Painters, potters and artists of other mediums flock to Northern New Mexico, continually inspired by its beautiful light and landscapes. Groups meeting in the area are encouraged to embrace the arts in various ways, including gallery walks and gallery-hosted receptions.
In Albuquerque’s Old Town area, its original circa-1706 settlement, art walks and smaller receptions are commonplace, according to Linda Brown, vice president of convention sales and services at the Albuquerque CVB. As delegates explore the area, they’ll find original buildings that have been restored to shops, restaurants and art galleries.
“There are many closed-off clusters there with patios beautifully landscaped for private receptions,” she says, explaining the “clusters” feature stores, art galleries and restaurants where groups can mill around. There are about 150 galleries in all, and many host special events. One popular choice that caters to groups is Weems Art Gallery.
Groups can also gather at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the official interpretive center for the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. The center recently added a wing for special meetings.
“They showcase Native American arts and pottery and have a wonderful room for private events with a large balcony overlooking the Sandia Mountains,” Brown says.
People come to Santa Fe from all over the world not only to see its art offerings, but to learn how to use the arts and culture of a community as a tourism offering, according to Keith Toler, executive director of the Santa Fe CVB.
In town, there are a number of large galleries that accommodate events of up to 250 people, including Gerald Peters Gallery and Nedra Matteucci Gallery.
Additionally, along West Palace Avenue in downtown Santa Fe, Toler says planners can book progressive arts crawls and receptions, complete with artists in the street, music and food booths.
In Taos, gallery walks featuring artist interaction are often arranged for groups, including a stop at Nichols Taos Fine Art Gallery, among many others.
Meanwhile, the Taos Gallery is one of many galleries that holds workshops for groups to either watch or participate in everything from oil painting to wood carving, according to Jeanne Kitzman, sales and marketing manager for the Taos Convention Center.
“It’s all customizable,” Kitzman says. “The arts community is always eager to have people in to learn.”
For More Info
Gerald Peters Gallery 505.954.5700 www.gpgallery.com
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 505.843.7270 www.indianpueblo.org
Nedra Matteucci Gallery 505.982.4631 www.matteucci.com
Nichols Taos Fine Art Gallery 505.758.2475 www.nicholsgallery.com
Taos Gallery 575.758.3911 www.thetaosgallery.com
Weems Art Gallery 505.764.0302 www.weemsgallery.com
