New Mexico ATA Studio Tour

Today was the American Tapestry Alliance (ATA) tour of some NM tapestry studios.  This tour was organized by ATA in conjunction with the Small Tapestry International 2: Passages show opening at Weaving Southwest this evening.

I, along with Cornelia Theimer Gardella, had the pleasure of shlepping all over northern NM with a van-full of fantastic people driven by the most excellent Raymond.

It was a beautiful day and after leaving the Taos Inn here is some of what we saw:

Isn't this a great building?

Joyce Hayes and Irene Smith, owner of Metier Gallery.

Metier Gallery is a wonderful tapestry studio in the center of Dixon.  Irene Smith is a renowned tapestry weaver and basket maker who welcomed us into her wonderful studio gallery to see her work and the work of some other weavers.

After the fantastic suggestion by Raymond to take the scenic high road from Dixon to Chimayo, we visited Centinela Traditional Arts.  This wonderful studio and gallery is owned by Lisa and Irvin Trujillo who have both earned numerous awards as weavers of traditional Chimayo-style textiles.

Irvin Trujillo's work

Lisa Trujillo working at her loom as she explains Chimayo weaving to the group.

Irvin Trujillo weaving at his amazing 12 foot wide, self-built loom.

Our next stop was Rancho de Chimayo for lunch.  I have not been to this famous restaurant for many years and after the fantastic lunch there, I am certain I'll be returning soon.  They did a great job with our group of 11 including accommodating my gluten intolerance with ease.

The group eating: Alan enjoyed several of their excellent margaritas.

Conni had a prickly pear lemonade which was a fantastic shade of pink.

After lunch we visited Ortega's weaving shop in Chimayo.

Our final stop of the day was Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Center.  This amazing fiber arts center was extremely accommodating.  Cornelia and I did a short presentation about contemporary tapestry weaving in northern New Mexico.  Here Conni is talking about one of her pieces, Passages.

Work of Evelyn Campbell and Cindy.

Two EVFAC members brought in their contemporary pieces for our perusal.  

We made it back to Taos just in time for the opening at Weaving Southwest.  A great day in sunny northern New Mexico was had by all.