Adventure For Your Mind...
Beverly Coots
Writer/Blogger
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If you’re looking for an adventure for the mind and some light walking, stroll through the Roswell Museum and Art Center (RMAC) located at 1011 N. Richardson. Access RMAC by crossing the Spring River bridge and enter a world of wonder. The museum boasts the intact workshop of rocketry pioneer Robert Goddard and a remarkable planetarium with shows on Tuesdays, Fridays and the second Saturdays of the month. Enroll in a class. From clay and pottery to watercolor and even yoga, needlework, and table-top games, the RMAC is family-friendly and learning fun. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00pm except on holidays when RMAC is closed.
The Works Project Administration (WPA) originally funded the RMAC, but it turned the museum over to the City of Roswell in 1941 when the WPA was restructured. The museum is one of the few remaining art museums constructed under the auspices of the WPA. Visiting the museum, you will find the largest public collection of Peter Hurd and Henriette Wyeth’s work, WPA muralist Howard Cook, and fine collections of contemporary regional artists. RMAC also exhibits art from the Artist in Residence program of Roswell.
Admission is free to members and children under 15, $7.00 for seniors and $10.00 for regular entry.
Currently visitors will find an excellent exhibit of Agnes Tait Her work is described as neat, meticulous, and luminous by the New York Herald Tribune. Among her displayed works are her controversial paintings and drawings of cats, along with brief histories and information about her art. This exhibit runs through March 19, 2023.
Also on display is a collection entitled “Enduring Generosity-Gifts of Art from 2017 through 2022.” This exhibit will be available until February 12th, 2023. Walking through this exhibit shows some of Roswell at its finest.
The Robert Goddard workshop is on permanent display and includes an educational video.
Robert Goddard moved to Roswell with the financial backing of Harry Guggenheim. In the mid-1930s, Goddard had consulted a meteorologist to learn where to best continue his research. Roswell, NM had a better climate with many more cloudless days than other locations he considered. Because of the low population density, Goddard was able to continue his work on liquid-fueled rocketry with much less risk to people and surroundings. He had access to wide-open spaces, clear skies, and unparalleled privacy, which Goddard treasured. Roswell was proud of Goddard’s residence and work. Rumor has it that many curious looky-loos were misdirected when seeking to find Goddard’s work or residence. Much of Goddard’s original Roswell workshop was moved intact to the Roswell Museum and Art Center, where Looky-loos are most welcome.
RMAC also has a permanent display from Rogers and Mary Ellen Aston. Rogers and Mary Ellen collected historical art throughout their lives. Rogers Aston was also a fine sculptor working in bronze. Some of Aston’s bronzes are on display at the museum. Aston’s attention to detail and historical accuracy make his work a true treasure.
Roswell also boasts an Artist in Residence (RAiR) program. For more information see: While RAiR is not part of the museum, the museum does exhibit the Artist in Residence’s work. The next RAiR exhibit will open January 28th, 2023 and feature Nima Nabavi’s work. RMAC will host a lecture and reception on Friday, January 27, 2023, from 5:30-7:00 pm.
ShapeShift: Abstracted Geometric Forms will be on display in the museum through May 14th, 2023. This exhibit explores the use of geometric shapes in art from the late 1800’s through the modern day.
If you are here in late February, you won’t want to miss a lecture by Sara Woodbury. She will lecture on the history of Federal Art Centers at 6:00 pm on Saturday the 25th of February.
For more information, to register for classes and workshops, plan your visit to the museum, or to read about upcoming events go to the RMAC website or simply pop in to the museum.