DEMING – The Deming Arts Center is inviting the public to experience a powerful celebration of Indigenous history and creativity this February with a one-man show by Deming native and internationally recognized sacred artist Joseph Chavez. The exhibit opens with a special “Meet the Artist” reception on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Arts Center, located at 100 South Gold Avenue in downtown Deming.
Chavez’s February feature explores the deep and often overlooked contributions of Native tribes across the Americas, weaving together art and history in a way that highlights how Indigenous knowledge has shaped the modern world. The exhibit traces stories from the rise of the Aztec Empire and the cultivation of staple crops like corn and tomatoes to the Navajo development of early pain relievers and antiseptics, and even the Lakota Sioux’s role in the development of the syringe. Visitors are guided through a visual narrative that gives credit to numerous tribes whose innovations and traditions continue to influence daily life.
The exhibit will be on display from February 3 through February 27, 2026, during the Deming Arts Center’s regular hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is always free to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend the opening reception to meet Chavez and learn more about the stories behind his work. Additional information is available at demingarts.org or on the Deming Arts Center’s Facebook page.