The Other Side of the Mountain - We Need A Home

Backside of the Mountain

I am one of the artists who live on the wrong side of the mountain. Taos, known for its arts, artists and art galleries is on the other side of that mountain. We are not allowed to enter their shows or be considered for their galleries or exhibits. We are the Cinderellas. But we have wonderful artists and a dedicated arts council (Moreno Valley Arts Council), the Artistic Vistas and Treasures Art Trail and the Artists Guild of Northern New Mexico. We just have no home outside of our cluttered studios and exhibit space graciously provided by the Angel Fire Visitor's Center. We beg, and borrow workshop space for children and adults; residents and visitors. We hunt for space for exhibits, fairs, and competitions. MVAC does the same for its children's theatrical groups and musicians it brings in for the enrichment of the community.

Work by Jennifer Caven

We take our art on the road like Jennifer Caven, who does 18 art fairs around the country.

Bob Cat by Carol Rupp

Or we accept every offer we get to hang our work in local businesses or the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce. Or we open our studios to visitors we hope can find us even when Google Maps has it wrong.

Janet Sailor of Gallery and Gifts

Pottery by JoAnne DeKeuster of Enchanted Circle Pottery

Loretta LaMothe 

Lost Souls at Binford-Bell Studio

This is just a small sample, but we have the artists. Very talented artists on the backside of the mountain. And most of us out of necessity have developed a marketing that works for better or worse. What we lack is ample space to give workshops and hold events and have meetings. We are constantly asked by clients and visitors if we give lessons. Depending on the size of our studios most can handle one or two. Some are working out of suitcases and closets. And there are workshops we would also like to take. Artists from other places we would like to invite in to give a workshop which locals and visitors alike can participate in.

We are tired of running to the other side of the mountain. We are a viable and creative community and we need a home.

The MVAC is launching a campaign to secure funds establish a permanent location for them and the arts they support outside a post office box. An Arts Activity Center in Angel Fire to be a creative space for all the communities on our side of the mountain - Angel Fire, Black Lake, Eagle Nest, Cimarron - a central location for all seeking creative activities.

Artistic Vistas and Treasures Trail - Taos Canyon Leg

We didn't have the best of weather for our tour of the Taos canyon studios on the Artistic Vistas and Treasures Art Trail. But perhaps that was what is particularly nice about an art studio tour - the welcome is always warm regardless of the weather. And you can view fine art in a studio whether it is hailing outside or not.

Enchanted Circle Pottery

We were coming from Angel Fire Artspace gallery, the hub of the trail, and so Enchanted Circle Pottery was our first stop in Taos Canyon on US 64. Jo and Kevin DeKeuster were preparing to load up and fire their wood burning kiln. Rolls of green ware waited in the studio to be fitted into the proper spot to maximize the output. Green tags denote the space requirements. Jo does the slab sculptural pieces and Kevin the large hand thrown vases.

Kevin explaining the 40 hour firing process

Jo showing us the gallery

 

And yes, they also do functional pieces for your kitchen in the same wonderful warm earth tones. A great place to stop in and shop.

Alden Sculpture Gallery

The Alden Sculpture is right in the middle of Taos Canyon - 12 1/2 miles from either end but just a mile closer to Taos than Enchanted Circle Pottery.

Alden working studio

Future Victorian Fountain

The studio was full of work in progress. I fell in love with this Victorian couple that will grace an octagon base for a fountain. The separate gallery featured the finished products artfully arranged.

Our last stop before the weather got really bad was the Laurie Hill Phelps Studio just before Taos Canyon opens into the Town of Taos. I always want to append the words And Gardens to Laurie's Studio because in the summer the terraces leading up to the studio are a riot of colorful flowers.

Laurie Hill Phelps Studio

The interior of her studio is no less colorful either. And on this gray snowy day the warmth was most welcome.

Artist Laurie Hill Phelps

We had no sooner gotten into our cars then the storm really hit with high winds and hail. I had planned on stopping on the way back and recording some of the unique sights and vistas in Taos Canyon. I did get one or two when I had to pull over and wait to be able to see well enough to continue my journey. But clearly I need to return when Laurie's flowers are blooming and the huge cotton woods have leaves.

Rural Route

Miner's Cabin