Art in the Garden returns to Picacho Hills May 9 with expanded lineup of local artists
Art in the Garden returns to Picacho Hills on May 9, featuring 19 artists across six gardens and an expanded lineup that includes participants from outside the neighborhood.
The May 9 event will feature 19 artists across six gardens, including participants from outside the neighborhood for the first time
Amanda Dominguez, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - Art in the Garden will return to the Picacho Hills neighborhood May 9, bringing together 19 artists to showcase their work across six residential gardens.
This year marks the first time the event has included artists from outside the Picacho Hills neighborhood, expanding both the lineup and the variety of work on display.
Visitors can explore multiple garden spaces while meeting artists and viewing their work throughout the day.
David Stevenson: From Cape Cod to desert landscapes
Among the featured artists is self-taught photographer David Stevenson, whose work focuses on nature and landscape photography.
Stevenson said his interest in photography began during a vacation in Cape Cod, where he captured an image of the ocean after sunset using a drugstore-bought 35 mm camera. The experience inspired him to pursue photography more seriously.
He later invested in professional equipment and began selling his images through photography agencies. Stevenson, who previously worked in the video industry, said his interest in emerging technology continues to shape his approach to photography.
Since moving to Las Cruces 14 years ago, Stevenson has worked as a full-time photographer, often capturing the Organ Mountains and surrounding desert landscapes illuminated by vivid sunsets. He also travels back east to photograph autumn colors.
Stevenson said he hopes viewers feel an emotional connection to his work and encourages aspiring photographers to invest in quality equipment and develop their craft.
A selection of landscape and Western-themed photographs by David Stevenson, whose work will be featured at the 2026 Art in the Garden event in Picacho Hills. (Courtesy photos / David Stevenson)
Monica LeBaron: Finding creativity through mixed media
Artist Monica LeBaron will showcase acrylic mixed media paintings at this year’s event.
LeBaron’s artistic journey began with doodling and drawing before she launched her own greeting card business, Monicards. She later began painting through classes and paint-by-number kits, eventually developing her own style.
She described her work as experimental and abstract, incorporating mixed media elements.
In addition to being an artist and author, LeBaron works as a yoga therapist and said she draws on those experiences as part of her creative process. Before painting, she uses mantras and spends time in nature to clear her mind and find inspiration.
LeBaron said she hopes her work brings viewers a sense of peace and encourages new artists to trust the process and let go of perfection.
Art in the Garden will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday, May 9. Visitor information will be available at a welcome station at 1338 Picacho Hills Drive.
All gardens will be accessible, and a master gardener will be present at each location to answer questions about the plant life. The event is presented by Artists of Picacho Hills.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 9
Where: Picacho Hills neighborhood; visitor information available at the welcome station, 1338 Picacho Hills Drive
What to expect: Work by 19 artists displayed across six gardens
Accessibility: All gardens are accessible
Bonus: A master gardener will be available at each garden to answer questions about the plants
Presented by: Artists of Picacho Hills
Amanda Dominguez is an Organ Mountain News intern through Doña Ana Community College, supported by a Community News Transformation Grant from the Journalism + Design Lab at The New School and the New Mexico Local News Fund.
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