HISTORY
Since High Road Artisans was formulated in 1998, the group has held steadfastly to its purposes of providing visibility and education for and by the artists of the region. Along the area known as the “High Road,” traditional and contemporary arts play a major role in preserving a long-cherished rural way of living as well as a livelihood.
Originally, the High Road Art Tour and the High Road MarketPlace were funded by an economic development project of the federal government through La Jicarita Enterprise Community. Since its inception in 1998, the High Road Art Tour has occurred each year and has grown considerably in size and scope. Additionally, the High Road MarketPlace gallery has continued its operation providing year-round exposure for the artists of the region.
The High Road Artisans group at large incorporated in 2001 and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the Northern New Mexico populations of Chimayó, Córdova, Truchas, Ojo Sarco, Las Trampas, Chamisal, Peñasco, Vadito, Placitas, and surrounding communities. Projects administered by the organization include the High Road Art Tour, the High Road MarketPlace gallery, the High Road New Mexico website, educational opportunities, Grants and other funding acquisition, and opportunities for exposure of the arts and crafts of the region.
High Road Artisans is a volunteer-run organization and as such is dependent upon the dedication and hard work of its members. The face of the organization continues to evolve and expand in spite of the ongoing economic hardships of both the local region and of the greater community. As artists and art lovers, the members understand fully the relationship art has to life itself, and to the preservation of regional traditions.
MISSION
The purpose of the High Road Artisans is to develop vision, direction, and tools to promote and sustain arts and culture as positive, integral elements of communities along the High Road to Taos.
Artist Jesse Romero
with his woodcarving of
Doña Sebastiana
(©2004 Liz Gold)
High Road Artisans celebrates the diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the early Hispanic settlers, the indigenous Indian population, and European-American "newcomers."
Made possible in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Partial funding also received from New Mexico Tourism Department and from Rio Arriba County and Taos County Lodgers' Tax.
