In a region deeply impacted by the history of the atomic bomb, artists and authors are coming to New Mexico State University to share their research and everyday stories, all to bring awareness to the issue.

The University Art Museum at New Mexico State University will host a panel discussion of these perspectives from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 at the UAM in the bleachers area near the entrance of Devasthali Hall. The UAM is located inside Devasthali Hall at 1308 E. University Ave.

The panel is connected to the UAM's latest exhibition, "Cara Despain: Specter," which runs through Sept. 16 and is free and open to the public. Despain, who is from Utah, analyzes questions surrounding the history of testing nuclear bombs and the devastation it has inflicted on people in states such as New Mexico.

"This is an amalgamation of work that I've been researching and working on for the past five years," Despain said. "I typically work with concepts of western landscapes in different ways, usually exposing the dark underbelly; this all explores the legacy of nuclearism testing and uranium mining-specific throughout this region."

Moderated by Alicia Inez Guzmán, the panel will feature New Mexican authors, Joshua Wheeler and Myrriah Gómez and Despain. This panel discussion also will be available on Instagram live broadcast @nmsuartmuseum.

Guzmán, former senior editor of New Mexico Magazine, uses her knowledge of the history and land use of her home state of New Mexico to focus on the impacts of the nuclear industry in her current role at Searchlight New Mexico, a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization dedicated to investigative reporting.

"All of these authors and artists tell a story of New Mexico which is often hidden; one representing various communities who have been and continue to be impacted by the nuclear industrial complex, both the weapons industry and the commercial industry," said Marisa Sage, University Art Museum director. "These are real perspectives that are both personal and widespread and deeply effect a region that they love and we call home."

In conjunction with "Specter," The Branigan Cultural Center's juried show "Trinity: Legacies of Nuclear Testing" also will be on display through Sept. 23 and is free and open to the public. Featured artists shed light on the long-term environmental effects of nuclear testing on New Mexican communities.

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nuclear-legacies--nmsu-art-museum-hosts-panel-discussion-with-authors-and-artists/s/b60df21f-29d3-4270-af21-3747506c7557