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Taking an Art Gallery Walk in Taos, New Mexico
Rate it! Votes (0) | Comments (0) By Cheri Sicard Photos: Art Divas Gallery Posted August 6th, 2007

TAOS, NEW MEXICO, USA -- For decades, Taos has attracted artists, writers and other creative types -- some of the folks who have lived and visited here include Gerogia O' Keefe, D.H Lawrence, Ansel Adams and Greta Garbo.

The town, a creative haven tucked away in the scenic New Mexico mountains, still attracts artists today. A stroll through downtown presents an almost endless array of choices for art shoppers (and admirers).

Downtown Taos is a relatively small area, and surprisingly flat (considering the town's surrounding mountains), so walking provides a good method to explore the Taos art scene at your leisure.

Befitting a town known for art, a good many of the offerings are surprising. Of course you'll find more than ample examples of southwestern art, but there are plenty of other options. We especially enjoyed Art Divas, a gallery that promotes women and "a few good men" in their art because of its eclectic and often whimsical and affordable wares; and the Nichols Fine Arts Gallery for its gorgeous oils, pastels, charcoals and watercolors.

But even among the aforementioned Southwestern genre, there are surprises that can help even non-aficionados gain a better appreciation for this unique American style. One such stop is the Jd Challenger Studio and Gallery. When my traveling companions expressed interest in going in, I silently groaned - a little bit of western art usually goes a long way with me. But the visit proved to be one of the highlights of the entire trip, as the artist himself happened to be in residence, which he apparently often is.

Jd Challenger is a theatrically imposingly tall man who looks like he answered a central casting call for actors qualified to portray Buffalo Bill. Jd would win hands down based on physical appearance. His flowing snow white hair peeks out from under a ten-gallon hat, framing a face with an almost Santa-like countenance, complete with smile and twinkling eyes. His ensemble is completed by a fringed beaded jacket and tall, elaborately decorated, multi-colored cowboy boots tucked into blue jeans. Large silver rings encircle many of his fingers and an even larger, more elaborately decorated silver buckle cinches his belt.

But this is not a Hollywood movie costume, this is the artist's usual everyday wardrobe and it gives a good indication of the passion, creativity and individuality that fuels the man.

Jd is not a native American, but although he started his career panting landscapes, townscapes, airplanes, trains and fire engines, he found his greatest achievement painting Native Americans - a subject he pursues almost exclusively today. If some of the people in his paintings look vaguely familiar it's because Challenger always uses live models. Some of his favorites also happen to be good friends like Omaha Sioux actor Rodney Grant who played Wind-In-His-Hair in Dances with Wolves, and Grammy Award Winning musician Robert Mirabal, who hails from the nearby Taos Pueblo. Mirabal dropped into the gallery to visit his pal while we were there -- a big thrill for the music fans in the group.

In addition, tribal members come from all over the country to pose for his paintings, often toting along bags filled with ancestral artifacts. Jd captures the stories they tell in mixed media -- usually acrylic paint, gold and copper leaf, and anything else that produces the effects he's seeking in a given piece.

Perhaps it's the live models themselves, perhaps it's their stories, but Challenger's art is infused with a soul that invoked a physically palpable reaction in those that admire it. Get the man talking and, in addition to being entertained by fascinating tails of the Ghost Dance that started his artistic quest, you'll realize he approaches his art with a profound respect for the people who are his subjects, and their unique cultures; but of course that respect and admiration is visually apparent in his art.

Jd Challenger has been honored by many tribes from all over the country and his studio and gallery are filled with gifts from his native American friends. He supports many Native American causes including the Art Has Heart Foundation, the American Diabetes Association's Awakening the Spirit Program, the Middle Road project, and various other causes that benefit Native American children and adults.

Practicalities
The Jd Challenger Studio and Gallery is located at 221 Paseo del Pueblo Norte in downtown Taos. Call 505-751-4677 of visit www.jdchallenger.com.

Find the Nichols Fine Art Gallery at 403 Paseo del Pueblo Norte; call 505-758-2475 or visit www.nicholsgallery.com.

Art Divas is located at 208 Paseo del Pueblo Norte; call 505- 751-7763 or visit www.jcaroleartgallery.com.

For more information about all the galleries in Taos, contact the Taos Gallery Association in care of the Wilder-Nightingale Gallery at 119 Kit Carson Road; call 505-758-3255 or visit www.wnightingale.com.

Learn more about Native American musician Robert Mirabal by visiting www.mirabalflutes.com.

For more information about planning a visit to Taos, New Mexico contact the Taos Chamber of Commerce at 877-587-8915 or visit www.exploretaos.com.

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