"The months ahead are filled with exciting events in the Silver City area," according to Camille Clark, the new director for the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce. The Silver City calendar is peppered with exciting events that really capture the romance of this southwestern town.

In 1873, Silver City resident Louis Abraham, a boyhood friend of Henry McCarty as he was known then, described her as a "jolly Irish lady, full of fun and mischief." But for being the mother of Billy the Kid, history would probably never know the name of Catherine McCarty. One hundred and twenty-five years later, history still knows precious little about her.

Visitors to the Silver City area will soon find its art scene is alive and thriving. In this part of New Mexico, many artists have been born, raised and nurtured in their art. Others, who have migrated from other parts of the nation and abroad, have helped bring diversity and enrichment to our local culture.

Tucked against rolling mountain foothills at 5,920 feet, Silver City's mild climate, Victorian charm, friendly people and proximity to the Gila Wilderness have for decades attracted adventurers and people seeking a healthy, low-key lifestyle. Longtime mining and ranching influences commingle with such growing segments as retirees, entrepreneurs, artists and naturalists.

What do a real estate agent, nurse, graphic designer, importer, building designer, retired flight attendant, and two artists have in common? They all say they found joy in renovating historic buildings in Silver City, New Mexico for commercial and residential uses. "I think there's a stronger than ever appreciation for Silver City's original buildings now," says Smith Real Estate broker, Becky Smith, who lists the town's "last two-story brick Victorian fixer-upper" and recently restored and moved her company into a 5,000 square-foot Victorian with mission-style updates located in the downtown historic district.