In the 1940s local photographer Walt Wiggins returned to his native New Mexico to capture the meaning of family and the vanishing way of life in his own backyard—rodeos, roundups, and the vitality of small town rural America. This came after establishing himself in the national publishing and photographic markets, and as a photojournalist and combat newsreel cameraman during World War II.

Collaborating with long-time friend Peter Hurd, Wiggins submitted his idea for Entering New Mexico to a New York publishing house, however, this panorama of photographs and sketches capturing southeastern New Mexico was never published. Lost for 52 years, these images resurfaced in 2004 and were subsequently purchased by Wiggins’ son, Kim, and Tony Altermann of Altermann Galleries in Santa Fe and New York. The Roswell Museum and Art Center is honored to present this unique collaborative effort by two of Roswell’s most important artists; individuals who have given voice to the intimacy and immensity of our region.