TAOS HISTORIC MUSEUMS

May 21st - November 7th, 2010

Recuerdos; Photographs of New Mexico before WWII

During the Depression of the 1930s, the national agenda was aimed at restoring prosperity and preventing further depressions, to alleviate poverty and reduce inequality. To meet these challenges, existing government agencies were restructured and new agencies were developed to meet these challenges. The photographs in this exhibit were taken to accompany government reports concerned with economic development in rural communities during the era of The New Deal. Professional photographers were hired, who, not only took into account subject matter but also composition and lighting, beautifully capturing on film life in America before WWII. Presented here are photographs of Taos County commissioned by the Bureau of Agricultural Economics (BAE) in 1941 and of Rio Arriba County commissioned by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in 1939. The Photographers hired for these two projects were Irving Rusinow, Bill Brixner and Carl Holzman. The captions accompanying each photograph were provided by the agencies that commissioned the photographs.
 

Location: Hacienda de los Martinez

June 4th - September 26th, 2010

Print 2010 The Tradition Continues

Printmaking has its roots in prehistoric times, when humans placed their hands on cave walls and blew pulverized pigment around them to create images. In approximately 500 BC, Sumerians carved images on cylinder seals that could be pressed into wet clay, thereby creating multiple imprints to indicate the ownership of goods. Chinese scholars created rubbings from carved texts around 200 AD, an early form of printing that could be done on paper and silk.

Printmaking initially flourished as a form of communication, for it enabled artists to make multiples that could be disseminated to a large number of people. Starting in the eighth century, Japanese artists used printmaking to make multiple editions of Buddhist manuscripts. In fourteenth century Europe, woodcut prints became a popular way to distribute Christian images to the common people. In the fifteenth century, Gutenberg’s printed Bible ushered in a whole new era of literacy. From the Renaissance onward, individual artists became known for their spectacular use of printmaking.

Over time, the “toolbox” of printmaking techniques expanded to include etching, mezzotint, and eventually lithography, silkscreen, and monoprint. As processes became more complex, more artists began to work in printshops with professional facilities and the expertise of a Master Printer.

The late nineteenth century saw the rise of the artist-printmaker in Europe and the United States. Contemporary artists continue to use printmaking for its unique visual qualities. As today’s artist-printmakers work with time-honored hand processes, often in communal printmaking workshops that foster collaboration and innovation, they build on the rich traditions of their artistic forebears.

The Tradition Continues today in Taos. Many Taos artists have taken advantage of the Printing Studio at UNM and Taos artist with their own Printing Press often offer their studios to other artists in the community. This exhibit represents new work by local printmakers working in their own studios or in a group setting. All artwork will be for sale with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Taos Historic Museums.

Acknowledgements:
Highpoint Center for Printing for the history of printmaking
Les Maitres des Arts Graphiques and MoMA for the definitions of print terms

It comes as no surprise that the E.L. Blumenschein Museum new exhibit is a print show. Helen Green Blumenschein, E.L.’s daughter, an artist in her own right, created many prints and etchings. They were used as book illustrations, greeting cards and book plates. On display during the show will be some of Helen’s original plates and Lino blocks.

 

Location: E.L. Blumenschein Home and Museum

July 4th - October 31st, 2010

Santa Rosa Labyrinth

Installed by Sandra Wasko-Flood, a life-long artist and teacher, who makes spiritual connections by creating and experiencing labyrinths. For more info on Sandra visit www.livinglabyrinthsforpeace.org

The Santa Rosa Labyrinth was designed by Lea Goode-Harris, Ph.D. in 1997.  The Santa Rosa design is but one in the lineage of the many labyrinths created over the past three to five thousand years in all parts of the world. It was the first of a wave of neo-medieval designs, created since the mid-nineties in the United States by diverse labyrinthers for different needs and styles. These contemporary designs meld together the seven circuits of the classical labyrinth and the quarter and half turns of the ancient medieval labyrinths. Some of these newer designs are actually not so old, but rediscoveries and re-makes of older designs that may be found in ancient and current manuscripts. And, some of these newer labyrinths hold bits and pieces found in the older labyrinths, such as the Siweard’s Labyrinth, from the 11th century, or the Italian, Beccaria Labyrinth from the 16th century. Each of these newer designs has a unique story of how they came to be. visit www.srlabyrinthfoundation.com for more info.

Location: E.L. Blumenschein Home and Museum

September 25th - 26th, 2010

Taos Trade Fair

The 23rd annual Taos Trade Fair will be at La Hacienda de los Martinez
Saturday Sept. 25th from 10-5 and Sunday the 26th from noon-5. There will
be mountain men, and traditional craft demonstrators selling their wares:
micaceous potters, blacksmith, weavers, quilters and more! The
organization Hilos Culturales (translating to "Cultural Threads") will be
partnering with us this year for their 10th anniversary. Their mission, to
preserve the unique culture of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado
through song and dance, will be demonstrated with continuous performances.
LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) will be selling
traditional Hispanic foods. Children's craft projects will start on the
half hour and story tellers will captivate you at the top of the hour.
Admission will be $10 for adults; $5 for children under 16 and $30 for a
family of 2 adults and their kids
 

Location: Hacienda de los Martinez

October 1st - December 31st, 2010

E. L. Blumenschein

Exhibition to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of E. L. Blumenschein's death.

Location: E.L. Blumenschein Home and Museum

October 30th, 2010 5:30 pm

Fall Fandango

The annual Fall Fandango is Taos Historic Museums' fundraiser for La
Hacienda de los Martinez. The dinner event features live Traditional
Spanish music during the cocktail hour while you may bid on silent auction
items. The live auction will feature works of well known artists,followed
by a buffet meal that is certain to delight.

This years Fall Fandango is Saturday Oct. 30th from 5:30-9:30 at the
Sagebrush Inn.

Tickets are $75; $125/couple; $525 for a table of 8

Location: Sagebrush Inn Taos, NM