#26-Bandelier-Final New Mexico Vacation Posts

Bandelier National Monument probably was my favorite spot during our too-brief vacation. It has an antiquity with corresponding spirituality that appealed to me. The large picture is a reconstruction of a Talus house that were built on the rock debris (talus) slopes on the sunny sides of canyons and mesas. The small photo is an archeological stabilization (see the blue tents?) of Tyhonyi, on the floor of Frijoles Canyon, which was occupied at the same time as the dwellings that were built along the base of the cliff.

#25-La Muerta Cart?

The first time I saw these carts many years ago was on the High Road to Taos, behind a small adobe church, San Jose de Gracia, in Las Trampas. Whether it is an urban legend or fact, I was told that the carts were used by the Penitentes and supposedly held a statue of the death angel, Dona Sebastina, better known as La Muerta. Hmm! I think I need to do a little research on this!

"Columbines in Bloom"#24

I think I'll end the quilt theme with this one made by Donna Barnitz, who was featured already with "My Sister's Truck" on August 10. The small photo is called "Hummingbird Migration" by Jean McLaughlin who lives in Silver City, NM. Hope you enjoyed them; I know that we did!

#23-"Black, White, Red Bargello"

For a little change, I thought that this contemporary, abstract pattern can illustrate the broad range of quilt patterns in the exhibit. The information with this quilt reads: Sarb Khalso/Pattern-Chris Timmons, Espanola, NM

"My Sister's Truck"-#22

I loved this quilt because these trucks are a familiar sight on the New Mexico landscape. Donna Barnitz of Rio Rancho, NM is the crafter of this wonderful quilt.

#21-Another Quilt

Yadi Flannery of Santa Fe crafted this beauty called "Oldzia in Pink at 90."

#20-"Adobe Sundance"

On the first floor, the Capitol Rotunda Gallery had an exhibit called, "New Mexico Fabrications Art Quilts by New Mexico Art Quilters," which was an outstanding collection of approximately 30+ quilters. This one entitled "Adobe Sundance" was crafted by Michelle Jackson of Albuquerque, NM.

"Where the buffalo roam..."-#19

This unusual sculpture can be found on the third floor of the New Mexico state capitol in Santa Fe. Look closely and you'll see some of materials used in this piece that honors the buffalo: newsprint, metals of different kinds, wires, audio tape, and paint brushes. It's an impressive and imposing piece of art.

Senate Chambers of New Mexico-#18

Much to our surprise, probably the best place to see an impressive art collection of New Mexican artists is the state capitol building. The collection is enormous and eclectic, and all of the pieces are of very high quality. I was impressed by the lack of security in the building; in contrast, here in MN many of our government buildings are like fortresses. We walked in and out of both House and Senate Chambers, talked to the friendly staff, and were treated like honored guests! I'll show you some of the art pieces later this week, but today enjoy the Seal of New Mexico and the Senate Chambers.

Native American Artifacts

One of my friends has an outstanding collection of Indian baskets and other Native American artifacts. This photo shows some objects that demonstrate the exquisite skills of individual artists. Beautiful, aren't they?

#15-The Santa Fe Opera

I bet you thought that I was going to show you scenes from one of the operas, or the stage or costumes. Nope! These charming gentlemen were one of the hundreds of people tailgating in the parking lot before the performance. No white tablecloths or candlabras, but the cheese and wine they offered me looked pretty darn good!

Free Spirits-#14

Before an appreciative audience of mostly tourists, these free spirits enjoyed solo dancing to the beat of the musicians on the bandstand. Santa Fe Rocks!

#11 The Best Sky in the World! Santa Fe Vacation

I took these four photos in the car while traveling down Highway 84/285 from our day trip to Bandelier National Monument. The photos clearly show why artists come to Santa Fe, the light and sky are spectacular...the Best Sky in the World!

#10-Cliff Dwellings-Bandelier Nat'l Monument

Bandelier is an archeological site preserved in as natural condition as possible. Evidence of human activity dates back more than 10,000 years. The people who settled in Frijoles (free-HOH-lace)Canyon are known as the ancestral Pueblo people. Anyone who visits the Santa Fe area should visit this canyon to get a greater sense of history. These photos were taken in the area of the cliff dwellings. If one is agile (I AM!), ladders can be climbed to view some of the interior rooms.

#9-Homage to the Burro-Santa Fe Vacation

This handsome fellow stands at the entrance to Burro Alley on San Francisco Street. A plaque reads: Wood peddlers, farmers and merchants used Burro Alley. Burros economically served the many cultures of New Mexico for many years. The people of Santa Fe relied on the burro for their welfare.

SF Vacation #8-Spanish Market

The annual Spanish Market has grown much larger since I've been here last. It's a two-day festival that celebrates the culture with traditional and contemporary crafts of extremely high quality: textiles, jewelery, furniture, paintings, tinwork, wood carvings, retablos, bolsos, straw applique, and sculpture to name a few. There also is a category for youth artists, beginning at age 7. In addition the Plaza has music and dancing throughout the day. This collage is a collection of photos of a fashion show, "Exhibicion de Modas" of 18th Century apparel, worn by descendants of early New Mexican settlers; some of the models were grandmothers as well as their granddaughters. The clothing all had exquisite detail, and the audience enthusiastically welcomed their show!

San Francisco de Asis Church #7

Just south of the village of Ranchos de Taos, this mission church gained widespread fame after Georgia O'Keeffe painted the backside of it, which is now a favorite church to photograph by both amateur and professional photographers. Since so many people have not seen the front, I snapped both. The top is the famous image captured by O'Keeffe, but the bottom is the front entrance of St. Francisco.