The steep, angular mountain range against a clear blue sky at Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

ORGAN MOUNTAINS DESERT PEAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument was established on May 21st, 2014. As part of the National Conservation Lands System the nearly 496,000 acres are some of the Southwest’s most iconic landscapes.

The Monument is the current backdrop to Las Cruces, New Mexico, but has a long history where Geronimo and Billy the Kid once roamed, the Butterfield stagecoach meandered, and World War II pilots trained. It is home to diverse geological, biological and cultural resources. The diversity of landscapes, wildlife and hidden desert treasures provide artists endless inspiration.

The Artist in Residence partnership between the Friends of Organ Mountains and BLM educates and promotes the appreciation, protections and preservation of natural and cultural resources on public lands. The residency provides an artist and public an opportunity to interact to better enhance the understanding of the public lands as well as the unique qualities an artists eye can capture.

2024 Artist-in-Residence 

Photo of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument artist-in-residence Crystal Evans
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument artist-in-residence Crystal Evans.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks are pleased to announce the selection of Crystal Evans, a local Las Cruces artist, as this year’s artist-in-residence for the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. 

The local Artist-in-Residence Program is a partnership between the Friends and the BLM. The Friends provide the artist with a stipend while the BLM provides housing for the artist onsite at the Monument. In return, the artist is responsible for a creative community project, a public event (e.g., tour, demonstration, or workshop), and a complete art project that promotes the Monument. 

During the month of September, Evans will travel throughout the 497,330-acre Monument, capturing images through her impressions on canvas as part of the tenth anniversary of Monument designation.  

Learn more about this year’s artist-in-residence program: BLM, Friends group announce selection of local artist-in-residence.