Sure, New Mexico touts an artisan community that rivals any community in the world. That's a pretty…read moreobvious statement. We have Santa Fe, the "City Different", home to painters, sculptors and other artists the world over who thrive (even in a recession), and the town houses its share of artists who practice artisan athletics, music, meditation, what have you. We have Taos and the surrounding communes, wherein you'll find celebrated maestros, architects and off-the-grid nomads; if you haven't driven west toward the gorge, put it on your travel to-do list, you won't be disappointed. Key word: earth ships.
Silver City: artisan hideout. Same goes for Tularosa, Cloudcroft, Los Ojos, Red River, Jemez, Zuni, San Antonio... I could go on and on. These are the sneaky peeks, the places where funky personas with wild ideas relocate, where they can live in relative calm, bask under endlessly open skies, where they often create grand visionary works that encompass the entirety of their lifetime journeys. O'Keefe did the same at Ghost Ranch.
Personally, I love bumping into a gallery or a store along my travels, where these fascinating people will find a few minutes for some straight talk about their work. I've found them in corners of the state I never imagined they could exist, but they do, they persist, and I'm always thrilled to find them. I often wonder how they survive. Surely, selling the occasional canvass to the wandering traveler won't pay the rent.
Enter Mariposa, a gallery in the heart of Nob Hill which showcases 90%+ local artists. Paintings, mixed-media and a smattering of jewelry provide welcome access to some of the most vital artists in the New Mexico realm. This place focuses on artists who remain just below the radar, who could use a little financial backing. The business has grown with time, changing locations twice, and over the years they've developed a long list of artists who've benefited from their publicity and advocacy and now give back, promoting the next generation.
Fantastic. You don't have to visit with the intent of a purchase. Come and devour with your eyes. You won't forget it.
