ARTESIA — The Artesia Public Library, Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center, and Artesia Arts Council are helping the Daily Press update the public on virtual options and activities available to residents during the present stay-at-home order.
Artesia Public Library • The library is offering live virtual programming through its facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/Artesia.Public.Library.
• At 11 a.m. each Tuesday, join Bob the Bulldog for a live puppet show.
• Craft Live with the Library sessions are also streamed to the facility’s Facebook page. At 11 a.m. Monday, April 27, join library supervisor Erin Loveland and learn to crochet.
• Other Facebook activities include daily scavenger hunts; three virtual book clubs – Thrillers, Chillers, Books and Brews, Artesia Public Library Book Chat, and the Harry Potter Book Club; guided journaling posts; stress relief help; and community coloring pages.
• Patrons visiting the library’s online catalogue, artesia.biblionix.com/catalog, will have the opportunity to sign up for a free digital access card, even if they have never had a library card. “This will allow access to all of our eBooks, eAudio books, eMagazines, as well as all of our databases,” says Loveland. “That means unlimited music streaming that is ad-free from Freegal Music, access to recipes from around the world and the United States, crafts and hobby references, Creative Bug, which is free craft classes online, as well as maps, legal forms, almanacs, encyclopedias, and more.” Patrons can sign up at artesia.biblionix.com/?signup=1.
• For those patrons wishing to access eBooks only via New Mexico Library to Go, the library has partnered with OverDrive to offer a digital card to anyone residing in Eddy and Chaves counties. Sign up for free with your cell phone number. “We have also increased our OverDrive eBook checkouts from four to 10 copies at a time,” Loveland says. “Staff is working on compiling lists of AR levels so that parents can use this guide while they are homeschooling their children.”
• The library has compiled a “Special Resources” list on its website, http://www.artesianm.gov/library, that includes links to free museum tours and live cams, free educational resources, small business resources, virtual escape rooms, online readings by authors, and more. • The State Library of New Mexico is offering free resources including free online tutoring, job help, Chilton auto manuals, and more at elportalnm.org.
• Those without WiFi access may connect to the library’s WiFi from their vehicles or while maintaining social-distancing guidelines outside. The WiFi password is posted on the library’s main doors.
• Loveland also notes that, while the library is closed to the public, librarians are still on the job. Anyone needing reference help or assistance accessing any of the library’s digital services may call 575-746-4252.
Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center
• Scheduled events at the museum have been delayed through the month of May, with events from June onward dependent upon the situation at that time.
• The “Outlaws of Las Vegas” exhibit, on loan from the City of Las Vegas Museum and Rough Rider Memorial Collection, is available as a virtual exhibit and can be accessed via the museum’s website, www.artesianm.gov/154/Museum-Art-Center
• Museum supervisor Michael Rebman says the museum plans to make online exhibits a “somewhat regular feature” on its site.
Artesia Arts Council/Ocotillo Performing Arts Center
• The Artesia Arts Council’s annual membership drive will begin May 5.
• Visit the OPAC’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ocotilloperformingartscenter, at 1 p.m. each Monday for a live Origami Mondays class. Those in need of materials may pick them up Friday through Monday in front of the facility, while supplies last.
• Facebook Live arts and crafts glasses are streaming at 1 p.m. each Thursday. Materials may be picked up Tuesday through Thursday in front of the OPAC, while supplies last. Upcoming classes include: April 23, Luminarias; April 30, Fairy Bells; May 7, Under the Sea (jellyfish and starfish); May 14, Musical Instruments (banjo and maracas); May 21, Forest Puppet; May 28, Nature Craft (bugs).
• The Ocotillo Comedy Troupe will give a free performance of “The Sunshine Boys” live on Facebook at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26.
• Virtual Beginning Yoga classes are streamed at 5:15 p.m. each Tuesday. Cost is $10 drop-in or $60 for 10 classes. Register online at www.artesiaartscouncil.com.
• Virtual Yin Yoga classes are streamed at 5:15 p.m. each Wednesday. Cost is $10 drop-in or $60 for 10 classes. Register online at www.artesiaartscouncil.com.
• Outdoor crafts/activities will be streamed on Facebook at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3, and Sunday, May 17. Projects will include bubble painting and bubble snakes, respectively.
• An all-day virtual yoga retreat fundraiser will be held from 9 a.m. – noon and 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9. Cost is $25. Register online at www.artesiaartscouncil.com.
• A virtual girls’ night out will be held from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, June 13. Cost is $25. Register online at www.artesiaartscouncil.com.
• A Kids’ Camp is scheduled for June 1-6. The camp will be held at the OPAC if restrictions allow, virtually if they do not. Cost is $75. Register online at www.artesiaartscouncil.com.
• Drop-in arts classes will be held at 1 p.m. each Tuesday in June and July. Classes will be held at the OPAC if restrictions allow, virtually if they do not. Cost is $10 per class. Register online at www.artesiaartscouncil.com.
• If restrictions allow, the AAC’s Summer Movie Series will run at 7:30 p.m. each Thursday in June and July in Heritage Walkway. These events will be cancelled if restrictions do not allow.
• A Kids’ Dance Camp is scheduled for July 6-10. The camp will be held at the OPAC if restrictions allow, virtually if they do not. Cost is $75. Register online at www.artesiaartscouncil.com.
• If restrictions allow, the National Day of the Cowboy concert will feature a tribute to Reba McEntire at 3 p.m. July 18. Cost is $30. Register online at www.artesiaartscouncil.com.
• If restrictions allow, Missoula Children’s Theatre will return Aug. 3-8. Cost is $75. Register online at www.artesiaartscouncil.com.
