The Alamogordo Recreational Center (ARC) is inviting community members to experience the power of art at their recurring Free Open Art Studio event. The next session will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM at the ARC Annex, located at 1012 Oregon Ave in Alamogordo. This bi-weekly gathering has become a cornerstone for creative expression in our community, welcoming artists of all skill levels to a judgment-free zone where healing and personal growth thrive through artistic exploration.
The open studio concept has proven particularly effective at breaking down barriers that might otherwise prevent community members from engaging with art. Without the pressure of formal instruction or the need for expensive supplies, participants can simply show up and create. “We’ve created an accessible space where art becomes a universal language,” explains Maria Sanchez, ARC’s community outreach coordinator. “People who never considered themselves ‘artistic’ are discovering that the process of creation itself is where the joy happens—not in the final product.”
Research has consistently shown that engaging in creative activities can significantly reduce stress and anxiety while improving overall mental well-being. The ARC’s Open Art Studio program builds on these therapeutic benefits by combining creative expression with social connection, creating a powerful environment for healing. Participants report improved mood, decreased feelings of isolation, and a sense of accomplishment after attending sessions, regardless of their artistic background or skill level.
“I started coming after my husband passed away,” shares longtime attendee Eleanor Johnson, 67. “I had never painted before, but something drew me here. The simple act of mixing colors and making marks on paper alongside others going through their own journeys has been more healing than any grief counseling I tried.” Program facilitators have noticed that the non-verbal expression that art allows often helps participants process emotions that might be difficult to articulate through conversation alone, making the studio a unique therapeutic space in our community.
The program’s emphasis on community building has proven to be as valuable as the creative outlet it provides. Many regular attendees describe the bi-weekly sessions as a vital part of their social connection, especially for those who might otherwise experience isolation. The casual, drop-in format allows relationships to develop organically through shared creative experiences, creating bonds that extend beyond the studio walls.
“What makes this program special is watching how people transform when they’re permitted to play and explore without judgment,” notes volunteer facilitator James Wilson. “We’ve seen unlikely friendships form between teenagers and seniors, newcomers to town finding their first local connections, and people rediscovering parts of themselves they thought were lost. One gentleman told me he hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since elementary school, but now he’s creating a series of landscapes that tell the story of his life journey. That’s the kind of personal growth that happens when creativity is nurtured in a supportive community setting.”
Header Image Source: José Juan Rosa on Unsplash
