Taos and the villages surrounding it are home to artists of all genres. These communities of creative people host annual self-guided tours of the studios and work spaces of artists who are, most of the year, quite private. Visitors have the opportunity to watch the artists at work, ask questions and buy direct from the source. Most of these tours are on the weekends during September, October and November from 10:00am to 5:00pm, but check each website for particulars. (click for printable PDF of map)
There are several year-round driving tours that map studios welcoming guests to drop in anytime: Fiber Arts Trails of New Mexico throughout the state, and Artistic Vistas Trail in northeast New Mexico, organized by Moreno Valley Arts.
Here’s a whole lot of information, including over 300 artists’ names and mediums, to help you start planning your explorations of the art villages of northern New Mexico.
Taos Artist Organization (TAO) Studio Tour
September 5, 6 and 7, 2015
TAO is a non-profit organization formed in 2007. The group’s objective is to act as a social connection for artists in the Northern Mexico area, bringing together a wide diversity of talent and mediums, and to continue the tradition of an annual studio tour in the Taos area, the heart of the original artist colony. Member artists working in a variety of mediums open their studios and encourage the public to enjoy the activities planned for Labor Day Weekend.
Visit website. taosstudiotour@gmail.com
See studio tour map.
2015 TAO studio tour artists
Krysteen Waszak
Delinda VanneBrightyn
Cheryl Price
Brenda Price
Mari “Mud” Hawkes
Laura Quilligan
Janet Price
Sylvia Luftig
Dennis Luftig
Peggy Griffey
Diane Eger
Diane de Fremery
Mary Alvarado
Jade Toma
Maureen Tibbs
Scott Messick
Peggy McGivern
Roy Dunlap
Jane Dunlap
Robert Cooley
Hank Brusselback
Anita Rodriguez
Michael Ridder
Ray Lovelace
Charles Larimore
Lynda Jasper-Vogel
Carol de Marinis
Peter Chinni
Ann Wyndham
Tom Noble
Ty Minton
Olivia Johnson
Truman Haldiman
Dee Di Camillo
Pilar Studio Tour
September 5 – 6, 2015
A jewel box of art tours along the banks of the Rio Grande. The village of Pilar is located on NM Hwy 68, the road to Taos from Santa Fe, 16 miles south of Taos Plaza.
Visit website. 575-751-3042
See studio tour map.
2015 Pilar studio tour artists
Carl Gray Witkop
Juanita Witkop
Arthur Gledhill
Steven Kilborn
Melody Kehoe
Naomi Tatum
PattyMara Gourley
Anita Bauer
Chama Valley Studio Tour
September 5 – 6, 2015
Chama is 67 miles northwest of Taos. The hour-and-a-half drive takes you through gorgeous mountain scenery. Consider staying over Sunday the 6th for a ride on Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad on Labor Day – the train has a 45% off deal for that day only! The studio tour includes 25 locations along Hwy 64/84 in northern Rio Arriba County, 10-5:00pm. Artists open their studios to display and sell painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, metal and fabric art directly to the public. The area has long been known for its community of traditional weavers. 575-756-9937
Visit website.
See studio tour map.
2015 Chama studio tour artists
Michael Andersen, Wood Turning, Wood Art
Avonna Lee Anderson, Paintings and Prints
Diana Bryer, Prints
Tony Butler, Ceramics
Cathy Cardin, Fiber Art
Mary Cardin, Watercolors
Thomas Cardin Jr, Pen and Ink Drawings
Virginia Marshall, Quilts
Isaac Martinez, Painting and Drawing
Bobbi Mason, Metal Art
Margaret Noe, Handmade chain, Jewelry
Manfred Rapp, Oil Painting
Diane Walton Reitz, Painting and Drawing
Leonard Slock, Sculpture, Drawings
Beverly Timm at La Zorra Glassworks , Jewelry, Glass work
Tierra Wools, Traditional Northern New Mexico weavings
Ceci Devereaux White, Jewelry
Paula Devereaux, Painting & Sculpture
Louella Dove, Fiber Art, Tote Bags & Flowers
Miguel Duran, Fine Art Photography
Jim & Dorothy Elliott/Eastridge, Woodwork, Jewelry, Crosses
Alyce and Keith Elliott, Bead work
Alan Feia, Stained & Fused Glass
Ruben Hernandez, Photography
Jolene Jessie, Paintings
Rio Costilla Studio Tour
September 12 – 13, 2015
This art village is 20 miles north of Questa (which is 24 miles north of Taos Plaza making this a 44-mile drive), on the New Mexico/Colorado border just north of Taos. The 25 artisans in this tour make work that includes painting, print-making, photography, bronze sculpture, wood and stone carving, fine and rustic furniture, ceramics, African drums, artisan bread-baking, and even cigar box guitars. Extend your visit by attending the NeoRio contemporary art event at Wild River Area on September 12, 3:30 to 9:00pm.
Visit website. 719-672-3063
See studio tour map.
2015 Rio Costilla studio tour artists
Karen Ahlgren: Watercolors
Eugene Christensen: Silver
Nancy De Herrera Crochet: Photography
Mark Dudrow: Ceramics
Fernando Fructuoso & Sarah Parker: ‘Sentli Tectipac’ Jewelry
Michael Gervasi: Assemblage
Jane Kircher: Glass Artist
Lynn Kircher: Bronze & Multimedia Artist
Karen McCurtain-Blair: Watercolors
Evy McLean: Painter & Printmaker
Randy Pijoan: Paintings
Maggi Rankin: Ceramics
Alexis Rykken: Writer/Author
David Satrun: Woodwork
Michael Schraud: Woodwork
William Scott: Barkingwood Cigar Box Guitars
Swift Seed Company: Wildflower Seeds
Kathryn Vinson Tatum: Paintings
Steve Waldrip: Paintings
Sarah Welch: Ceramics
Kelly West: Artisan Baker for Heaven Scent Breads
Byron Williams: Multimedia Artist
High Road to Taos Art Tour
September 19 – 20 and 26 – 27, 2015
The High Road to Taos ends (or begins, depending on your perspective!) in Ranchos de Taos, three miles south of Taos Plaza. The entire tour encompasses about 45 miles, one way, through the most spectacular, lush, mountains and valleys in the state. The trail runs through a string of small farms and tiny Spanish Land Grant villages including the artist communities of Penasco, Los Ojos, Truchas, Las Trampas and Chimayo. Painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, weaving, wood carving, food, fun, and more are offered up by over 100 artists, represented at 40 sites.
Visit website. 888-866-3643
See studio tour map.
2015 High Road artists and galleries
Adonais & Diana Dominguez
Alice – Norma – Angelina
Art for the Heart Gallery
Atelier Ceque
Bill Loyd/Anna Karin Studio Gallery
Casa Sandoval
Centinela Traditional Arts
Charlee Newman
Daniel Tafoya
Delores Elkins
Donna J. Caulton
eL Gallery & Studio
Frank McGuire Gallery & Studio
Garcia Spanish Colonial Arts
Gaucho Blue Gallery
Ghost Pony Gallery
Gifted Hands Studio
Hand Artes Gallery
High Road MarketPlace
Isabro Ortega’s Carvings
Chris Morel Studio
Jennette’s Weavings
Judith Hert Studios
Leigh Gusterson
Leroy Fresquez, Jr.
Mesdames Carton
Montez Gallery
MudPony Gallery
Ojo Sarco Pottery
Orlando & Diane Cordova
Ortega’s Carvings
Oviedo Carvings & Bronze
Pojoaque Woodworks
Rancho Surreal
Sabinita Lopez Ortiz
Sally Delap-John Fine Art
San David’s Studio
SilverWear Jewelry
Spanish Colonial Artwork
TDLT Fiber Artists
Walking Woman Gallery
El Rito Studio Tour
October 3 – 4, 2015
This art village is located between Ojo Caliente and Abiquiu (home of Ghost Ranch) on NM Hwy 554, 55 miles west of Taos Plaza. The scenic drive takes you through “O’Keeffe Country” and gives you a chance to soak in Ojo’s mineral spring hot pools before or after you meet the artists. Be sure treat yourself to ‘Death by Chocolate’ at the El Rito Public Library and enjoy award winning green chile dishes at the village restaurant.
Visit website. 505-581-4679
See studio tour map.
2015 El Rito studio tour stops
El Rito Quilters Guild, fiber arts
Emmy Cheney, pottery
John Brandi, paintings, mixed media, poetry broadsides
Renée Gregorio, poetry books, broadsides
Gerald Lucero, Noah’s Ark exhibit
Julie Wagner, paintings, handmade books, ravens
Molly Hennerty, fine jewelry
Karen Sexton, paintings, monoprints, drawings
Mike Sutton, paintings
Vanderbrook Studios, drawings, pottery, paintings, prints
David Michael Kennedy, fine art photography
Barbara Campbell, pottery
Dean Schroeder, wooden bowls, sculpture
Michaelm, handmade instruments
Gedeon Santos, hand-woven textiles
Ted Harsha, photography
Christelle Burns, hatmaker
Robert Dolci, paintings
Susan Guevara, paintings, drawings
Djann Hoffman, pottery, furniture
Renata Zimmermann, knitted coats, jackets, vests
Carmen Campos, tin art
Vincent Campos, retablos
Cipriano Vigil, musical instruments
Jane Kramer, hand-printed calendars
Emma Eckert, paintings, small sculptures
Serena Eckert Wright, paintings
Nicholas Herrera, retablos, bultos, recycled art
Paula Masters Travis, recycled art
Jan Bachman, drawings, paintings, cards, books
Tom Quinn Kumpf, fine art photography
Larry Sparks, paintings, sculpture
Abiquiu Studio Tour
October 10, 11 and 12, 2015
Abiquiu is 15 miles southwest of El Rito and can be reached from Taos by several roads, about 60 miles one way. You’ll explore the glorious Chama River valley with its golden cottonwoods and mountain vistas. Be sure to visit Ghost Ranch Retreat Center while in the area. This tour always happens on Columbus Day weekend and in 2015 will include nearly 70 artists
Visit website. 505-685-4470
See studio tour map.
2015 Abiquiu studio tour stops
Carol Bondy • ceramics, gift soaps, upcycled products
Ron Cox • Journey Art
Mary Pahl • weaving, beadwork, fiber arts
Grizz • Photography
Paul Basile • Paul Basile Photography
Jaye Buros • paintings, jewelry
Hippie Chick Designs • “Sixties Style” jewelry & fashions
William Page • paintings
Djann Hoffman • works in wood & ceramic
Isabel Jewell • painting, mixed media
Paula Narbutovskih • fine art
Keltah Narbutovskih • beaded jewelry
Renata Z • extraordinary knitwear
Debra Fritts • one of kind mixed media
Frank Shelton • painting and sculpture
Sam Brown Art & Design • paintings & prints
Cindy Harris • glass jewelry, copper jewelry, clay sculptures
Ginger Legato • sculpture/prints/drawings
Susan Schuler • abstract, mixed media
Jacquita Beddo • ceramic sculpture, pottery, jewelry, paintings, mixed media
Mary Tindall • oil painting
Salvatore Tomasello • pastels & charcoal drawings
Anna M Tomasello • knitwear
Sandy Ballard • nature & landscape photography
Christelle Burns • felted hats, lace shawls & more
Jack Franco • figurative & landscape oil paintings
Marcia Franco • beaded jewelry design
Nadina Barnes • hand crafted clothing & accessories, hand dyed fabrics
Maryam Chudnoff • intricate bead-work & jewelry
Mehedi van Hattum • woodwork & woodcarving
Samia van Hattum • ceramics & mixed media
Taslim van Hattum • hand painted jewelry, homewares
Janis Rivera • fiber art potholders, quilts, tea cozy, jewelry
Terese Baca • jewelry
Anthony Baca • micaceous potter
Katie Ortiz • paintings
Susan Kahn • paintings
Lu Lee • fine art printing & drawing
Ann Lumaghi • rugs, shawls, linens, scarves
Donn Blackmore • woodwork, carving, canes
Rising Moon Gallery • 30 local artists, art events & classes
Sylvia Lampen • metal & clay lamps & more
Leopoldo Garcia • contemporary woodcarvings & folk art
Barbara Manzanares • hand dyed wool, natural dyes & weavings
Sophie Garcia • traditional retablos
Barbara Richardson • traditional retablos
Napoleon Garcia • woodcarving
Blythe Fowler • Jewelry Design
Mike Johnson • woodcraft artist
Gabriel Cisneros • painting & sculpture
Isaac AlaridPease • acrylic on wood, urban folk
Esthyr Adney • handmade soap & fiber arts
Glenna Dean • natural dyed yarns, leatherwork
Louie Martinez • Spanish Colonial woodwork & art work
Shuttle & Wheel • useful textiles
Maria Dolores Maestas • traditional & contemporary tin work
Irene Montoya • tin work, straw applique, crochet
Amber Archer • non-traditional raku pottery
Armando Adrian-Lopez • painting, 3D mixed media assemblage
Arin A. Bader • feathered gourd mask, watercolors
Stan Bader • birdhouses from native woods
Katy Blanchard • one-of-a-kind hand knits
Rick Blanchard • etchings, paintings
Beth Ferguson • watercolors, acrylics, prints
Harris • stained glass creations
Suris • sculpture, spirit forms, rattles
Lauri Burrier • painter, sculptor, filmmaker
Dawn Sanders • contemporary micaceous
33rd annual Dixon Studio Tour
November 7 – 8, 2015
Dixon is 26 miles south of Taos Plaza, just off NM Hwy 68. Over 40 artists and businesses will be participating in 2015. Artwork in a wide variety of media including paintings, prints, metalwork, jewelry, papier mache, ceramics, photography, weaving are viewable and purchasable. Shops and restaurants participate with offerings of produce, honey, herbs, wine and other local favorites. Maps available at the Library and Community Center.
Visit website. info@dixonarts.org
See studio tour map.
2014 Dixon tour artists and galleries (2015 list has not been released yet)
Marilyn Price-Reinbolt, Paintings & ink drawings
Lee Akins, Handbuilt ceramic vessels
Betsy Williams, Elegant and understated tableware; tiny plates
Joseph Ciaglia – Rare Earth, Digital photographic panoramas
Sheena Cameron – Rare Earth, Ceramic sculpture, mixed media and raku horses
Miles Smith – Pottery, Dinnerware, sculpture, sumi painting, brush mind, clay art
Rob Stout, Fine woodworking
Judith Buffaloe, Painter/printmaker
Kay Weiner, Fine sculptural jewelry in silver, gold, stones. Sculpture
Steve Ebben, Sculpture, hardware, copper fish & mobiles
Shel Neymark, Sculpture, custom tile & design, lighting, vessels & plates
Gayle Fulwyler Smith, Watercolor & oil paintings, giclées, drawings, prints
Clayworks, Functional & sculptural ceramics
Gaia, One of a kind sculpted clay vessels
Miya Endo, Functional stoneware and fine raku pottery
Nelson Rhodes, Papier mache & cement sculpture
Mary Saunders-Rhodes, Assemblages, paintings
Carlos Rascon, Rustic sophistication in handcrafted wood & willow décor
Al Tyrrell, Functional stoneware and porcelain pottery
Joan McDonald, Hand-screened potholders, totes, and T-shirts
Ellen Schechner Johnson, Clay & mixed media
Atom Crawford Photography, Landscape & abstract photography
Detour, Family-made fun & functional artwork in clay, wood & metal
Clarence Medina Studio / Gallery, Plein-air oil paintings and micaceous clay
Pollock Studio, Original works in fibers
Judy Pearson Happy Rat Studio/Prairie Dog Tile works
Abby Mattison, Handcrafted sterling silver and natural gemstone jewelry
Eli Levin, Local landscape paintings
Please know that artists may change, check websites if that’s of concern to you.
