The incredible reality of the Taos art colony, blooming in the middle of New Mexico’s high desert, remains a fascinating and stimulating mystery to ponder and explore — precisely the ticket for feeding the vibrant inquiry and self-expression of Taos artists.
From the micaceous pottery of Taos Pueblo to the furniture and religious art by Hispano artisans, the creativity infused within these works largely developed out of necessity. And yet, although Taos has always been relatively isolated, historically it served as a crossroads between the Great Plains and the desert Southwest, between the American territories and Mexico, which meant a wide variety of influences swirled through the rendezvous and markets that took place here.
This spirit of acceptance continued as artists began arriving to Taos in the early part of the 20th century.
“The artistic culture of Taos spans centuries, however the establishment of the community as an art colony was due to the adventurous nature of several painters who came to Taos and became enchanted by the traditional cultures, breathtaking landscapes, unique light quality and seemingly unspoiled way of life,” as described by one of Taos’ premier showcases of art, The Harwood Museum. “By 1912, Ernest Blumenschein, Oscar E. Berninghaus, E. Irving Couse, W. Herbert ‘Buck’ Dunton and Joseph Sharp had arrived in Taos. These five plus Bert Phillips created the Taos Society of Artists, which existed from 1915 to 1927. The Society sent traveling shows of its members’ works throughout the country. The images they created, frequently of American Indians in traditional garb, Northern New Mexico Hispanos and old-timer Anglo-Americans, as well as landscapes, came to define the first decades of the art colony. “
Over the years, modern artists such as R.C. Gorman, Bill Gersh, Agnes Martin, Earl Stroh, Ted Egri and Peter Chinni — to name just a handful — made Taos their home and its influence on their creations is evident.
With museums, historic homes, outdoor sculptures and mural, original music, live theater and galleries galore to see, it will become apparent to you just how deep art is in Taos and how much Taos is art.