Outdoor Adventure in Taos
Taos Featured in the Wall Street Journal
28th Season of Music from Angel Fire
Taos Fiestas
Toast of Taos Arts & Wine Festival
Taos Mountain Music Festival
Taos Pueblo Pow Wow
Take a Trip Into the History of Taos
Calendar
Enchanted Circle Happenings
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Outdoor Adventure this Summer in Taos!
UNM-Taos is offering a series of outdoor classes June through September for all types of adventurers! Fly fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, or learn about the geology of Northern New Mexico or edible medicinal plants of the Taos area.
Classes range from $50 for the Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Taos area to $300 for the Geology of Northern New Mexico class. See the UNM-Taos web site (click here) for details such as what’s included for the fee.
Interested parties can register for courses by calling Nick Streit 575-751-1312 or emailing info@taosflyshop.com.
Of Deserts and Skies – Taos Featured in the Wall Street Journal
Taos, along with Santa Fe, was featured front page in the “Off Duty” section of the Wall Street Journal, plus a version of the story lives online and continues to get rave reviews (click here for the complete story). The WSJ piece provides a wonderful “getaway” itinerary for travelers and joins many A-list media pieces on Taos this spring including Good Morning America’s Weekend Window, the Discovery Channel, Cantore Stories on the Weather Channel, Sunset Magazine, USA Today, and others. You can see video pieces on Taos YouTube Video Channel here or read additional stories here on www.Taos.org.
Celebrate the 28th Season of Music from Angel Fire
Prepare to be delighted by the upcoming season of this classic music festival in Northern New Mexico. Kicking off August 19th through September 4th, this year’s additions to the line up include Imani Winds, Time for Three and 2011 Composer-in-Residence Roberto Sierra.
Attendees can expect the same extraordinary chamber music performed by festival favorites Ida Kavafian, Anne-Marie McDermott, Tara Helen O’Connor and Peter Wiley.
Additionally, for the 2011 season are a series of events including, a painted violin auction and Salon des Arts. Salon de Arts features a weekend of interaction with Internationally renowned visual and performing artists to engage in conversation, experience chiaroscuro painting, and enjoy classical music. The artists showcasing their work in this intimate weekend include David A. Leffel, Dr. Sherrie McGraw, and Ida Kavafian. Click here for information.
In addition, to the two aforementioned events, this year’s Music from Angel Fire will also feature a choose your cruise raffle! The winner will be awarded a $2,600 cruise certificate for any Holland America cruise and may use it like cash toward their dream trip. The drawing will be held at the September 4, 2011 concert.
Click here for information on Music from Angel Fire and click here for the many festival events at the Taos Center for the Arts.
1954 Fiestas de Taos Royal Court, Courtesy www.fiestasdetaos.com
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Experience the Traditions of Taos
Few things celebrate heritage the way that Las Fiestas de Santa Ana y Santiago in Taos does. This historical tribute which honors the patron saints of Taos Santa Ana and Santiago, invites the local population to put aside their labor for two days and bask in the leisure of the holy days. |
This year’s theme, Ayer, Hoy y Manana, revisits some of the cherished traditions of fiestas past. The celebration takes place Friday, July 22nd through Sunday, July 24th and kicks off with a coronation mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 5:30 pm. It is here that the royal court of the Fiestas will be coronated with a full Catholic mass to follow.
Locals and visitors alike are invited to experience the vibrant and energetic procession of the royal court after the coronation as they make their way to the Taos Plaza.
Additionally, children will once again get to enjoy the historic Tio Vivo Carousel. Operated and preserved by the Taos Lions Club, this annual treasure will be included in the festivities. On Saturday, the much anticipated children’s parade will be begin at 10 am, featuring El Viborón/The Snake. A beloved icon of the parade, El Viborón has been a part of the fiestas for more than 50 years.
Live music, food and vendors will be at the plaza all weekend during the festivities and new for 2011 is “Tradiciones” a cultural market featuring traditional and local arts and crafts.
Additionally, for 2011 is “Taos Fiestas!” an exhibit at the Hacienda de las Martinez which displays the unique and distinct histroy of the Fiestas de Taos. The exhibit runs through January 9th and features mannequins wearing past Fiesta Queens’ and Princesas’ dresses to demonstrate the colorful, feminine side of the fiestas. The exhibit also contains historic photographs and film of the fiestas. Visit here for information on the exhibit or call 575 758 0505.
For a full schedule of events during the Taos Fiestas click here.
July 4, 2011
Town of Taos Fireworks Display
This impressive display of 4th of July festivities, goes on for an hour and is visible throughout the entire town. The Volunteer Fire Department presents this professional display, which starts at sundown.
Location: Visible throughout The Town of Taos
Ongoing until July 15, 2011
The Mortal Coil or: Observations of Natural Beauty
The Plaza Gallery, in Ranchos de Taos’ San Francisco de Asis Church Plaza, will present an exhibition of installation, sculpture and painting by three diverse Taos artists: Kristine Rippel, whose larger than life pieces will be displayed; sculptor and jeweler, William Jennings-Hill and Holly Sievers, who will show a new series of oil paintings of insects.
The works of the three artists juxtapose the very large and the very small, and observations of natural beauty.
The Plaza Gallery provides a venue for an active calendar of events as well as a showplace for fine antique Native American jewelry and Navajo weavings, new and old books, and works by local artists and craftspeople. For information theplazagallery@gmail.com or 575-758-4101.
Location: The Plaza Gallery, Ranchos de Taos
September 30, 2011
San Geronimo Day
Honoring the patron saint of the Pueblo, St. Jerome, this fall festival includes the traditional pole climbing, morning races, and of course, the sacred clowns. There is no photography at the Pueblo so come and witness this event for yourself! Click here for information.
Location: Taos Pueblo
Thursdays from June 30-August 4, 2011
Live in HD from The MET
Enjoy timeless operas being performed live at The Met without having to leave Taos with the high-definition screenings at the Taos Center for the Arts. Performances include: Donizetti’s Don Pasquale and La Fille duRegiment, Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra and Don Carlo, and Puccini’s Tosca. Click here for information.
Location: Taos Community Auditorium
July 1-29, 2011
Paintings of Pat Woodall: Magic and Mystery
Oil, pastel, watercolor and printmaking works by this Taoseno for more than 30 years continue to enchant patrons. This month-long exhibition and sale will include an opening reception (July 2nd) and docents knowledgeable in the process of monoprinting to answer questions from guests. Click here for information.
Location: Millicent Rogers Museum
June 17-September 4, 2011
Print 2011 The Tradition Continues: A long, intense history of this art through various cultures, time periods, and influences is presented in this exhibition. The exhibit will include exploration with etching mezzotint, lithography, silkscreen and monoprint. Click here for information.
Location: E.L. Blumenschein Home & Museum
August 6 – September 6, 2011
Peggy McGivern’s 2nd Annual Exhibition: Legends and Myths
Peggy’s inspired new body of work opens with a 5 to 7 p.m. reception August 6th and runs until Setpember 6, 2011. Peggy has expanded her subject matter to include her experiences from her recent trip to Chile and Argentina, documenting the hard working people and their celebration of the joys of daily living. She lovingly interprets the people of South America with her exuberant brushstrokes and vibrant palette, inviting us to enjoy the storytelling of art.
Click here for information or call 575-758-7831.
Location: Act I Gallery
September 24, 2011
5th Annual Taos Milagro Rotary Club Chile Challenge: This day of events raises funds for the Rotary Scholarship Fund to benefit Taos’ youth community. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the day includes a golf tournament, chile challenge between leading Taos restaurants and their chefs, a brewery battle and a silent auction. Click here for information.
Location: Taos Country Club For a full listing of events, click here. |
Taos News Tempo
This weekly entertainment publication by the Taos News is a must read when you get to Taos. Pick up your weekly guide to make the most of your visit. A sample of this week's Taos Tempo can be found here.
Toast of Taos Arts & Wine Festival 2011
The Official Toast of Taos Poster: "Memory's Bar" by Alvaro Cardina-Hine
The reinvented version of this annual festival will include a food and beverage industry wine tasting, art, food and wine pairings, wine seminars, as well as a grand tasting and gallery/shop events throughout the historic district.
“The mission of the Annual Toast of Taos Arts and Wine Festival is to promote, sustain and embrace the unique traditions of the cultures and arts of Taos, New Mexico, by offering the opportunity to showcase and experience the blending of fine dining, fine wines, art and history.”
Mark your calendars for the Taos of Taos Arts & Wine Festival on August 18th thru August 21st, 2011. You won’t want to miss it! Click here, 575-758-3911 or info@toastoftaos.com.
Extend your Stay for the Taos Mountain Music Festival
The Taos Mountain Music Festival is taking place August 20 and 21. The line up for this year features a slew of sensational acts like Matisyahu, Ozomatli, Donna the Buffalo, Leftover Salmon and Railroad Earth, to name a few.
Photo by Paula Valentine
With the third annual festival expanding to two days, why not expand your stay and check out what’s happening in Taos after experiencing the beautiful Ski Valley?
Taos is home to world class dining, the beautiful and historical Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated as both a UNESCO World Heritage and National Historic landmark. Visitors to Taos will also find a place to rejuvente and reconnect after the weekend of musical fun at the Ski Valley. Click here for a list of self-guided tours and itineraries to extend your stay.
Click here for information on the music festival.
26th Annual Taos Pueblo Pow Wow
This year’s festivities run from July 8 though 10th. Indian Country is made up of many tribal nations, bands, villages, and pueblos, each with their own traditional tribal beliefs and practices. A pow wow is the common fiber which draws Indian people together. It is a time for sharing with old friends and making new friends; a time for singing and dancing. It is a time for trading; trading craft goods and trading songs.
Photo Courtesy the New Mexico Department of Tourism
The term pow wow comes from the Algonquin nation of the Eastern Woodlands, meaning “a gathering of spiritual leaders.” Since the early days, Europeans thought “pow wow” referred to any large gathering of Indian people. Now it is a name often used for Indian celebrations.
Originally, Indian tribes held celebrations to commemorate successful hunts or harvests. Many tribes had ceremonial dances to prepare for war and to celebrate victories. The old tribal War Dance as it was known and is still called today, evolved over the last four or five decades into a contemporary social dance and the pow wow into a social gathering and celebration time.
The pow wow only comes once a year so start making your plans to experience this unique annual event. For a full schedule of happenings click here or visit the pow wow web site here.
The Taos Express
Catch the Taos Express to create your sacred experience. Rides travel between Santa Fe and Taos every weekend and the cost is $10 round trip. Reservations on the Taos Express are required. See the complete schedule and details at www.TaosExpress.com along with information about the American Airlines flight schedule into Santa Fe.
Reservations can be made at www.TaosExpress.com or by calling 575-751-4459.
Header photo credits:
Sangre de Cristo Mountains, courtesy Geraint Smith, www.geraintsmith.com
Fishing, courtesy Michael deYoung
Prayer Flags, courtesy Gak Stonn
Millicent Rogers, courtesy Taos Sacred Places.com
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Take a Trip Into the History of Taos
The Taos Historic Museums (THM) are the privileged caretakers for the E.L. Blumenschein Home and Museum and La Hacienda de los Martinez. THM is dedicated to promoting the history, heritage, and cultural arts of Northern New Mexico through the education and the preservation of our unique historic structures and collections. It is the goal of THM to provide a living history experience through tours, exhibitions, programs and cultural events.
Blumenchein Home & Museum
The E.L. Blumenschein Home & Museum is maintained much as it was when the artist and his family were alive. The home is filled with a superb collection of the Blumenschein family’s art, a representative sampling of works by other famous Taos artists, fine European and Spanish Colonial style antiques, and the family’s lifetime of personal possessions.
Painting in the Blumenschein Garden, Photo Courtesy the Taos Historic Museums
The home beautifully illustrates the lifestyle of Taos artists in the first half of the twentieth century. Blumenschein and fellow painter Bert Phillips, were on a painting trip in 1898, traveling to Mexico when they broke a spoke just north of Taos. On Blumenschein’s trip into town to get the wheel fixed he was overwhelmed by the beauty that surrounded him, he and Phillips agreed to stay and paint in Taos. Other artists heard about Taos and in 1915, Blumenschein and 5 other artists formed the Taos Society of Artists – the group that began Taos’ reputation as The Original Art Colony. Today at the Blumenschein Museum you are likely to see artists painting in the beautiful gardens – a great place to explore on Ledoux St. in Taos’ downtown Historic District.
Hacienda de los Martinez
The exterior of the Hacienda de los Martinez, Photo Courtesy the Taos Historic Museums
Hacienda de los Martinez is one of the few northern New Mexico style, late Spanish Colonial period, "Great Houses" remaining in the American Southwest. In 1786, a permanent peace was established with the Comanche and the once threatened province began to flourish and assume a new and totally unique Hispanic identity within the Spanish Empire. The citizens of New Mexico began to express a new entrepreneurial spirit not based on the old Spanish class system but centered more on individual achievement. Among these emerging vecinos (citizens) was don Antonío Severino Martinez. Built in 1804, by don Severino this fortress-like building with massive adobe walls became an important trade center and political hub for the Taos Valley. By 1827, the year of Severino's death, the Hacienda had grown to encompass 21 rooms enclosing two placitas, or courtyards. The casa mayor (great or main house) now referred to as an hacienda, with its two-foot thick adobe construction and windowless exterior walls had been designed to serve as a refuge for family and neighbors against possible Indian raids. The eldest son, Antonío José, following the death of his young wife, became a priest known as Padre Martinez, and emerged as the legendary spiritual and social leader of the northern Rio Grande area. The exhibits in the Museum focus on the role that the Hacienda played in the community and depict everyday life in 19th century New Mexico. As part of the Museum’s living history experience various artisans are on site to demonstrate traditional crafts.
Summer hours for both Museums are Mon-Sat. 10 am to 5 pm and Sun. Noon to 5 pm. Click here or call 575-758-0505 for more information.
Kit Carson Home & Musuem
For Western frontier aficionados, or those seeking a bit of experiential history after reading Blood & Thunder, the Kit Carson Home & Museum in Taos is a great destination.
Built around 1825, the home was purchased by Christopher Houston “Kit” Carson in 1843 as a wedding present for his new wife, the Northern New Mexico politically connected Josefa Jaramillo. The historic adobe structure is centered on an interior courtyard (today a site for museum activities, demonstrations and private/group event scheduling) and was Carson’s last official home before he died in May, 1868.
Today the museum is owned/operated by Taos’ Masonic Bent Lodge #42, Carson joining the Lodge in 1854 when the Masons first came to New Mexico. The Grand Lodge of New Mexico purchased the home to restore it, preserve it, and turn it into a museum in April of 1910. The musuem is open 11 am to 5p m daily. 575-758-4945 or click here for additional information.
Couse/Sharpe Historic Site
E.I. Couse, along with his friend and colleague Joseph Henry Sharp, was one of the six founders of the Taos Society of Artists (TSA). This group was extremely influential in the growth of the artistic culture that has defined Taos and Santa Fe for a century, and continues to be today. He was one of the founders of the Taos Society of Artists in 1915 and its first president. As President, his tireless promotion of TSA-created art firmly established Taos as the premier Western art colony. A painter of Native Americans in Taos for the rest of his life, he was honored with many major prizes and awards. Couse died in 1936 after a long and distinguished career.
The Couse Foundation was formed in 2001 to protect and preserve the legacy of this important artist, so palpable still in his intact studio and home. The Couse house, along with its contents and archive, as well as two studio buildings owned and used by Joseph Henry Sharp, exist today to give the public an authentic window into the past and to stimulate scholarly research and training in the fields of historic preservation and Southwest art history. The Site is open for tours by appointment each summer, from May through October. Group tours may be accommodated by calling 575-751-0369 or click here for additional information
Taos Art Museum and Fechin House
This adobe building was originally home to world-renowned Russian portraitist Nicolai Fechin and his family. Now home to the Taos Art Museum, visitors can experience the art of early 20th Century Taos, including over 300 works by 50 different Taos artists. Born in Kazan, Russia in 1881, Fechin moved to Taos in 1927 where he and his family rented an apartment from socialite and famous Taos resident, Mabel Dodge Luhan. In 1928, he purchased the building now known as the Taos Art Museum and over the course of several years, Fechin remodeled and enlarged the house to suit his family’s needs. This included carving furniture and sculpting decorative motifs in the woodwork that blended Russian, Spanish, and Native American symbolism -- all preserved and on display for visitors.
Visitors are welcome Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. Winter hours differ, so visitors should call ahead to confirm times. Special group tours of the “Fechin House” are available, including art lectures about Fechin and/or the Museum’s incredible Taos Society of Artists collection and Native American and Spanish weavings, by contacting Erion Simpson, Director, 575-758-2690, ext. 105, director@taosartmuseum.org |
