PRESS RELEASE

WNMU Museum

DATE: January 20, 2006

SUBJECT: New Exhibition and Book Signing

The Western New Mexico University Museum is pleased to present a remarkable collection of color photographs by Gene Peach of Santa Fe, New Mexico. This exhibition presents sixty-six action portraits of young cowboys and cowgirls from all across the State of New Mexico by photographer Gene Peach. Many people assume, as did Peach, that “the cowboy was a relic of the past.” This exhibition dispels that belief and other myths and stereotypes associated with ranching and rodeo culture and sheds light on this enduring and authentic way of life through the lives of children.

The day-to-day work of the American cowboy has changed little over the years. Cattle are worked from horseback because it remains the best way to get the work done. For generations, New Mexicans have been working cattle on horseback. On remote ranches, miles from the closest neighbor or school, identity is defined by work skills, and “making a hand,” or better yet, being called a “sure ‘nuff good hand,” is the goal of every young cowboy and cowgirl.

These children – boys and girls from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds – grow up within a deeply rooted, horse-centered society. At age five or six, when most urban children are first learning to ride a bike, their ranching counterparts are well on the way to becoming integral members of the family workforce. Shaped by daily interaction with horses, cattle, and working dogs, they develop skills and outlooks unique in modern America. Rodeo events are included in the exhibition because rodeo is an important aspect of ranching culture that is growing in popularity. “Many Native Americans credit the sport with helping them maintain their traditions as great horse societies,” according to Peach.

Gene Peach has been photographing the cultures and landscapes of the West for more than fifteen years. His Southwestern, Native American, and Cowboy stock photos have been published internationally in fifty countries, and his advertising and editorial photography appears regularly in numerous US magazines and books.

Gene Peach’s client list ranges from Harvard University to the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association, and his photos have appeared in publications that include: American Cowboy, American Girl, Cowboys & Indians, Harvard Magazine, Money, New Mexico Magazine, New Mexico Vacation Guide, Prorodeo Sports News, Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, Santa Fean, Sunset, Texas Monthly, Travel & Leisure, Women’s World, and many travel and tourism publications. Gene Peach’s location portraits of PRCA world champions have been used on more than twenty Prorodeo Sports News covers, and his Harvard photos have appeared on university publication covers since 1982.

Peach's color photography book, "Making a Hand: Growing Up Cowboy in New Mexico," photography by Gene Peach, text by Max Evans, intro by Elmer Kelton, will be available for purchase from the museum gift shop for $39.95. There will be a 10% discount if the book is purchased any time on Wednesday, February 15, the day of the reception and book signing.

Making a Hand: Ranch Children of New Mexico will be on display at the WNMU Museum 2 nd Floor Exhibit Room from February 10 th through March 31, 2006. The opening reception, short talk by Mr. Peach about his experiences and book signing, will be on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. at the WNMU Museum 2 nd Floor Exhibit Room. For more information call (575) 538-6386.

The WNMU Museum is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00a.m.to 4:00 p.m. We invite everyone to visit the museum and view these images.

The exhibition was organized by the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and is traveling under the auspices of TREX (The traveling exhibitions program of the Museum of New Mexico.) It is made possible in part by the Associated Students of Western New Mexico University.