“Honesty of Construction: The WPA and Spanish Colonial Style Furniture”
Opens at the Branigan Cultural Center

Join us November 29 for a new exhibit at the Branigan Cultural Center.
Honesty of Construction: The WPA and Spanish Colonial Style Furniture examines the Works Progress Administration-era vocational training program in New Mexico that drew upon Spanish Colonial furniture to teach young men and women a marketable trade in woodworking. The exhibit runs through the summer of 2023.

Drawing from the University Museum collection at New Mexico State University, the exhibit features a wide range of furniture pieces that were made during a 1930s community vocational training program that was established in Las Cruces at the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts (now New Mexico State University). The furniture was made in the Spanish Colonial style that is characterized by the use of Ponderosa pine, mortise and tenon joinery, rounded edges, and decorative embellishments. The furniture on exhibit includes a bench, chairs, bookcase, tables, desk, jewelry box, and a trasteros (cupboard).

An examination of the cultural changes and economic stresses in New Mexico during the early 20th century provide context for the economic need for craft-based vocational training. The exhibit also presents information about the 1930s federal Work Progress Administration work relief programs and the National Youth Administration that led to the production of the furniture.

The museum is located at 501 N. Main St. and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 4:30pm and Saturday 9am to 4:30pm. There is no admission charge. The museum is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1 Stop 1. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.lascruces.gov/museums or call (575)541-2154.