By Taos Webb Administrator | August 30, 2013
Fall colors in Taos, New Mexico include not only the vivid changing leaves in Carson National Forest but a multi-colored palette of festivals that take place throughout September and October.
The 2013 Taos Grand Fall Arts season includes many art, music, literary, and culinary events and several major festivals – Taos Fall Arts Festival, Taos Wool Festival, and SOMOS Storytelling Festival are among the most popular.
This year, the roster of events features a number of colorful personalities. Award-winning singer-songwriter Michael Hearne hosts the Big Barn Dance (Sept. 5-7). Jazz legend Billy Cobham performs at TCA (Sept. 29). Grammy-winner Chick Corea is composer-in-residence for Music from Angel Fire (Aug.17-Sept.1). Internationally exhibited artist/musician/storyteller Terry Allen is center stage for SOMOS (Oct.5). And peace activist, guerilla, fugitive, prisoner Katherine Ann Power speaks for the first time in Taos (Oct. 25).
The art line-up begins Labor Day weekend when art collectors have an opportunity to meet 35 local artists, both emerging and well-known names, who open their studios to the public during a three-day, Taos Artists Organization (TAO) Studio Tour beginning on Saturday, Aug. 31 and continuing through Monday, Sept. 2.
Also on Aug. 31, the Harwood Museum of Art hosts a dual painting demonstration from noon to 3 p.m., where artists Gregg Kreutz and Huihan Liu simultaneously paint a still life or portrait while speaking with an audience about light, color, and composition. Call 575-758-9826 for details on the event or visit harwoodmuseum.org.
The public can walk through the historic Couse-Sharp Historic Site during an open house from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 31, followed by a gala and auction at El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa beginning at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 575-751-0369 or by visiting cousefoundation.org. While the site is rarely open to visitors, additional open houses will occur on Sept. 7 and Oct. 5.
The final Music from Angel Fire concert of the season takes place in Taos at the Taos Community Auditorium on Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 to hear “Diversions: Loeffler, Mozart, and Bartok.” Visit musicfromangelfire.org/2013-concerts.
On Sept. 5, a free, unusual art sale called “TCA’s 4Sight: 4Walls, 3Curators” brings three diverse curators together, each selecting art that provides a unique expression of style, medium and technique. A panel discussion with the curators allows for questions from the audience. The art will be available by silent auction from Sept. 5–26. Visit tcataos.org/calendar or call 575-758-2052 for details.
On both the weekends of Sept. 21–22 and Sept. 28–29, local artists along the High Road (between Chimayo and Taos) open their studios to visitors during the “High Road Art Tour.” Free. Visit highroadnewmexico.com or call 888-866-3643. Sept 22 also features the Taos Milagro Rotary Club Chile Challenge, a daylong party with golf tournament, chile cook-off, beer fest, and art auction, all benefiting a scholarship fund for local students. $20 tickets, Taos Country Club, taosrotary.org.
Now in its 39th year, the Taos Fall Arts Festival begins with an awards ceremony and reception on Sept. 27 where Distinguished Achievement Awards will be given to William Acheff, Bill Davis, and Ronald Davis. Two major exhibits showcasing Taos Masters and new art talent are on display through Oct. 6. For more information visit taosfallarts.com or call 575-758-4648.
On Sept. 28 from noon to 3 p.m., one of the most popular events during Grand Fall Arts – the TCA Quick Draw and Art Auction – puts art lovers in direct contact with artists who create art while the public watches and can bid on later. The event takes place at various locations in the historic district and in the TCA Courtyard. Visit tcataos.org or call 575-758-2052 for details. Free.
Also on Sept. 28, and the 29th,Taos Chamber Music Group will present “Bach Joy,” an all-Bach program that will launch the group’s 21st season. Harwood Museum of Art’s Arthur Bell Auditorium, 5 p.m. 575-758-9826.
San Geronimo Day on Sept. 30 is a captivating feast day at Taos Pueblo. Cameras and recording equipment are not allowed during religious ceremonies. Visit taospueblo.com or call 575-758-1028.
The 30th Annual Taos Wool Festival gives visitors an opportunity to learn about fiber art, meet fiber artists, and purchase handmade items to bring home or give as holiday gifts. Demonstrations of spinning, dyeing, shearing and weaving along with workshops are scheduled during the festival. The free Wool Festival marketplace takes place in Kit Carson Park on Oct. 5 and 6. Visit taoswoolfestival.org or call 817-992-8220.
Rounding off the Grand Fall Arts season in a colorful send off, the 31st Annual Taos Mountain Balloon Rally features between 35 and 50 hot-air balloons. The rally will be held this year at 1005 Paseo del Pueblo Sur. Visit taosballoonrally.com for details.
Other events taking place during the nine weekends of Taos Grand Fall Arts are listed in their entirety at TAOS.org/fall2013 along with special lodging packages for guests coming to Taos for art events.
Pictured: Michael Hearne and company, Thom Wheeler at Quick Draw, Taos Wool Festival, Taos Chamber Music Group.