Gila Wilderness Observed

Western New Mexico University office of Cultural Affairs and the Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Gila Wilderness designation.

In 1924 Aldo Leopold convinced the Forrest Service to set aside 500.000 acres of land in the Gila National Forrest. This action was the first of its kind for the Forrest Service New Mexico and the world. The Wilderness act was established by Congress in 1964 which insured the preservation of those 500.000 acres and more in perpetuity.  WNMU Cultural Affairs and Francis McCray Gallery recognize and honor this major event in History with a show by 3 local artists. Philip Connors, Jan Haley, and Michael Berman, who have all spent countless hours exploring and working in the Gila Wilderness documenting its glories, from the fire tower to the river bottom. These three artists continue the legacy of the Gila by advocating for its continued preservation through art.