Category: Members

An August August Meeting Cometh

Posted on by Mark Davis

I love the ambiguity of the word “august,” in pronunciation and meaning, yet ultimately both tied back to the Roman emperor Augustus, with deeper etymology tied to “augur” and “auspiciousness.” For Las Cruces Writers it is auspicious in that elections are held and the next Augustus and his (or her) cabinet are chosen by the people. It seems this year, however, the august reign of Diego will continue!

Where

Good Samaritan Village in the Creative Arts Room, 3011 Buena Vida Circle. Enter through the main administrative building entrance (parking is to the east of the building) and turn left in the first hallway to reach the room.

When

2:30-4:30 pm, Saturday August 9th, 2025

Agenda

  1. Call to Order
  2. Welcome New Members
  3. Membership and Financials
  4. Member Accomplishments
  5. Efrem class
  6. Author success (what does success mean to you?) discussion
  7. Readings by members
  8. Writing prompt (if there’s time)
  9. Time & Date of next meeting reminders
  10. Adjournment
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Charmayne Samuelson is First!

Posted on by Mark Davis

Following close on the heels of Fenton’s successes, Charmayne Samuelson takes first place in the Art Category of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. for her book POETRY OF THE CLAY: POESÍA DEL BARRO.

Here are some of her comments on the win:

It was some tough competition from University Presses and Museums AROUND THE WORLD – so I am proud of our book!

Congratulations to the MATA ORTIZ potters, whose spellbounding work will be seen across the world! This is the SECOND first place award given this year, the first being First Place in the Indie Press Awards!

I am really thrilled and know that an INTERNATIONAL award-winning book about Mata Ortiz pottery means that every potter in Mata Ortiz wins! Somewhere someone will read about the MO Pottery, or will have heard about the potters, will fall in love with MO pottery!

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George Pintar Launches New Book About Las Cruces

Posted on by Mark Davis

Have you ever been to a book launch party? Whether you have or haven’t, you’re in for a treat!

The Doña Ana Arts Council and local author George Pintar invite all book lovers to the launch of Las Cruces: Traditions, Prosperity & Future.

📅 When? Friday, February 21st, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
📍 Where? Doña Ana Arts Council Building (230 South Water Street, Las Cruces)
📖 What? Enjoy opening remarks from the author, followed by insightful reviews from beta readers.

Join us in celebrating our beloved city’s rich history and vibrant spirit. Get your autographed copy, enjoy refreshments, and connect with fellow book enthusiasts.

We look forward to seeing you there!…

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Charmayne Samuelson Wins First Place!

Posted on by Mark Davis

Las Cruces Writer Charmayne Samuelson has won First Place (Craft/Arts category) in the 2025 Independent Press Award for her book Mata Ortiz Poetry of the Clay: Pottery. Poems. Artists. Here’s the synopsis:

In this new BILINGUAL photo and poetry book, MATA ORTIZ POETRY OF THE CLAY Pottery, Poems, Artists. and the bilingual Spanish title, MATA ORTIZ POESÍA DEL BARRO Cerámica. Poemas. Artististas., Samuelson features the stellar pottery of 24 Contemporary Mata Ortiz potters paired with original poetry by the author. She also includes poetry, thoughts and dreams of the artists.

This book has been hailed as unique and one-of-a-kind, with uplifting poetry about the pottery and the potters. “I often feel very moved,” the author says, “by art that soars above the rest, as does the brilliant Mata Ortiz pottery. I wanted to honor their work with original poetry.”

Samuelson has gone beyond what would be a normal book about pottery by offering bilingual passages throughout the book. “So many books printed in America cannot be read by people who do not speak or read in English around the world, and I wanted people on both sides of our American Southwest “Borderlands” to be able to enjoy this stunning book of photography and poetry,” Samuelson said.

The book is 144 full-color photo pages with poetry, is hardbacked case-laminate, matte finish pages, and 8.25″ x 11″. Samuelson describes the book as a perfect gift for those who have everything, and a perfect coffee-table book to proudly display.

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