Heritage Arts, Collections, and Cultural Legacy in New Mexico

Founded in 1908, the small town of Carson, New Mexico, became home to Mormon homesteaders from across the country searching for opportunity and a new beginning. What emerged from this remote community was one of the most remarkable embroidery traditions in New Mexico history.

Out of hardship, drought, perseverance, and creativity came a lasting colcha legacy that continues to influence artists today. Featured artists connected to this tradition include Sophie Graves, Francis Graves, Winnie Shupe, Mabel O’Dell, and contemporary colcheras Louise Graves and Elaine Graves.

New Collections Tours at NMHA

New opportunities are now available for visitors to experience the museum collections up close through guided vault tours led by E. Boyd Curator and Museum Director Jana Gottshalk.

Upper Vault Collection Tours

• Held on the last Thursday of every month
• Currently scheduled June through September
• 40-minute guided tour
• 2:00 PM – 2:40 PM
• Maximum of 10 guests

Visitors can explore open collections without glass barriers while viewing historic and contemporary New Mexican arts including Bultos, Retablos, Straw Applique, and Tinwork.

Photography is permitted, though flash photography is prohibited.

Private Group Collection Tours

• Available Thursdays and Fridays
• Currently scheduled June through September
• 60-minute private tour experience
• 11:00 AM or 1:00 PM tour options
• Minimum 5 guests, maximum 8 guests

This extended experience includes both upper and lower vault collections featuring furniture, fiber arts, devotional works, and historic New Mexican craftsmanship.

Photography is permitted, though flash photography is prohibited.

Complimentary Educational Tours

The museum continues to provide complimentary exhibit and collection tours for schools and nonprofit organizations. These tours support the ongoing mission of preserving and sharing the heritage arts traditions of New Mexico.

Educational group scheduling is currently available from June through December 2026.

2026 Traditional Spanish Market Master Artist

Nicolas Otero has been named the 2026 Traditional Spanish Market Master Artist.

From receiving a Youth Craftsmanship Award at the 1998 Traditional Spanish Market to becoming a respected mentor and artist, Otero’s journey reflects decades of dedication to New Mexican artistic traditions.

Recently, Otero and his students visited the museum to explore micaceous pottery and engage directly with traditional artistic techniques.

June New Mexico Stories Presentation

The Art of Collection

Collectors and artists Arthur López and Bernadette Marquez-López will participate in a public conversation focused on collecting art, curating personal collections, and preserving artistic traditions.

• Thursday, June 18
• 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Arthur López, a Santa Fe native, is widely recognized for his santero wood sculptures and devotional artwork rooted in traditional methods while exploring contemporary themes.

Bernadette Marquez-López specializes in sterling silver jewelry inspired by centuries-old Spanish and New Mexican craftsmanship traditions, blending historic techniques with contemporary design.

Historic 1780 Mexican House

Brick Patio Restoration Project

The museum is continuing preservation efforts surrounding the Historic 1780 Mexican House, one of the best-preserved surviving examples of its kind in the United States.

Originally located near the village of Parícutin in Michoacán, Mexico, the structure was used as a sala, or parlor, and reflects architectural traditions introduced by Spanish settlers during the colonial era.

The ornate corbels on the porch share similarities with decorative architectural forms seen throughout New Mexico and the broader Spanish colonial world.

The house was gifted to the organization in 2001, transported in pieces, and reconstructed by acclaimed artists Luis and Sergio Tapia.

Future plans aim to preserve the structure while making it a more visible educational centerpiece on campus.

Museum Blog Feature

The Beauty of the Personal

While devotional works like Retablos and Bultos are frequently displayed, the museum collection contains more than 4,000 objects representing personal history, craftsmanship, and cultural memory.

Among these pieces are silverwork, filigree, keepsakes, and everyday personal belongings that reflect the artistry and traditions of generations past.

One highlighted object is a Tibetan strike-a-light from around 1820, decorated with coral, turquoise, silk, leather, steel, and intricate gold engravings. Commonly referred to as chispas, these tools were once essential for starting fires and lighting tobacco.

Board of Trustees Updates

Honoring Gustavo Victor Goler

After nine years of service on the Board of Trustees, artist Gustavo Victor Goler is concluding his term. His contributions as both an artist and conservator helped strengthen the museum’s connection to traditional and contemporary New Mexican art.

Goler’s restoration work throughout Northern New Mexico and beyond continues to preserve historic artistic traditions for future generations.

Welcoming New Board Members

The organization also welcomed Robin Farwell Gavin, Carla Pierce, and Jerry Richardson to the Board of Trustees.

Their combined expertise includes Spanish Colonial art history, architecture, historic preservation, museum leadership, public service, and cultural advocacy throughout New Mexico.

Library and Archives

The museum archive and library preserve more than a century of history connected to the Spanish Colonial Arts Society, Traditional Spanish Market, and the broader cultural history of Northern New Mexico.

The collection includes more than 4,000 books, publications, archival materials, and historical records related to Spanish Colonial art, architecture, folklore, music, literature, and cultural traditions from New Mexico, Mexico, Spain, Latin America, and beyond.

Archival holdings also contain important historical records from influential contributors connected to the museum and its collections.

The library is open to the public every Thursday and Friday from noon to 2:00 PM.

Seeking Library Volunteers

The museum is currently seeking volunteers interested in assisting with library and archival operations on Thursday and Friday afternoons.

Volunteer opportunities involve working with historical and cultural texts while helping preserve and organize important educational resources.

Preserving Heritage Arts for Future Generations

Through exhibitions, educational programs, collections stewardship, restoration work, and public engagement, the museum continues its mission of preserving and celebrating the heritage arts traditions of New Mexico.

These efforts ensure that the artistic, historical, and cultural legacy of the region remains accessible and vibrant for generations to come.