Taos Artists; Old and New
“In the magnificent fierce morning of New Mexico, one sprang awake, a new part of the soul woke up suddenly and the old world gave way to the new.”
These words were spoken by the world-renowned author D.H. Lawrence after he visited Taos for the first time in September 1922. Many creative minds over the years have been just as amazed by the natural beauty of Taos. That inspiration has found its way into countless art pieces, from paintings and sculptures to ceramics and woven art pieces over centuries.
We’d love to spotlight a handful of historical and contemporary homegrown artists from Taos who have inspired us as much as the town and surrounding landscape have inspired them. These artists’ creative endeavors, each with their own distinct flair, have become woven into the long history of artistic expression renowned within this region. You can still find many of their pieces around Taos to this day!
Ernest Blumenschein was an illustrator, painter and Taos resident from the 1920s-1960s. His wagon’s wheel broke down outside of town in 1898 en route to Mexico, and he was instantly enamored by the friendly residents and gorgeous views. He was known as a founding member of the Society of Artists, a group of painters who depicted the American Southwest and Native American residents of Taos in a light meant to inform the rest of the world of their serene way of life and the beauty of the landscape. He has several paintings on display in Taos, including at the Harwood Museum of Art and the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, both within a short walking distance from our El Pueblo Lodge.
While not an artist herself, Mabel Dodge Luhan was responsible for attracting many artists to Taos as a patron of the arts. She resided in Taos for 45 years, and some of her most renowned guests included the previously quoted writer D.H. Lawrence, painter Georgia O’Keeffe and photographer Ansel Adams, among others. Her house, The Mabel Dodge Luhan House, has been designated as a National Historic Landmark in Taos. You can still tour the main rooms and get a glimpse into this artistic era with its numerous works and sculptures still on display in and around the property. Better yet, it’s only a 5-minute drive from our lodge.
Agnes Martin was an abstract expressionist and minimalist painter who lived and worked in Taos from the 1940s onward, moving here permanently in the early 1990s. The soft and bright lines of Taos’ natural surroundings found their way into her pale, grid-based works. She was part of the “Taos Moderns,” an influx of modernist artists from cities such as New York and San Francisco who relocated to Taos and influenced each other’s works as much as the land influenced theirs. The Harwood Museum of Art in Taos hosts the Agnes Martin Gallery, a permanent exhibition that Agnes helped design and currently houses 7 works for viewing. She even had a hand in designing the gallery benches.
Maye Torres is a contemporary 13th-generation Taos-born artist who has reached global acclaim, with her drawings and sculptures on display in private and public collections worldwide. She’s created art in various mediums, from detailed graphite sketches to full-scale bronze sculptures. Torres has claimed her art has taken influence from the many places she’s lived, including El Salvador, Ecuador, Bolivia and Taos, with its already-established art scene and culture. She also owns a contemporary art gallery called Studio 107B, located on the north side of the Historic Taos Plaza, which showcases local New Mexican art and has a range of rotating exhibitions year-round. We recommend a stop the next time you’re in the heart of Taos!
Meet the Folks at Taos Folk
The beauty and pride of Taos is that it has always had its own identity. We live in Taos and travelers visit here because it’s unlike anywhere else in the world. And an enormous piece of our identity shines through art.
Our famous annual pop-up event, Taos Folk kicks off Yuletide in Taos. Starting November 18, 2023 and open every single day through Christmas Eve, Taos Folk showcases a dizzying variety of local handcrafted gifts made by Taoseños themselves. Located in the Stables Gallery daily from 11 to 5, everyone staying in or driving through town should stop and see what speaks to them.
You’ll find gifts and items include pottery, ceramics, naturally dead clothing, home décor, makeup, lotions, jewelry, books, music, and more. Over 50 artists line the Gallery for the holiday season, bringing in new visionaries and memorable pieces on display each year.
If you enjoy taking mementos to remember a place or gift to someone who reminds you of travel, Taos Folk perfectly represents this magical place. Like Taos itself, you’ll find things and folks you’ve never seen anywhere else at Taos Folk. And we love it that way.
Live the Wildlife
While the people of New Mexico have been here for thousands of years, they were not the first. That distinction belongs to the dizzying array of plants and animals found in and around Taos. New Mexico’s size, terrain and climate make it one of the most biologically diverse states in the country. In fact, over 4,500 different species of plants and animals call our man-made state border home.
Several life zones, including the alpine tundra, coniferous forests, woodlands, grasslands, and desert transition to and from each other. And that diverse ecosystem is especially apparent in the north. Drought-resistant plants like Russian Thistle–AKA tumbleweeds–and Prickly Pear cactus can be found south of Taos. To the north of Taos, hearty trees like Douglas fir and Juniper surround the landscape. Plants and trees make up over three quarters of the biological diversity in the state.
But the other quarter does not lack excitement, either. New Mexico features elk, deer, antelope, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, wolves, coyotes, mountain lions and bobcats (yes, there is a difference). The state animal is the black bear, native to the mountains of northern New Mexico.
And that’s not even mentioning the most diverse landscape in the state: the Rio Grande Valley. Making its way from the southern border to the north, the Rio Grande Valley is home to three turtle species, nine lizard species, 13 snake species and more than 60 mammal species. The valley features over 200 species of birds that use it as a home or mating grounds every year.
Now knowing the wealth of biological diversity in northern New Mexico specifically, you can understand why Taos was such coveted land since the beginning. Thanks to conservation and environmental efforts, most of these species have remained in their original environments, cohabitating with us at El Pueblo Lodge. Whatever reason it is you travel, keep an eye out for our wild neighbors. As you’ve read, we have quite a few of them.
Earth’s First Earthships
Regardless of if you first heard of Taos or its neighboring Greater World Earthship Community, the two have become synonymous. And if you’re traveling via the roads with no straight path to follow, the Earthships are an absolute must visit for road trips.
The Earthships are, in a way, the most appropriate manifestation of Taos one can find. Its combination of Pueblo adobe plaster, artistic building techniques and overarching bohemian values all play a role in the world’s first completely sustainable Earthship community.
Earthships were created in the 1970s by architect Michael Reynolds, who still works and resides in the Taos Earthship community. Earthships are built with entirely recycled and natural materials designed to produce all the water, electricity and food for the entire year. Today, more than 80 structures house over 130 people full-time.
While the Earthship way of life has gained minimal traction in the U.S., it has erected entirely sustainable structures in Canada, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Argentina, Uruguay, Haiti and even Easter Island. In a world where more energy- and cost-efficient housing is increasingly important, Michael Reynolds’ Earthship vision brought to Taos over 50 years ago remains relevant.
The best part? The Earthship Visitor Center is open every day of the year (minus Christmas and Thanksgiving) for self-guided tours from 10am-3pm. To plan a more immersive, multi-facility experience, simply call ahead a book a time on the Earthship Community website.
The Greater World Earthship Community is still a private community, so please respect all rules and signage. Within these infinitely fascinating and inviting homes, you’ll find equally interesting and welcoming people with stories of how they built it and–more importantly–why.
Visiting Taos? Stay with our affordable Taos hotel, El Pueblo Lodge
Our friendly staff can recommend many more exciting attractions to discover in Taos and we located near the historic Taos Plaza. You can also browse our Taos blog for more information on local tours, events, attractions and landmarks. El Pueblo Lodge is perfect for family holidays, romantic getaways and business vacations. We are the number one reviewed Taos hotel on TripAdvisor and our amenities include free wifi, cable with HD flatscreens, fitness room, pool and free breakfast.
In The Eyes of Instagram
The reason we advocate not having a compass in Taos, New Mexico is because there’s awe and wonder in every direction. Chances are you’ve made your way here, not for the chance to run into a celebrity, but the chance to see something naturally inspiring.
That’s why you should follow these accounts that give you that New Mexico adventure and picturesque landscapes every day, no matter where you are at the moment. And as always, follow us first @elpueblolodge
@taos
This first page is just a taste of what you’ll find in each of the accounts we’ll feature. Other-wordly sunsets, real-time blizzards and Taos culture that’s been shared for generations.
Snow In Taos
Sunset Moonrise
A Slice of Heaven
@newmexicotrue
Featuring some of the most pristine photography you’ll ever find of New Mexico, this page tags each photographer so you can get caught down your own rabbit hole of New Mexico experiences.
A Sight for Sore Eyes
Long Walk on the Beach
Dreaming of Skiing
@taoschic
A very well-curated Instagram page, this influencer owns her own New Mexico travel company, so she’s guaranteed to show you the best the state has to offer. Maybe she’s even your next trip planner to Taos.
Snow blanketing Taos Mesa
Pitter Patters
No Place Like Home
@heritageinspirations
Branded as New Mexico’s Premier Travel Company, this page is run by @taoschic above and gives a New Mexico tourist, past or future, the yearning to try and capture the same experiences she does.
Romantic New Mexico Excursion
Duke City E-Bike
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
@visittaos
The official Visit Taos Instagram page, most of their content is sourced from local and tourist photographers documenting their individual experiences through breathtaking images and lenses.
Taos Makers
Rio Grande Gorge
Taos Sign
@nmhikergirl
One of New Mexico’s most influential influencers, this page takes you hiking through every forest trail and canyon run from the hiker’s point of view. There are few better ways to see yourself in a New Mexico hiker’s boots.
Scary Outdoor Story
Scary Outdoor Story 2
Scary Outdoor Story 3
@newmexiconomad
Featuring a blend of local photographers and the best videography you’ll find on this list, this page also provides stories and history nuggets in some of the captions, adding a unique element to its posts.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Fall Confusion on the Bosque
Kiowa National Grassland
@newmexi.co
This page has no shortage of gorgeous landscape shots, all sourced from local and tourist photographers on their New Mexico adventures. Even without a plan to visit, these posts will undoubtedly brighten your feed.
Zozobra
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Jemez
@onlyinnewmexico
Also sourcing its images from a variety of other pages, this is one of many New Mexico traveler pages that you can use to find a myriad of influencers and photographers from all over the world.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
New Mexico Reflection
Wild Horses
Historic Women of Taos
With so much happening in the world today, we wanted to take a moment to turn your attention to something else. If you didn’t know, March is Women’s History Month and Taos has more than its fair share of Women’s History around every turn. We’re highlighting a few women who have graced Taos’s past and elevated it to the cultural and artistic slice of heaven we know it as today.
Marjorie Eaton
An early 20th century painter, photographer and actress Marjorie Eaton broke ground for women for her modernist paintings as well as her role in the original Mary Poppins. Eaton first arrived in Taos in 1928 and is quoted saying “I realized I had found my soul when I arrived in Taos.” Her exhibit Marjorie Eaton: A Life In Pictures is on display at the Fechin House through March 29, 2020 in Taos.
Mabel Dodge Luhan
A patron of the arts and a legendary hostess, Mabel Dodge Luhan turned Taos into an “international salon,” persuading notable authors and artists like Aldous Huxley and Georgia O’Keefe to visit (and stay.) Her house is a brilliant display of history and character and is a visitor’s favorite in Taos.
Agnes Martin
A tremendously respected abstract expressionist and minimalist, Agnes Martin released some of her most coveted work while in Taos. While living in Taos from 1952-57, her work reflected an abstractionist tone, exhibited today at the Harwood Museum of Art. She returned to Taos in 1973 where she lived until passing in 2004.
Millicent Rogers (as seen in this photo above, Rogers poses with one of her numerous dachshunds in the living room of her apartment at 14 East 68th Street in New York City in December 1944)
A socialite, philanthropist, art collector, fashion icon, standard oil heiress and mother, Millicent Rogers was one of the most influential and eclectic women to ever call Taos home. Her home, known as Turtle Walk, contained over two-thousand Spanish colonial and Native American artifacts. Celebrated in Taos, she has a museum dedicated to her that is as interesting as she was.
You’ve Come to the Right (Fire) Place
After a day of traveling and exploring everything Taos has to offer in the chilly winter weather, there’s no better feeling than a warm room and cozy bed. El Pueblo Lodge not only has guest rooms with real wood-burning fireplaces, but kiva fireplaces, in true New Mexico fashion.
Here’s the 101 on everything Kiva. These distinguishable fireplaces have become a signature design element in southwestern architecture. The origin of the word “kiva” comes from Pueblo cultures dating back to the 8th century. Kivas were circular underground meeting places used for religious and spiritual ceremonies as well as other important gatherings. This style, along with countless other architectural designs, was adopted into contemporary use.
Kiva fireplaces are built deliberately for style and practicality. The broad base of the fireplace allows more heat to radiate around the bottom, heating the room longer and more efficiently. The narrow flume consolidates smoke for quicker ventilation. Traditional kivas, like the ones featured in many of our rooms, contain a nicho, a recessed mantle cut into the wall used for decorations, and a banco, a bench around the base of the fireplace.
The difference in heat distribution from kiva fireplaces is very noticeable from other modern fireplace options. The southwest history and design just add to its allure. We promise a warm welcome and an even warmer stay at El Pueblo Lodge.
Let’s Talk Hispanic Heritage
What’s in a culture? It’s the people and the traditions, but most importantly it’s recognizing the heritage and history behind it. This month is National Hispanic Heritage Month and we wanted to celebrate with a little bit of history here.
From the ancient ruins found in the Taos Valley, history indicates that people had been living there since nearly 1000 years ago. Further exploration in the area spans back more than 500 years ago further showcasing that the lifestyle and customs had largely been that of Spanish origin. Taos itself was first explored in 1540 by Hernan Alvarado, a captain to Coronado who searched for the “seven cities of gold” and believed he found it with the adobe clay that glitters in the sun. Today, Taos Pueblo, a settlement dating back generations, is made entirely of that adobe clay and open to the public for a small entrance fee.
If you’re willing to drive a bit, Albuquerque holds the National Hispanic Cultural Center. This 16-acre center holds an art museum, performing arts complex, education center, history and literary arts building, outdoor patios and plazuelas, a restaurant and a gift shop for you to take a little piece of heritage home with you. The center looks to showcase the history through a mix of traditional and contemporary events that showcase art, music, dance, theatre, lectures and family events. There’s something for everyone looking to explore the Hispanic culture.
This month, we hope you take a moment to learn and experience the Hispanic history, culture, and maybe even venture to check out our lovely Taos Pueblo or the National Hispanic Cultural Center. After all, the best adventure is the one into history.
Have No Compass
While perusing our website or Instagram feed, you may have noticed the phrase “Have No Compass.” On a few occasions, we’ve been asked what that phrase means.
Well, for anyone that has ever been to Taos before, you know what a special place it really is. Our colorful community is a mecca for everything arts and culture – being a shine to Southwestern style. So many visitors unintentionally find their way to our front doors, and say “this place is so cute, do have any rooms available?” After offering them a fresh baked cookie, we chat about their travels and welcome them to Taos!
Here’s what we’ve gathered: whether they were on a simple day trip from Santa Fe or taking part in an ambitious road trip of the Southwest, there’s one thing these visitors all have in common – the unique desire for wanderlust in their lives. Those that proudly wander with no real intention and no final destination. There’s no better place than Taos to do just that.
This makes us believe that we’re a story of the wanderer, the curious traveler and the adventurer. We proudly offer accommodations to those that have no particular direction but absolutely fall in love with our charming little town.
We welcome you to switch off your GPS, tuck away that compass and explore everything Taos has to offer.
You’ve Got the Beat This Month in Taos
During the summer months, Taos comes alive with the sound of music. From rock ’n’ roll to country, swing and more, there’s something for every music lover this month in Taos. Here are a few of our picks for can’t-miss performances:
1. Taos Plaza Live: Every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Taos Plaza you can pull up a lawn chair or spread out a blanket for an evening of live music and dancing. It’s a family affair that brings locals and tourists alike to this historic plaza. And while there is no Taos Plaza Live on July 19, the community will celebrate Fiestas de Taos in the plaza July 20-22. Expect music, dance and a celebration of this community’s historic culture.
2. Taos School of Music: If classical music is more your groove, head over to the Hotel St. Bernard and Taos Community Auditorium for the Taos School of Music’s 55th season. The summer season also features concerts performed by Taos School of Music’s nearly 20 outstanding young artists in Taos and Taos Ski Valley. To learn more about Taos School of Music or order tickets, visit taosschoolofmusic.com.
3. Motet on the Mesa: On July 27-28, you’ll find Motet on the Mesa, an intimate festival that includes two days of music and Taos Mesa Brewing brews. Go for the beats, stay for the starlight camping at a vintage trailer hotel — Hotel Luna Mystica — just steps away from the festival. Click here to learn more.
Spring Into Art
Artistry and inspiration are in the air this spring in Taos. Taos Spring Arts: Celebrating Art, Culture and Music will showcase the best of Taos’ creative community with a season of museum exhibitions, art shows, film and music festivals and more. With more than 20 events throughout the spring, there’s something for everyone!
Here are a few of our top picks for art lovers:
Mobile Museum of American Artifacts Taos Residency
Now through April 30
This traveling museum will engage the Taos community in participatory art installations and acequia-themed events that celebrate local traditions. The project’s goal is to acknowledge the culture embedded in everyday objects, illuminating their role in history and sparking community dialog, all in a museum-like setting. MMoAA activities include the capture of oral histories related to objects, including the acequia culture; lectures and community presentations around water and cultural topics; and a teen and undergraduate intern program to educate and engage our youth. The residency will conclude with a public exhibition celebrating water, acequia culture and the oral histories attached to this community treasure.
Pecha Kucha: Water is Community
Sunday, April 8, 7-9:30 p.m.
As a culmination to the weekend of “Water is Community,” Pecha Kucha Volume 26 brings a dozen community members to the stage of Taos Community Auditorium to talk water. The term “Pecha Kucha” is Japanese, and refers to the sound of “chit chat.” Presenters are given an opportunity to showcase and present 20 images of their work, with images changed every 20 seconds. There is a $10 entrance fee.
Taos Art Insurgency: The New Protagonists
April 21-May 12
The New Protagonists is a show that poses the questions: Who will be the artists that lead the way for the new millennium? And, what will be the movements and issues they champion? Taos is a major artist’s colony that has been at the forefront of all of the modern art movements initiated within the last 120 years, including Modernism, Abstract-Expressionism and Minimalism. The event will be held at Wilder Nightingale Fine Art, which is also a host of the show.
The Art of the Matter
The seasons are changing from warm summer to crisp autumn, and with this change comes one of our favorite Taos fall traditions: The Taos Fall Arts Festival. From Sept. 22 to Oct. 1 the festival will feature three major art shows: The Distinguished Achievement Award Showcase, The Taos Selects (an independently juried competition featuring more than 200 works of art from Taos County artists) and the Taos Open (featuring youth art, fashion and wearable art).
Held in venues throughout the Historic District, the Taos Fall Arts Festival is the oldest arts festival in Taos, celebrating its 43rd year in 2017. The festival showcases emerging and established artists within Taos County, and represents more than 250 Taos County artists of all mediums annually. Over the years, other art events have set their dates to coincide with the festival, which was founded in 1973 by a group of artists and gallerists. The season, known as “Grand Fall Arts,” is the largest arts event in northern New Mexico.
This year, several distinct art shows will be held at six locations along with a walking tour through Taos’ central core. The 2017 Fall Arts Festival will include both recognition for Best in Show and an award for a Local Emerging Artist. In addition, the Taos Environmental Film Festival will kick off Sept. 29, and incorporate films honoring the land, environment and people of New Mexico. This year’s Official 2017 poster, “Colors of Northern New Mexico,” was designed by local artist Ed Sandoval, and is a stunning rendition of the area near his birth place in Nambe, N.M. Get yours at http://www.taosfallarts.com/buy-posters.html.
Learn more about the Taos Fall Arts Festival at www.taosfallarts.com.
