Opening reception Saturday, Jan. 28, 1 p.m.
Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
“Time Exposures: Picturing a History of Isleta Pueblo in the 19th Century,” organized by the Pueblo of Isleta tribe in New Mexico, tells the story of life on the Isleta Indian Reservation in the 19th century and its lasting effects on life today.
Using many historic photographs and a variety of media, the story unfolds in three parts: first, the Pueblo people describe the year’s cycle as it was in the mid-19th century; second, the exhibit explores the arrival of Americans and how this disrupted their way of life; and, finally, the exhibit examines the historic photographs as products of Anglo culture.
A portion of the exhibit will be dedicated to the Tigua Tribe from the Ysleta Pueblo del Sur. The Tiguas are direct descendants of the Isleta Pueblo and settled in this area after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.
Samantha Winer, the museum’s curator of collections and exhibitions, said the exhibit is a strong reminder of the power of community.
“‘Time Exposures’ is an important exhibit for the Centennial Museum and the El Paso community,” Winer said. “The exhibit, curated by the Isleta Pueblos, tells their story in their own voice, offering an unfiltered look at the struggles and fortitude of the Pueblo community.”
With this exhibit, the Centennial Museum will kick off a yearlong celebration to commemorate its 80th anniversary. The museum was founded in 1936, thanks to funding from the Texas Legislature honoring the Centennial Celebration of Texas. It officially opened its doors in April 1937. The Centennial Museum also has the great distinction of being El Paso’s first museum.
The exhibit will be displayed in all three galleries of the museum’s main floor through June 3, 2017.
Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 915-747-6667.