The art exhibition “O Fair New Mexico” in the Farm & Ranch Museum shows the couple Las Cruces

In 50 years of marriage, a shared love of art and New Mexico has shaped the life and work of Ken and Betty Krebbs.

36 of her paintings make up the exhibition “O Fair New Mexico: Land of Enchantment”, which opens on August 20 in the art corridor of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. A free meeting with the artists is scheduled for August 21st from 2pm to 4pm.

Ken from Texas and Betty, a New Yorker, made the Land of Enchantment their home and are deeply connected to its history, culture and natural beauty.

The paintings – Ken’s in oils and Betty’s in watercolor and pastels – cover a variety of scenes that capture the beauty and texture of New Mexico. There are farm scenes with crops and farm workers, ranch and cowboy scenes, rural life and landscapes. The show shows the agricultural diversity of the country.

“In our busy lives, we found little time to paint before retirement,” said Betty. “Now we share our home studio, which introduces us to painting in our different styles. How much fun it is to paint on my easel and I look over to see Ken painting on his easel! Our favorite subject is New Mexico, which loves its beauty, people and culture. In this exhibition “O Fair New Mexico” we share our love and appreciation for both art and our dear state. “

The couple named their show after the song “O Fair New Mexico,” written by Elizabeth Garrett, the daughter of Sheriff Pat Garrett. Elizabeth, blind from birth, was an accomplished musician. In 1917, Governor Lindsey signed law making it the official state song. In 1928 it was set to music by John Philip Sousa.

“We are grateful that the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum has so successfully integrated the history and response of local artists to history through their artistic endeavors,” she said. “It is a popular destination for us when a new exhibition is created and visitors often come there during their stay. We particularly appreciate the art exhibition on display and enjoy the diverse perspectives on farm and ranch life in New Mexico. Multiple visits often fill us with great appreciation for the creative talents in our community. “

Ken and Betty met while they were both working in the showroom division of Popular Dry Good in El Paso. After getting married and starting a family, they started The Ink Well, a screen printing company. Ken later became “The Village Cabinetmaker” in Cloudcroft, NM. Betty began teaching and incorporated arts into her curriculum. Now retired, they devote a large part of their time to creating art.

The exhibition will be shown until December 5, 2021.

The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

The 47-acre interactive museum brings the 4,000-year history of food and fiber cultivation in the region to life. It is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and has livestock, indoor and outdoor exhibits, barns, greenhouses, gift shops, and demonstrations.

The museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces, NM 88011, (575) 522-4100. Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on the Farm & Ranch Museum click here; for our previous coverage click here.

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Chile Man by Betty Krebbs.