by
Kathryn Retzler
Farmington, New Mexico [Summer 2001, updated winter 2008]
Artifacts Gallery and Chili Store, both at 302 E. Main Street are a unique blend of “work in progress” and finished artwork augmented by chili products sure to warm the heart of every cook who loves New Mexican cuisine.
Both are housed in the former Farmington Lumber and
Hardware building in
historical downtown Farmington. Built in 1908 by Gibson Lumber and
purchased in
1916
by the family of present owners Bev Taylor (and her husband New Mexico
State Representative Tom Taylor) and their daughter Tara Churchill, the
building has been in the Taylor family since its inception.
Inside you will find contemporary art and fine crafts by 40 local and area artists—all of it representative of the gallery’s name, Artifacts, which means “any handmade object”— together with the work of eight studio artists. Bev Taylor, Tara Churchill, Kathy Walling, Pat Knight, Janet Burns, Dwight Lawing, Sue McQueen, Sharon Herbey, working in calligraphy, book art, weaving, painting, photography, print-making and silk, also take turns demonstrating their work Saturday afternoons from noon to 2 p.m.
“We saw this as an opportunity to turn this wonderful old building into an art space, while at the same time, helping the downtown area,” says co-owner Bev Taylor, a calligrapher and book artist, of the decision to turn the building into a gallery and studio. “We are seeing more and more artists and studios move into the downtown [Farmington]. By offering demonstrations and hosting a Gallery Walk the first Thursday of each month [from 4-8 p.m.], we are helping to make art more available to everyone.”
Taylor, who teaches a book arts class, is a native of Farmington. A graduate of the University of New Mexico with a degree in art history, she has been involved in art most of her life, both as a student and since 1982 as a teacher at San Juan College. “I’ve done art all my life,” Taylor says. Twenty years ago she took a calligraphy class at Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, New Mexico, an experience repeated nearly every year since, which established her as a book artist.
Of
her book art, Taylor says: “I create a place to put words, a space to
collect
things that are meaningful. I love paper, layering, combining textures
and materials, words and expressions.” The Chili Store offers a wide variety of chili products, including salsas, dry mixes, breads and jams. Everything from "Flaming Hot to Nice and Mild" can be found at the store.
To watch artists at work or pick up some great local chili products, visit the Artifacts Gallery and Chili Store, 302 E. Main Street, Farmington. Winter hours, through March, are 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Beginning the first of April, the gallery will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 505 327-2907. http://artifacts-gallery.com
Photo captions:
1. Artifacts Gallery co-owner Bev Taylor with one of her
paper collages.
2. Artifacts Gallery, downtown Farmington, NM.