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

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.