Patrick Cruz, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture Curator and a member of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, provides insight on his cultural upbringing and experiences in Northern New Mexico. Photo by Kateri Morris
Jacquelyn Connolly, Los Alamos Mainstreet and Creative District Executive Director, coaches the class on an interpretive drawing exercise. Photo by Kateri Morris
LLA Class of 2024 enjoys a walking tour. Pictured at the Romero Homestead Cabin near Fuller Lodge. Photo by Kateri Morris
As part of the walking tour, the LLA Class explores inside the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) dormitory. Photo by Kateri Morris
LLA students learn the “time warp” dance taught by a few Los Alamos Little Theater cast members from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Photo by Kateri Morris
BY KATERI MORRIS
Leadership Los Alamos
The Leadership Los Alamos met for a Cultural Session on February 9 to explore how arts and culture may be preserved, supported, and leveraged to build a strong community in Los Alamos.
Serving as session chairs, Los Alamos Ambassador Program Manager Elizabeth Martineau, and LA Mainstreet & Creative District Executive Director Jacquelyn Connolly, presented the class with a full line up of activities for the day.
Los Alamos resident, Patrick Cruz, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture Curator and a member of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, provided insight on his cultural upbringing and experiences in Northern New Mexico.
LANL Manhattan Project National Historical Park Program Environmental Stewardship Group Jonathan Creel, Samantha Linford, Elliot Schultz, J.T. Stark, alongside Tom Smith, Site Manager, provided a panel discussion on the preservation of historical buildings, protecting and interpreting cultural resources.
After a fun game of culture trivia, Jacquelyn Connolly, Los Alamos Mainstreet and Creative District Manager, presented a variety of arts resources and events the community provides, as well as addressing the current needs and the world of skills achieved in the art world.
Historic Preservation Advisory Board Chairman and Los Alamos History Museum Docent and tour guide, Leslie Linke, took the class on a walking tour through Bathtub Row, making stops at the Baker House, Oppenheimer home, Women Army Corps (WAC) dormitory, and Performing Arts Center. Upon return to Fuller Lodge, President of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Steve Laurent, informed the class how the program considers preservation, repurposing restoration or rehabilitation of the local historical sites in the community.
Jacquelyn Connolly wrapped up the session with the future vision of arts and culture in Los Alamos. Ryn Herrmann, Director, Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce provided a preview of the next LLA session on Economic Development, due to take place in March.
Leadership Los Alamos is a non-profit organization whose mission is to identify current and emerging leaders in Los Alamos and surrounding communities, to enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the community. Each class learns about a variety of topics like community organizations, cultural and history, youth, education, local government, economic development, and environmental issues. For more information go to: Leadership Los Alamos – An educational organization dedicated to the future of Los Alamos.