ABOUT US
Our Mission
Through the arts, to enhance the quality of life and develop the cultural, educational, and economic growth of our community.
Our Vision
Our vision is a community where the Arts thrive.
Performing the Work of Arts
50 Years of Cultivating Creativity
Established in 1971, we proudly serve Las Cruces and Doña Ana County with art events, festivals, education, support and advocacy.
The Doña Ana Arts Council (DAAC) is a non-profit 501c3 organization.
Your inspiration and energy sustain us
We invite you to stimulate your senses and enrich your spirit by joining the creative community at the Doña Ana Arts Council.
Our Venue
The Arts & Cultural Center in Downtown Las Cruces
The Arts & Cultural Center and DAAC offices are located at 250 W. Amador Ave., Las Cruces, NM. The venue has a large gallery space where we feature a different artist every month. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Every Second Saturday, we’re open from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Please stop by for a visit!
The venue, and the baby grand piano, are available to rent for meetings, receptions and parties. Non-profit organizations are eligible for special rates. We’d love to have you here!
Call 575-523-6403 for information.
Meet Our Team
Doña Ana Arts Council Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DAN LERE, Board President; 1st term ends: 6/30/22
TOM KIRSCHBAUM, Vice President; 1st term ends: 6/30/22
MICHAEL MANDEL, Treasurer; 2nd term ends: 6/30/21
HAL HENTHORNE; Member at Large;1st term ends 6/30/22
BARBARA REASONER, Past President; 2nd term ends: 6/30/22
DIRECTORS, CONTINUED
FEDERICO ALMAREZ; 1st term ends 6/30/22
EMMITT BOOHER; 2nd term ends 6/30/22
SHERRY DOIL CARTER; 1st term ends 6/30/22
CYNTHIA PELECH; 1st term ends: 6/30/22
MARY HELEN RATJE; 1st term ends 9/1/19-6/30/20
MARISA SAGE; 1st term ends 9/1/19-6/30/20
LESLI ZERR; 1st term ends 9/1/19-6/30/22
Staff Members
Gregory Z. Smith, Executive Director
Linda Moore, Office Manager
Kathleen Albers, Communications Director
Karen Conley, Program Manager
Community Partnerships
The Kennedy Center Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is designed to assist arts organizations throughout the nation to develop or expand educational partnerships with their local school systems. The primary purpose of these partnerships is to provide professional learning in the arts for teachers. In 1992, this program was awarded the Association of Performing Arts Presenters’ Dawson Award, which recognizes innovative and successful projects.
The Dona Ana Arts Council and the Las Cruces Public Schools officially joined the Kennedy Center Partners in Education program in 1996. For more information or to find out how you can become a part of this program, please contact the DAAC office at 575-523-6403.
