Good morning, Albuquerque.

The New Mexico Watercolor Society will host its Annual Spring Exhibition from May 3 to May 24 at the Hispanic Arts Gallery at EXPO New Mexico, featuring over 200 original watercolor works available for purchase—visitors can enjoy a gala opening reception on May 3 from 1 to 4 p.m.

12-year-old dancer Tristian Brown—born partially deaf and known for his Chicken Dance—will perform in a special needs dance event at Tingley Coliseum today during the Gathering of Nations.

His Navajo Nation family says the new competition aims to let kids showcase their skills after years of competing against able-bodied dancers.

Graduate fellow Hamideh Shojaeian placed first at the UNM Graduate Poster Showcase in late February while presenting research on using local soil for sustainable housing and lunar construction.

Her work under the Grand Challenges Fellowship leverages 3D printing techniques—drawing on experiences from Iran and Albuquerque—to set new steps in sustainable building.

At New Mexico State University, Valerio Ferme was inaugurated as the new president on Thursday morning in Las Cruces.

He challenged the saying that knowledge equals power while speaking to a crowded ballroom.

The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority agreed to loan surface water to the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District so it can keep a steady river flow for irrigation and wildlife — including the endangered silvery minnow.

The loan gives the conservancy early access to water usually available mid May and will be repaid from supplies in Heron Reservoir in June without affecting drinking water.

New Mexico's Aging and Long-Term Services Department released a draft of its 2025-2029 State Plan on Aging Thursday.

The plan expands programs to help seniors age in place & support caregivers across most counties and is open for public feedback through May 15 before going into effect in October.

Albuquerque City Council approved funding for Mesa Films to build a new studio on 60 acres next to Double Eagle Airport and approved $600,000 for Vitality Works to build a new warehouse that will create 24 full-time jobs, more than 750 production jobs, & 18 manufacturing jobs.

Councilor Louie Sanchez said the projects will boost local opportunities on the West Side and reduce traffic, with construction beginning soon.

An international doctoral student from Ghana at New Mexico Tech said Homeland Security terminated his F-1 status on April 9, which now puts his studies and work as a research assistant at risk.

His attorneys and the ACLU filed a court motion seeking a temporary restraining order to block the decision—citing a lack of notice and due process despite his clean record.

New Mexico toughened caregiver background check rules with House Bill 131—signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on April 7—and starting July 1 will block applicants with convictions for battery of a household member, animal cruelty, identity theft, human trafficking or assault of a peace officer while creating a faster appeals process for those denied.

The New Mexico National Guard began training with the Albuquerque Police Department this week to boost public safety along the Central Corridor—learning traffic control, crisis intervention, and defense tactics while they train for 160 hours without arrest powers.

APD said the training includes 36 field members, 12 for prisoner transport, and 12 for crisis center operations, with the Guard set to appear in khakis and a polo by the end of May.

CIS Prom 2025

6 p.m. — Chandelier Event Center — Ticket required — A special evening for CIS students and their guests to celebrate at prom.

Village Of Los Ranchos Community Yard Sale

3-7:30 p.m. — 6610 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque — $25 registration fee for sellers — A community yard sale to support the Lavender & More Festival featuring a variety of items for sale by neighbors.

NAACL 2025 Conference

Tue, Apr 29 - Sun, May 4 — Albuquerque, New Mexico — Registration info available — Annual conference focusing on computational linguistics and machine learning innovations.

Teacup Love Blooms Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Canteen Taproom — Supplies included — Create a heartfelt succulent planter in a charming teacup for Mother's Day.

Ben Roy Live Comedy Show

7-11 p.m. — Guild Cinema — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughs with one of Denver's top comics as he brings his unique style to Albuquerque.

30th Annual Red Road AA Convention

7 a.m. — Marriott Albuquerque — Cash payment required — Celebrate sobriety with fellow members and engage in community discussions.

Shining River Wine Release Party

12-7 p.m. — Casa Rondeña Winery — No cover charge — Celebrate the release of the 2024 Shining River with live music and delicious bites.

The Fall of Troy Concert

7-11 p.m. — Launchpad — $31+ — Celebrate 20 years of Doppleganger with The Fall Of Troy and special guests.

Floral Decoupage Birdhouse Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Rio Bravo Brewing Company — Cold drinks and food available separately — Explore your creativity crafting vibrant birdhouses adorned with floral designs.

NMAA 3A State Track and Field Championships

All day — University of New Mexico — Check event page for cost — Experience top-notch high school track and field competition in Albuquerque.