Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art

Roswell, NM is a unique city, not just for its ability to rebound from a devastating blow to its economy but for its ability to really engage two different types of tourist.  Roswell suffered a major economic setback when the Air Force closed Walker Air Force Base, at the time the largest Strategic Air Command Base.  After time Roswell grasped the UFO fascination and has become the UFO capital even hosting an annual convention.  But Roswell is also an Art Mecca, having not one but two art museums The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art opened its doors in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1994 to showcase works of art produced by former fellows of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program. Today, more than 400 diverse works of art enliven its nine galleries and 22,000 square feet of exhibition space.  Now if you are like me you automatically associate “contemporary art” with abstract art.  For me abstract art falls into my second (art I don’t like) category. So I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the museum to find a painting that I actually thought was a photograph!  

 The detail on this painting was amazing!  What I liked about this museum is that it has a very diverse collection of photographs, paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture.  For instance someone has finally found a useful purpose for a golf bag!!!  

The museum provides a snapshot of the evolving issues in art since the 1967 inception of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program. Works range from figurative to non-objective and showcase the diversity of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program. Few other museums provide a similar focus on contemporary visual art with such an eclectic range of form and content. The Anderson Museum is free but welcomes donations.  Please be generous and maybe we can keep art that falls into my third category (How the hell can they call that art!) out of this place!