The Living Legacy of
Maria Poveka Martinez

By Rebekah Powers, May 2023

If there is one name that stands out in the history of southwestern pottery it is Maria Poveka Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo. The technique for turning iron red clay into a gleaming coal black finish was an important aspect of ancient pottery that had been lost. It was the recovery of that ancient knowledge that gained Maria worldwide recognition and catapulted her work into museums and history books worldwide.

“Blue Corn” Crucita Gonzales Calabaza 1921-1999

By Rebekah Powers, April 2023

The name Blue Corn was given to Crucita Gonzales Calabaza in a San Ildefonso naming ceremony by one of Maria Martinez’s sisters and the name would become one that echoes down through history. Under the tutelage of her grandmother, Blue Corn made her first clay pot at the age of 3 and her grandmother told her, “Your hands are made for pottery.”

The Monumental Faces
Painted by Miguel Martinez

By Rebekah Powers, April 2023

Miguel Martinez is a true Taos artist who has lived the Taoseño life since his birth in 1951, the precocious youngest son of Hispanic parents. Drawn to many forms of artistic expression, he experimented and became a successful jewelry designer.

The Enigmatic Painter
Paul Burlin 1886-1969

By Rebekah Powers, April 2023

Each painter, sculptor or weaver adds a piece to the puzzle of Southwestern History. Some artists give their entire lives to a place, others chart an indirect course with various stops along the way. Such was the life and art of Paul Burlin who made an important contribution to art history.

The Light, Color and Shadows of Rod Goebel 1946-1993

By Rebekah Powers, April 2023

Rod Goebel was born in Austin, educated in New Mexico and beyond and died in Taos in 1993. He was a post impressionist painter of Southwestern landscapes and portraits, known for vigorous brushwork and direct painting, vivid colors and compelling compositions.

Where History Meets Art At Chimayo Trading

By Rebekah Powers, April 2023

The Saint Francis Church of Assisi has stood for centuries as a sacred home of Saint Francis, often depicted with birds. Paintings, photographs and etchings of this church and other missions throughout the mountains, trace the history of art in New Mexico. There seems to be no separation of spiritual inspiration and the creative response.

Standing the Test of Time: 20 Years of Family and Business

By Rebekah Powers, March 2023

When you walk into Chimayo Trading Del Norte for the first time, you are transported. The room itself, the floor, the vigas all set the stage for an experience out of time. Every corner, every wall, every niche reveals another special treasure or an authentic artifact of times gone by, centuries in scope.

The Story Behind The Painting “The Rough Road To Taos”

By Rebekah Powers

A very special work of art has just been acquired by Chimayo Trading. The oil painting, “The Rough Road to Taos” by Ed Sandoval is now available as part of our curated painting collection.

John Young-Hunter And
“Woman With The Red Parasol”

By Rebekah Powers

Taos, New Mexico is a small remote mountain town with an international history. Transformed from its humble origins into an important art center in early 20th century, John Young-Hunter was one of the artists to whom Taos beckoned.

Warren E. Rollins and
“The House of Montezuma”

By Rebekah Powers

Sometimes at Chimayo Trading Del Norte, we find a major work by an extremely important historic figure in Southwestern Art. The artist is Warren E. Rollins, and the painting is titled “The House of Montezuma” and both the man and the painting have an interesting backstory.

Tammy Garcia’s
“Cross Current”

By Rebekah Powers

Tammy Garcia is one of the most acclaimed artists of Santa Clara Pueblo. Her mother, Linda Cain and grandmother Mary Cain conveyed a generational legacy and a place in history that Tammy has really made her own.

Tony Abeyta
Painter Extraordinaire

By Rebekah Powers

Chimayo Trading is now showing an exceptional painting by one of New Mexicos most prominent native painters Tony Abeyta. There are many aspects of this major work that make it unique. One is the figurative design of interlocking animal forms that dance across the canvas, hence the title: “Animal Dance”.

Lydia Quezada, Master Potter of Mata Ortiz

By Rebekah Powers

Lydia Quezada is the younger sister of Juan Quezada, the man who revived the prehistoric pottery tradition of the region and taught a generation the techniques and design that now comprise the renowned art form of Mata Ortiz pottery.

The Miracle Man of Mata Ortiz: Juan Quezada 1940-2022

By Rebekah Powers

The village of Mata Ortiz is mourning the loss of their leader, their teacher, and their inspiration: Juan Quezada. It was Juan who recovered the ancient art form of pottery that lifted the entire town out of poverty and certain obscurity to become a mecca of creativity, innovation and exquisite pottery.

Stunning Works By
Darren Grant

By Rebekah Powers

Three exquisitely realistic oil paintings by Darren Grant are now on view at Chimayo Trading. Grant exhibits a searing eye for detail and an intensity of color that seem to transcend oil layers and canvas to become reality itself. There is a moment of disbelief, a deeper investigation and then, a marveling. Darren Grant is truly a magician, masterfully presenting a transcendent moment in time, a shimmering, ephemeral memory that can last a lifetime.

Superlative Mata Ortiz

By Rebekah Powers

The fine line work, the masterful carving, the indescribable designs and colors combine to astound. To read up on the history, discovery and technique of the people from Mata Ortiz, refer to our archived newsletters. It is a story of exquisite ceramic art lost and found. The story continues with the resilience, faith and talent of the people who have reformed history with their own hands.

The Exceptional Encaustic Paintings of Raé Miller

By Rebekah Powers

Looking at a painting by Raé Miller, it is impossible to see how it was done! The layers of color appear organically; her compositions are sophisticated with an air of approachability. She welcomes you with subtle twists and turns of color, a flash of silver leaf, or a corrugated pattern that rises up and disappears beneath waves of perception.

Jim Vogel, Taos Painter and Storyteller

By Rebekah Powers

Jim Vogel masterfully weaves color and emotion, meaning and myth into paintings that reflect the people and places in New Mexico that are dear to his heart. From a family of storytellers, Vogel pays homage in each of his works to  folklore that has been handed down through generations of his family, preserving myths that have survived across cultures with ancient wisdom that remains relevant today.

Celebrating The Legendary Life and Art of
Ed Morgan

By Rebekah Powers

In the colorful progressive town of Taos, many creative individuals have found a true home and Ed Morgan was certainly one of the most notable. By the time he arrived in Taos his entire life up to that point had prepared him to meet his ultimate destiny to become an important component of the art scene, as gallery owner, mentor and eventually becoming recognized worldwide for his innovative engraving.

Avanyu
Guardian of Water

By Rebekah Powers

The plumed serpent, Avanyu first appeared a thousand years ago on high canyon walls and caves as a petroglyph, and on black and white Mimbres pottery. A dragon, with an undulating form that suggests water, or sometimes a zig zag form that representing lightning, the “Storm Bringer” undulated through early Casas Grandes designs, snaking its way into the upper Rio Grande Tewa and Tiwa tribes around 1325.

The Unexpected Paintings of Clarence Medina

By Rebekah Powers

Paintings of spectacular moments on ordinary days describes the art of Clarence Medina. His work has the immediacy of being on location, making it easy to see through the artists eyes, stand in his shoes and allow the scene to envelope you. Medina evokes that sensation of place, the energy of the day, but most of all, a feeling of home.

Tony Abeyta . PEDERNAL

By Rebekah Powers

A timeless subject, the mountain Pedernal has been interpreted by many great painters who migrated here from many parts of the world. We are honored, at Chimayo Trading, to be featuring an exquisite painting of this magical mountain by Navajo master painter, Tony Abeyta.

Introduction to The Navajo People
Their Beliefs, Lifestyle and Traditions

By Rebekah Powers

For more than 500 years, the Navajo people, their lifestyle, their talents and their beliefs have both fascinated and intimidated others. Today we still see the influence of their textile designs, inspiring entire industries and fashion houses around the world.

Larry Bell: Astonishing Artist of Innovation

By Rebekah Powers

Larry Bell could live and work anywhere in the world, but he chooses to split his time between his large studio in Taos, New Mexico and one in Venice, California. He shows his work in the most prestigious venues and has contributed to an evolution in contemporary art.

Sheldon Parsons (1866-1943), Painter of Land and Sky

By Rebekah Powers

At the same time that artists were flocking to Taos, and the acclaimed Taos Society of Artists, another group of great artists were being drawn to Santa Fe, establishing their own traditions and creating their own art colony just south of their famous neighbors in Taos.

A Renaissance in Ranchos de Taos

By Rebekah Powers

Chimayo Trading is known as the place to go for historic weavings, paintings and Pueblo pottery. But many people who walk through the doors for the first time are just as stunned by the floors, the vigas, and the adobe architecture of the buildings themselves.

Origins Of Mata Ortiz Pottery

By Rebekah Powers

To look at a piece of extraordinary pottery from the town of Mata Ortiz creates a sense of awe and wonder. Surfaces glitter and gleam with high polish and designs so intricate..

Two New Painters Featured at Chimayo Trading Gallery

By Rebekah Powers

Our spacious rooms of paintings now include the works of two very different painters, both of whom interpret the landscape of northern New Mexico in unique ways.

The Peaceful Visions of Ann Huston

By Rebekah Powers

Her work comes on tiptoe like first light, soft as a cloud and quiet as the space between breaths. Poised in that still point, you meet the artist who has created this place, as deep as the earth itself.

The Fascinating Evolution of Navajo Pottery

By Rebekah Powers

Historically, the pre-historic semi nomadic Navajo people used baskets for storage. It is believed that when they dried meat, they would line a basket with clay to hold the meat and put it directly into the fire.

Hopi Kachina Dolls:
The Magic, the Meaning and the Mystery

By Rebekah Powers

The kachina doll is based on magical supernatural beings who live in the hearts and minds and tradition of Native American Hopi culture.

The Strong Hands of Taos Pueblo Drum Maker, Lee Lujan

By Rebekah Powers

Chimayo Trading just received a large collection of drums made by one of the most known and respected drum makers in all of the Southwest, Lee Lujan from Taos Pueblo.

More about
Claudia Peina

By Rebekah Powers

Since spotlighting the work of Claudia Peina, we have received requests for more information about her and how she creates such rarified and singularly beautiful sculptures from Elk horn.

Claudia Peina
She Who Shines Brightly

By Rebekah Powers

Claudia Peina is a Zuni fetish carver who carries forward the creative and original legacy of her family of artists who carve elk antler.

Angie Yazzie, Master of Micaceous Clay

By Rebekah Powers

Angie Yazzie’s micaceous clay pieces will stop you in your tracks. You will wonder, what human being could have created a clay vessel with such precision, grace and resonance?

Landscapes by
Chris Morel

By Rebekah Powers

On the cover of January’s Plein Air Magazine, Chris Morel represents the best of New Mexico’s painters and speaks to his mindset while painting in the article about him. 

A New Vision in Jemez Pueblo Pottery

By Rebekah Powers

When you first see a pot by Gabriel Gonzales, you know it is contemporary because you have never seen any other piece of pottery like it! 

Kachina Carver
Chester Poleyestewa

By Rebekah Powers

The exceptional carving of Chester Poleyestewa stands as a testament to Hopi tradition and exemplifies the historic aesthetic better than anyone else carving Katsinas today. 

Acoma Pottery and the Four Matriarchs

By Rebekah Powers

Acoma Pueblo, also called “Sky City” comprises a quarter of a million acres of beautiful mesas, deep valleys and rolling hills, homeland to deer, elk, antelope, bears, mountain lions, coyotes, rabbits, prairie dogs and hundreds of species birds.

The Incomparable Paintings of William Martin

By Rebekah Powers

A painter of expressive realism, a colorist extraordinaire, and a visual storyteller like no other, William Martin is a master.

New Paintings From
Michelle Tsosie Sisneros

By Rebekah Powers

A consummate professional artist, Michelle Tsosie Sisneros who never fails to deliver, is our featured artist with an exciting exhibition of new works for sale.

Wayne Muskett, Contemporary Silversmith

The Church in Ranchos and the Art of Religion

By Rebekah Powers

Chimayo Trading Del Norte is on the north edge of the plaza in Ranchos, in the morning shadow of San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church. The Adobe architecture is a feat of large scale sculpture in itself, magnificent and humble at the same time.   

The Many Facets of Sheldon Harvey

By Rebekah Powers

Sheldon Harvey, (Navajo) has been making art since the early days of his youth. He burst on to the art scene as an emerging artist in both painting and sculpture, and began taking home prizes and awards in the Santa Fe Indian Market including the most coveted award, “Best Of Show” in 2008.  

Maria Martinez

By Rebekah Powers

Any discussion or study of Pueblo Pottery will inevitably lead to one name: Maria Martinez.
Collectors claim that they have “a Maria” and her fine black on black pieces are legend. If you have ever dreamed that you might add one of Maria’s pieces to your collection, now you have that opportunity.

Ann Huston in the Land of Enchantment

By Rebekah Powers

Her work is her form of meditation, a way of stepping out of time and into timelessness. Ann Huston is widely recognized for her unique response to the land and culture of Northern New Mexico, her home and her muse.

A Woman with Many Talents and Interests

By Rebekah Powers

Painter, muralist, illustrator and author, Illa McAfee moved to Taos with her artist husband in 1928 to become part of the burgeoning art movement.

ELEVEN

By Rebekah Powers

The ELEVEN show is a kaleidoscope of creativity. Each person has a distinct point of view, recognizable and divergent. This show will anoint the expanded space at Chimayo Trading with the energy of newness, a frisson created by showing a body of work that has truly never been seen or felt before.

Powerful Paintings
by Walt Gonske

By Rebekah Powers

We at the expanded Chimayo Trading Gallery are currently showing newer works by Walt Gonske. He comes to our gallery with a cadre of collectors, a legion of fans and a sphere of influence that precedes him and emanates out in all directions.

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Samuel Manymules
Minimalist Navajo Potter

By Rebekah Powers

Samuel Manymules is known for his modern take on the long tradition of Native American pottery. Collectors of his work find the high polish of his surfaces and the “fire clouds” from the traditional firing methods combine to create his own unique aesthetic.

Carl Redin 1892-1944

By Rebekah Powers

Carl Redin was born in Sweden and as a youngster, he was fascinated with the American west. His talent was recognized at 14 he began his study of art in Stockholm. Drafted into the Swedish Navy, he left Navy life and immigrated to the US and settled in Chicago.

Who is Rudolph Carl Gorman?

By Rebekah Powers

Better known as R.C. Gorman, (1931-2005) he was a Native American artist of the Navajo Nation.  Referred to as “the Picasso of American Indian artists” by the New York Times, his paintings are primarily Native American women, characterized by fluid forms and simple lines, with touches of brilliant color.

Ralph Meyers, a Taos Character

By Rebekah Powers

At the center of the vibrant cultural mix of the Taos Art Colony, in what may have been its most vibrant phase, there stood one man who would become famous for his role in Taos’s diverse history. Indians, Spanish, Anglos and Europeans alike sought out Ralph Meyers (1885-1948).

Doug Candelaria
Pueblo Artist

By Rebekah Powers

For at least 6 hours every day, Douglas Candelaria paints. He immerses himself in scenes of the American West featuring the majesty and color of the landscape and figures on horseback, often riding at night.

Giovanna Paponetti
Master Painter  

By Rebekah Powers

“Every brushstroke brings me closer to my quest to discover old instincts and how I relate to the world around me. As I capture the spirit of my models on canvas, they bring life to me as well. It is a union of mutual respect and gives me the courage to fly.”

Walt Gonske 

By Rebekah Powers

For four decades, landscape impressionist painter Walt Gonske has braved the snow and the sun, scaled rocks and rivers and sought out the obscure evocative locations that inspire him to paint.  His expressive brush captures the felt experience of a place in time using texture and stunning color combinations.

Alyce Frank 

By Rebekah Powers

Born in New Iberia, Louisiana, where Tabasco Sauce is made, Alyce refers to her own birth as her first artistic experience. She had a solid education and was admitted into the University of Chicago when she was only a sophomore in High School.

The Laughing Family of Navajo Weavers 

By Rebekah Powers

A very traditional Navajo woman, Mona Laughing learned weaving from her mother Elsie Mark. Mona raised 6 children in Crystal, NM and remarkably put all of them through college by selling her weavings. 

A visit to Ranchos de Taos is like stepping back to a time when life was slower 

By Rebekah Powers

At the center of the plaza stands the historic San Francisco de Assís Church which has been the subject of work by Ansel Adams and Georgia OKeefe. 

Glenn Fred
Hopi Kachina Carver 

By Rebekah Powers

Born in 1955, Glenn Fred comes from a tiny Hopi village of Bacavi, where his father was governor. He has 5 brothers who also carve the Kachina dolls that are at the root of Hopi tradition and education.

Gene Kloss
An American Printmaker 

By Rebekah Powers

Alice Geneva Glasier became known as Gene Kloss, one of America’s finest printmakers. Born in Oakland, California in 1903, she died a loved and respected artist in Taos, New Mexico in 1996. 

Jewelry That Makes A Statement 

By Rebekah Powers

Extraordinary necklaces from the boldest to the most delicate are on display in our Chimayo Trading Del Norte Gallery. 

Painting the Navajo Way of Life, Harrison Begay

By Rebekah Powers

Harrison Begay, also known as Haskay Yahne Yah (meaning “Warrior Who Walked Up to His Enemy”), 1914-2012 is a renowned Diné (Navajo) painter, printmaker and illustrator specializing in watercolors, gouache and silkscreen prints.

A Different Drum made by Lee Lujan of Taos Pueblo

By Rebekah Powers

Lee Lujan continues the long tradition of making drums that he learned from his Pueblo family.

Making the Case for Baskets

By Rebekah Powers

A collection of baskets is a collection of time: the time it took for the grasses and reeds and bark to grow, the time to gather and the time to weave..

Chimayo Trading is featured in Taos News, Tempo

by Tamra Testerman
Photos by Morgan Timms

Chimayo Trading Del Norte is nestled in the Ranchos Plaza in the shadow of the iconic Saint Francis church in Ranchos de Taos.

Our Mata Ortiz/Casas Grandes Pottery Collection is now online!

By Rebekah Powers

A young Mexican boy looking for firewood finds a pottery shard from a Pre-Hispanic culture. So began a creative and artistic explosion in the little town of Mata Ortiz in Chihuahua.

At Chimayo Trading del Norte we’ve been busy adding hundreds of beautiful pieces of pottery to our new website..

By Rebekah Powers

We carry a wide variety of different contemporary or historic styles from all the native pueblos of New Mexico.

Hopi Kachinas by Chester Poleyestewa

By Rebekah Powers

The Kachina doll was and is made for Native use by Hope fathers and uncles to give to their daughters or nieces; primarily the doll is hung on the wall or from the rafters of the house so that it may be seen at all times. The purpose is to teach their children about the different Kachina masks, their outfits, and body painting. Therefore, the doll has to be as perfect as possible, and certainly so in mask features. This may explain in part why the earlier dolls were accurate and detailed outline, often with more suggestions of arms and legs.