks who have a way with words can have their way with the mic on Saturday, April 14, at Warehouse 508 (508 First Street NW). Admission to witness this lyrical competition is $5, or $8 for two, while it’s $10 to get into the battle. Winners earn a $300 cash prize. Festivities commence at 5 p.m. Call 410-2938 for more info. (Jessica Cassyle Carr)
A sleek, glitter-caked model stalked confidently down the runway while a dozen photographers flashed and snapped. This energetic spectacle was not in Paris or Milan. It was a teen fashion show held in Albuquerque’s youth arts and entertainment community center, Warehouse 508. The focus of Fall Into the Stars was original clothing lines designed and constructed by six high-school-aged girls.
The project started as Mayor Martin Chavez’ response to the argument that there isn’t a lot for teens to do in Albuquerque. That point was raised repeatedly as the mayor put the hurt on all-ages shows happening in venues where alcohol was served—often in separate rooms or gated areas—to people over 21.
