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.
First in Film
Movie geeks unite! The Taos Shortz Film Fest kicks off March 30, and this year will screen more than 100 juried global short films from more than 20 countries. After 11 years, this film-lovers festival has reached “The End,” and will be waving goodbye with its most passionate series of short films yet.
Recently honored by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the top “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” the only short film festival in New Mexico selects compelling, thought-provoking and technically excellent short films from all over the world. This season’s programming will feature several special events, global short films, a Native American Showcase, a best of the fest retrospective and so much more.
This unique festival creates one-of-a-kind two-hour programs, featuring 10 to 12 short films from a variety of genres, including documentary, drama, comedy, animation and “Out of the Ordinary.” According to Taos Shortz, this “art” of programming is exclusive to the festival and takes the audience on a journey through time, cultures and belief systems.” Taos Shortz Film Fest tickets are on sale now; see the full schedule at www.taosshortz.com.
Taos & Art Mix
With a rich past steeped in art and culture, That same culture is thriving today, thousands of people visit Taos each year because of the beautiful art and active artists that call this place home. Our three major art museums are conveniently located down the street from El Pueblo Lodge and all provide a unique look into the incredible talent that has come from our quaint mountain community.
The Harwood Museum of Art
Less than one mile from El Pueblo Lodge, is the second oldest art museum in all of New Mexico. This beautiful showcase houses a permanent collection of nearly 2,000 art pieces and over 15,000 photographs. Both this collection and the rotating pieces provide a beautiful and awe-inspiring look at Hispanic, Native American, and local art creating the perfect blend to showcase life and inspiration of Northern New Mexico.
Taos Art Museum
A three-minute walk from El Pueblo Lodge is Taos Art Museum. In the former home of artist Nicolai Fechin, this museum aims to bring the talents and works of local Taos artists to the public eye. Many pieces created by Taos artists have found their way to museums a far cry from Taos, NM and the Taos Art Museum is seeking to bring many of these pieces back home.
Millicent Rogers Museum: One of the Greatest Taos Attractions
Last on our list is the Millicent Rogers Museum located only four miles from the lodge. This museum is home to incredible multi-cultural collections including work from the Taos Pueblo as well as many other Southwestern Native American art. From Kachina dolls to pottery and baskets, the Millicent Rogers Museum is one of the top Taos attractions to for visitors to see and experience the art and culture of the area’s native populations.
Of everything that Taos and the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains have to offer, local art and artists have been drawing people to the region for longer than anything else. Native American, Hispanic, and contemporary local art line the hallways of the many galleries and museums of Taos, New Mexico. Of all the places to experience the best of local art, the above three museums provide the greatest look into the unique world of New Mexican art.
What’s more, each museum is only a short commute from El Pueblo Lodge! So waste no time and make a reservation today to soak up all the best art and culture of Taos, New Mexico.
