The Story of PAS
The birth of the Placitas Artist Series came about
as a result of the happy confluence of a couple of
timely events as well as the vision and eager
participation of several Placitas folks.
In 1984 the Las Placitas Presbyterian Church
completed its new sanctuary and the pastor and
congregation were eager to promote and share it
with the larger Placitas community. One concert
had been held there and the acoustics proved to be
very fine indeed.
Around the same time a group of string musicians
recently arrived in Albuquerque from Mexico
formed what became the Helios String Quartet
and began looking for performance
opportunities. The wife of the organizing cellist
was a reporter with The Albuquerque Journal
with friends in Placitas, who suggested she
interview the pastor of the church for a story
idea. The resulting article was “Placitas Church
Serves as Hub: Varied Activities Foster Spirit of
Community.” The other result of that interview
was an idea: a Helios String Quartet concert in
the new sanctuary!
The success of that concert seemed to beg for
more of the same and a committee was formed to
set in motion a whole series for the following
season. The pastor, the church treasurer, the
church music director, the cellist, the friend, and
a local artist organized themselves into the first
board of directors, chose a name, wrote by-laws
and planned the concerts. The pre-existing local
art shows in the church’s fellowship hall would be
promoted alongside the concerts and would later
be incorporated into PAS itself.
After its first season PAS incorporated as a not-
for-profit 501(c)3, wholly independent of the
church. PAS is currently celebrating its thirtieth
season!
* * *
Sally Curro is a founding member of the Placitas
Artists Series and continues to serve the
organization as a board member emeritus
Dear Friends of the Arts
In this, the 30th season of the Placitas Artists Series,
we are excited to be able to present a fine mix of new
performers and returning favorites as well as five
Willy Sucre and Friends concerts.
Our guest soloists this year include: in October, solo
cellist Joseph Johnson, who was featured in the 2016
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival; the Brass Roots
Trio will play an eclectic program with trumpet,
French horn, and piano in December; Italian
classical guitarist Aniello Desiderio is our soloist in
February; and in April, internationally renowned
pianist Misuzu Tanaka makes her Placitas debut.
The popular Willy Sucre and Friends series
continues with old friends such as Guillermo
Figueroa and
Ivonne Figueroa, James Holland, Krzystof
Zimowski, the La Catrina String Quartet, and in
January, Awadagin Pratt.
The PAS mission encompasses the visual as well as
the performing arts. Each month we have artists
representing a variety of 2-D and 3-D media. These
juried art exhibits showcase the work of New Mexico
artists. The artwork is for sale and a portion of the
sales helps support PAS. In addition to the exhibits,
PAS conducts a competition for a new “brand”
image. This year Amy Ditto’s work graces our
program book and website.
We welcome all ages and encourage adults to expose
their children to live performances of chamber music
and to art. Students are admitted at reduced rates
and those students taking music classes or lessons
through grade twelve are admitted free when
accompanied by a paying adult.
We offer an incredible, inspiring artistic experience
organized by a group of hard working board
members
and volunteers. Many others provide needed support
to make all of this possible. If you are interested in
volunteering or joining our board, please contact
one of our board members. Please patronize our
concert sponsors, donors, and advertisers. On behalf
of the board, I thank you all for your support and
attendance. Enjoy this, our 30th anniversary
season.
Sincerely,
Alan Firestone, President
All About PAS
Our Mission
The Placitas Artists Series is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering
public appreciation of the performing and visual arts in Central New Mexico. Our mission
is to present high-quality musical performances and art exhibits in a stimulating setting;
to promote regional talent through community involvement in the arts; and to help our
youth develop artistic interests by offering outreach programs to local schools.
31st Anniversary Season 2017—2018
The Placitas Artists Series is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
This project is made possible in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs,
Image Used with Permission
© Peter Böhringer - All Rights Reserved
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