“A Century of Masters” opens in the Museum of New Mexico in Santa Fe

A Century of Masters opens July 19, 2009 and is scheduled to close May 1, 2010; and celebrates the Museum of New Mexico’s 100th anniversary. The event is being held at the The Museum of International Folk Art located just off of the Old Santa Fe Trail at 706 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe, NM June, 2009 — Each year, the National Endowment for the Arts honors folk artists, storytellers, performers, and musicians throughout the United States for their contributions to traditional art forms. The National Heritage Fellows demonstrate artistic excellence and a commitment to their art forms through their processes, techniques, and transmission of the knowledge to others that strengthens and enriches their communities.

Museum of New Mexico Heritage Fellows
Museum of New Mexico Heritage Fellows

New Mexico residents are well-represented in this distinguished group of talented artists, especially given the size of the state’s population. The Museum of International Folk Art holds examples of the works of all the Fellows from New Mexico in its collections, from weavings, colcha embroidery and silversmithing, to pottery, tinwork, straw appliqué, hide painting, retablos, and woodcarving.

“The quality and range of artworks created by New Mexico’s National Heritage Fellows is impressive. The exhibit will stand as testimony to the dedication and skill of these talented artists;” said Dr. Joyce Ice, Director of the Museum of International Folk Art.

A Century of Masters opens July 19, 2009 and is scheduled to close May 1, 2010; and celebrates the Museum of New Mexico’s 100th anniversary

The National Heritage Fellowship Artists from New Mexico are:

  • George López (artist, woodcarver, deceased) 1982
  • Margaret Tafoya (Santa Clara potter, deceased) 1984
  • Cleofes Vigil (storyteller, singer, deceased) 1984
  • Helen Cordero (Cochiti potter, deceased) 1986
  • Emilio & Senaida Romero (artists, tinwork and colcha embroidery, deceased) 1987
  • Frances Varos Graves (colcha embroiderer, deceased) 1994
  • Ramón José López(artist, santero and silversmith) 1997
  • Roberto & Lorenzo Martinez (musicians) 2003
  • Charles M. Carrillo (artist, santero) 2006
  • Esther Martinez (San Juan storyteller, deceased) 2006
  • Eliseo & Paula Rodriguez (artists, straw appliqué) 2004
  • Irvin Trujillo (Rio Grande weaver) 2007

For more detailed information on the artists you may click on the Fellows name above or visit the Museum’s web site at Museum of International Folkart.

The Museum of International Folk Art houses the world’s largest collection of international folk art, with ongoing exhibitions Multiple Visions: A Common Bond in the Girard Wing. A Century of Masters opens the newly renovated Hispanic Heritage Wing. Changing and traveling exhibitions are offered in the Bartlett Wing and exhibitions highlighting textiles are featured the Neutrogena Wing. Lloyd’s Treasure Chest offers visitors interactive displays about collections and how museums care for collections.

The Museum of International Folk Art is a Division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

Information for the Public Location: The Museum of International Folk Art is located on Museum Hillâ„¢, Camino Lejo off Old Santa Fe Trail.

Contact: 505-476-1200 or International Folkart

Days/Times: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day the Museum is also open on Monday at the same time.

Admission: School groups free. Children 16 and under free. New Mexico residents with ID free on Sundays. New Mexico resident Senior Citizens (age 60+) with ID free Wednesdays. Museum Foundation members free. NM Veterans with 50% or greater disability free. Students with ID $1 discount. Single visit to one museum: $8.00 for non-state residents; $6.00 for New Mexico residents. Four-day pass to five museums including state-run museums in Santa Fe plus The Museum of Spanish Colonial Art $18.00. One-day pass for two museums (Museum of International Folk Art and Museum of Indian Arts and Culture OR The New Mexico Museum of Art and Palace of the Governors) $12.00. Group rate for ten or more people: single visit $6.00, four day pass $16.00.