This is a fabulous gallery in Albuquerque. The selection of art is vast! There are so many…read moredifferent styles and media represented by local New Mexican artists. There is also an enormous selection of jewelry and ceramic pieces for home decor and functional use. I truly recommend this gallery!

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.

This is a delightful art gallery located in one of the picturesque, charming patios of old town…read more It's filled with high quality art by local makers and artisans. The interior is spacious with beautiful historic ceilings in the original old town architecture. The staff are friendly, helpful and inviting and not pretentious like some art galleries can feel. This is a must visit gallery in Albuquerque!

Very cool art gallery. We went twice, the first time just to check out the paintings and the second…read moretime we went because they were having a special artist feature event with an artist whose work was being featured in the gallery. Absolutely loved his work and thought it was so interesting to hear from him in person about what inspired him, his creative process and highlights of his life as a painter. Not sure if the woman working there was the owner but she was so sweet and seemed really passionate about art and was great to talk to.

When I saw Ira Lujan's amazing lavender wedding vase I knew right away that it was the perfect…read moregift. I had been looking for the perfect gift for my son and his girlfriend for quite a while. When I saw that vase in the window I was so drawn to it. When I went into the gallery and met Suzanne she told me about the vase and Ira, and gave me space to get to know the vase. When I did decide that I had to buy it for my son and his girlfriend Suzanne agreed to ship it for me, but that's not all. She even wrote a very personal letter to them telling them about Ira and his background, and how the vase was made. Fortunately it arrived in San Francisco unbroken and they were delighted. Thank you Suzanne for making the whole experience so wonderful. I will come to see you whenever I am in Albuquerque.

We had a friend from Ohio visiting to help us recover from injuries from a car accident. We aren't…read moreable to drive ourselves yet so she took us to Hotel Chaco to enjoy the view from the rooftop to lift our spirits. We stumbled on this beautiful gallery as we were leaving and had a wonderful tour. The director of the gallery is very knowledgeable about our New Mexican artists, has assembled a marvelous collection, and took the time to give us a thorough understanding of the artists, their work and techniques. Our caregiving friend was particularly struck by a glass canteen by Ira Lujan. When we were home, a considering all our friend has done e for us we wanted to acquire the canteen as a gift, but weren't sure how to get it before she had to leave for home. Suzanne, the gallery's director, went above and beyond! She arranged for us to choose the exact one that caught our friend's eye, packaged it and have it delivered to us the same day. Our caregiver was so surprised and truly moved when she opened the package. She's collected many pieces of art in her international travels but she said none so special as Lujan's canteen. If you are ever in Albuquerque, we highly recommend a visit. You are in fir a treat!

A treasure trove of beautiful folk art. This is where you need to stop for gifts or something to…read moreadorn your place, a memento of your time in Albuquerque. When I saw the collection of black cat art in the window, I knew I had to stop in this shop and what a feast for the eyes. So many beautiful paintings and prints in a variety of sizes. Shadow boxes, jewelry and Dia de los Muertos, Virgin of Guadalupe and more! I couldn't resist getting a smaller print of a painting with a black cat and crows, my favorite animals, which fit perfectly in my suitcase. And the owner, an artist himself, is the nicest guy. I couldn't possibly love Santisima more. I'll be back.

If you like Dia de Los muertos, Mexican cultural art, this is your place!!! So much amazing colors…read moreand textures!!! My daughter said "mom this is your store!!" And she was not lying!! The vibe was so loving and chill! The art was amazing!! I cannot wait until I am better prepared to buy an amazing piece my eyes could not avoid!!!

This is a wonder, just behind the Laughing Lizard on Route 4, gallery offers original works…read moreincluding stone sculpture, mixed media, paintings, poetry...all kinds of prices, also a wonderful space to come out, sit down, wonderful view of the canyon wall...any visit to the Jemez should include the Mission Street gallery...has something for everyone!

Creations in art! This place is a Central art gallery in…read morethe downtown area of Albuquerque. They have a great collection of diverse art, all showcasing the local talent, scenery and culture of the Land of Enchantment. They focus on New Mexico scenes and artists heavily here. It's a long list of talented local artists that they're showing off in different media. They have a great collection of paintings, pottery, clocks, knickknacks, and tchotchkes. My favorite stuff was the paintings of New Mexico in the wintertime, or of the Sandia Mountains. The staff was very welcoming, and answered questions about the works. They have a friendly white dog that's eager to greet any customers and make sure you see the art! The prices were reasonable for the quality of work that you're getting. Most of the stuff wasn't impulse buys, but something that you'd proudly display on your mantle of your southwestern home. Parking can be difficult, since it's on the Albuquerque main drag, Central Ave. There's metered parking out front.

This gallery has some amazing local art. The owner was very helpful in helping me make a selection…read morefor my husbands birthday. Highly recommend!

So much fun! Hard to believe that a "succulent planting party" would float my boat, but it…read moreabsolutely did! Totally unexpected! ! I attended a special group event here a month or so ago. So much fun that I just had to take two of my friends back here to celebrate their birthdays. There was no doubt in my mind that this place was the perfect birthday present and time to spend with them. Memories. Pat myself on the back . . . they loved it and I think they will bring other friends back to have this experience also. Zinks Town is an art gallery that also specializes in the experience of creating a lasting magic memory with their "Succulent Bar". Creating the magic: You select a container& then select one or two plants from an extensive variety of succulents. Next step is creating a memory / desire that you place in the bottom of the container, followed by planting your succulent(s); then placing "wish" supporting Ingredients (mine were Lemon Grass, Hibiscus, Roselle, Chrysanthemum, Mallow Flower, and a couple I can't remember how to spell!); then you select magic crystals (mine were Black Lace Agate, Green Aventurine, & Lapis Lazuli); and finally you add decorations. Yep decorations. Important thing is to remember to select a container that will fit all that. I love it when a business creates opportunities to come away with more than satisfying your thirst, fixing your car, supplying you with groceries or cooking your dinner. I love it when you come away with a memory that will be with you longer than next week. A memory that you will share with friends . . . at least until their next birthday.

tried them out as an activity to celebrate our anniversary and loved it !…read more owner is high energy and great at explaining the process. such a unique experience: you pick your plant, a pot that fits, and you get to do some magic with intention setting, drawing cards, and wish making. then you can decorate and pick crystals and charms etc. parking was easy, and the ambiance was welcoming and pretty calm. they have a variety of unique pots and plants to choose from at all price points. my only gripe is the price of the pots !! i understand that the larger ones that can hold more succulents would run higher, but many of the smaller ones were pretty expensive too. other than that, small business with a unique idea and something fun to do in abq. looking forward to coming again !

Cute little collective of mix of nice home art and fun sculpture and whimsical movies and the…read morelovely secret portal.. (also worth checking out their non secret portal/porch which was also neatly decorated. Was open for the art walk, I parked at Walgreens and walked the short walk.

Great community, art, music, lights, people, space, and Chaco…read more Hosted by great people. A variety of events

We enjoyed a visit to Thirsty Eye on a recent trip to ABQ. The brewery made my short list of…read moremust-see spots because of both the adjoining art gallery and the promise of a rye-juniper beer! I was disappointed on neither front. A band had just finished up a set on the small stage when we arrived. We grabbed a couple barstools, and as the band packed up some of their fans cleared out, leaving the place nearly empty for awhile. Then another wave of patrons came in, filling up the room once again. The bartender was friendly and helpful, sharing the brewing company's story and highlighting some special beers. We shared several, and Odin's Eye--that rye-juniper ale--was my favorite. Rented Tux is a smooth vanilla porter, and Father O'Malley's Holy Water, an Irish dry stout, was tasty as well. The art gallery was locked up when we checked, but the bartender opened it up and assured us we could stay as long as we wanted. What a treat!

Juanita (the band) was playing Friday so off we went to the Thirsty Eye because we're fans of Debo…read more The outside of the building is modest, nondescript but walk in and WOW, nice indeed. White walls warmed up with several large paintings and a blonde wood bar, comfortable bar stools and several high tops, all sleek and minimalist without feeling sterile. Nice selection of beers and ales plus some New Mexican brand canned cocktails. AND espresso, a selection of black teas, a hibiscus/lavender kombucha and a N.A. beer. How's that for rounding things out? Friendly bartenders, nice crowd with a mix of ages and persuasions, a patio out back with more art and needless to say a really terrific band.