The Sweet and Low of It All: Santa Fe Reporter Article, New Blog Post & Lecture

Talk and Book Signing with Don J. Usner

Wednesday, October 8 · 4:00–5:00 PM · Ticketed Event · $10

Did you know the second purchase ever made by the Spanish Colonial Arts Society — after acquiring the José Rafael Aragón altar screen in 1928 — was the Santuario de Chimayó? In October 1929, the Society purchased the private chapel, initiated its restoration, and deeded it to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe that same year. Today, the Santuario is world-famous as the destination for thousands of Easter pilgrims.

Join Don J. Usner — acclaimed author, celebrated photographer, and community historian — for an in-depth talk on Chimayó’s history and SCAS’s early connection to the Santuario. Usner is the author of Benigna’s Chimayó, Sabino’s Map: Life in Chimayó’s Old Plaza, and Chasing Dichos through Chimayó. To learn more about Don, and purchase his work visit his website.

SCAS | NMHA Open House

Friday, October 24 · 2:00–4:00 PM · Public Event · Free

This public open house is your opportunity to visit the new SCAS Administrative Offices and witness first stages of our Library and Archive Remodel. There is so much to explore on our campus. We hope you will have a moment to stop by, say hello, and become inspired as we harness the centennial year momentum and witness more of our strategic plan take physical form.

Cruzin’ 2 Success
SCAS | NMHA Community Day in Collaboration with the Española YMCA Teen Center

Saturday, November 1 · 3:00–5:00 PM · Public Event · Free
Sponsored by Santa Fe City Arts and Culture Department and UNESCO

Rescheduled from late July, this Community Event will be full of energy and color as the lowrider community graces NMHA grounds with their magnetic presence. A joyful celebration of our relationship with the mentors and youth of Española YMCA Teen Center and the Lowrider Bike Club. Be sure to catch the art workshops, artist demos, conversations, and lowriders with engines, pedals and more!

Lecture and Demonstration with Rob Martinez

Thursday, November 13 · 4:00–5:00 PM · Ticketed Event · $10

When planning the calendar of events to celebrate our centennial anniversary this year, we turned to our founding documents—specifically our Articles of Incorporation—for inspiration on how to best represent all that originally inspired the formation of SCAS 100 years ago. As stated in those Articles, among the many ways our founders sought to encourage and promote “Spanish Colonial art of every character” was through “entertainments.” We are exited therefore to invite you to join us November 13 as New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez presents an engaging lecture and musical demonstration exploring the history and cultural legacy of Spanish Colonial New Mexico. A celebrated folklorist, musician, and educator, Martinez brings the past to life through stories, music, and lived experience.

This event offers a unique perspective on the traditions and rhythms that have shaped communities across the region — blending history with performance in an accessible, memorable format. 

Purchase Tickets here!