Living the Tradition:
Contemporary Hispanic Folk-Art

Exhibition Statement

Leading up to 1998, the Taylor Museum of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center had dedicated considerable resources to acquiring contemporary Hispanic crafts from northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado, to complement its world-renowned collection of 18th and 19th century Spanish Colonial arts. The works include santos (Catholic folk religious images), weaving, colcha embroidery, straw applique, tinwork, silver, and furniture.

The exhibit included many award-winning contemporary artists working in the field, including Charles Carrillo, Felix Lopez, Victor Geier, Nicholas Herrera, Guadalupita Ortiz, Marie Romero Cash, Arlene Cisneros Sena, Eulogio and Zoraida Ortega, Horacio Valdez, David Nabor Lucero, Luis Tapia, Juan and Rita Martinez, Jimmy Trujillo, Charlie Sanchez, Jr., Raymond Lopez, Ramon Jose Lopez, Anne and the late Robert Romero, Eluid Levi Martinez, Teresa Archuleta-Sagel, Catherine Robles-Shaw, and Gloria Lopez.

In addition, the exhibit contained an introductory section focused on the revival artists of the early 20th century, including works by Patrocino Barela, Juan Sanchez, Jose Dolores Lopez, George Lopez, and Leo Salazar.

Also included was a section on the Virgin of Guadalupe, one of the most popular religious images in New Mexico, which traces the sources and history of the image in Mexico, possible connections to Spain and the Mexican Indian mythology, and the role of the image in the evolution of a Mexican national identity.

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