Show Preview | Corrales Art & Studio Tour

Various locations, Corrales, NM
September 9-12

Ken Duckert, Corrales Mercado, photograph, 8 x 14.

Ken Duckert, Corrales Mercado, photograph, 8 x 14.

In a small but historically significant village on the outskirts of Albuquerque, NM, a community of artists are doing the founders of their town proud. Corrales started out as an agricultural center and has a longstanding tradition of volunteerism and community spirit helping to sustain the village. Today the town boasts nearly 10,000 residents, many of whom are farmers, artists, and free spirits who keep the town’s familial flame alive.

Since it was formed in 2007, the Corrales Society of Artists has organized the Corrales Art & Studio Tour, during which society members set up displays in venues throughout town to show and sell their artwork. This year’s 23rd annual event takes place over a long weekend in mid-September—a perfect time of year for art lovers to visit New Mexico.

The best way to experience the tour is to first visit the Preview Gallery at the beautiful Casa Vieja event center, which is open throughout the weekend. A reception is held on Friday, September 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. Here, one work from each of the 68 participating artists is on display, providing a great overview of the tour. Art lovers can also pick up a map of the village showing the 31 locations available to visit. A wide variety of artwork—paintings, sculpture, glass, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, and more—is on display, offering collectors a range of subjects and styles to choose from.

Some artists set up in their galleries or studios, others in outdoor tents or at local wineries, and several invite guests into their homes. “We offer an informal, warm, inviting setting for collectors to connect directly with artists and their artwork,” says photographer Ken Duckert, who’s also one of the event organizers. “I love setting up in my house and back patio. We display the work, put out food and cold drinks, and talk art. This is the culture of our community, and we are proud to share it with others.”

Organizers agree that, now that pandemic restrictions have eased, this year’s event promises to be particularly special. “After a year of communicating with people on screens, it’s going to be quite refreshing for collectors to visit in person with people who create with their hands, hearts, and souls,” comments painter Barb Clark, another participating artist and organizer.

With its proximity to both Albuquerque and Santa Fe, Corrales is a worthwhile addition to any art lover’s fall schedule. “As one turns onto Corrales Road, the speed limit drops and, before you know it, life slows down,” says glass artist and organizer Gail Grambling Harrison. “The slower pace in Corrales is just one of the many unique characteristics of this village. Take the time to sample our hospitality. You will find a community that provides wonderful experiences to those who wish to explore.” –Allison Malafronte

contact information
www.corralessocietyofartists.org

This story appeared in the August/September 2021 issue of Southwest Art magazine.