The city of Española is located a few miles south of the first European settlement founded in New Mexico by Don Juan Oñate. The settlement, San Gabriel de Yunque-Ouinge (at the San Juan Pueblo) was the first European capital of New Mexico and seat of the first European governor of New Mexico.
The Northern New Mexico Regional Art Center (NNMRAC) is located on the Plaza de Española where it manages cultural events for the City and operates a gallery, gift shop and visitor's center. NNMRAC also manages the Española Community Arts Education Center where it conducts music and art classes for the community. NNMRAC organizes and sponsors art exhibitions at the Convento Gallery and the Historic Bond House Museum. Follow this link to learn more about the history of San Gabriel