eastern nm arts & cultural center

The historical sign maintenance of such as the Blue Swallow, and several motel signs in the small city is curious. The first sizable town on the Interstate 40 after Amarillo, Texas, can boast of the history of a major sign artist and innovator, however it seems to be down played. The Blue Swallow Motor Court, now very dilapidated and run down, still has the excellent signature sign at its entrance. This sign, pictured in Smithsonian magazine, and Signs of the Times magazines of the 1960's, and 1990s, is the work of one of America's major sign painters and design men, James Harland Stiles. As book about his work with pictures and biographical information is available and should be carried by all of the State Travel brochures and Visitor Centers. In an age of digital signs and on line graphic arts, the work depicted in this little book is of historical significance as the basis for work today. Originality and hand work shown as done by Stiles has stayed with form, content, and art while much of today's work is passing fancy.A tourist brochure highlighting this town's historical sign work is worth the visit.

Awesome little art museum and cultural center with way more than meets the eye! They've got all kinds of regional art from paintings to sculptures, authentic pottery and more. But they've also got an art school with classes, occasional cultural featured events like poetry readings and even music from around the world. Great little find you'd never expect!