Rio Costilla Studio Tour is this weekend

VALLEY — The 19th Annual Rio Costilla Studio Tour is kicking off this year with Live Music on The Plaza featuring Chris J. Arellano and Michael Rael on Friday, September 8th. The festivities will be held in Costilla on the Historic Plaza de Arriba from 4-7 p.m. and select studios will also be open during that time.

Chris is from Costilla, and his Norteno music is enjoyed by everyone. Karen Ahlgren’s Gallery will also host Alex Lukens who will be playing his harp on Saturday and Sunday morning.

The Tour will open in its entirety September 9th and 10th during the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information will be available on the Costilla Plaza (a.k.a. Historic Plaza de Arriba) as well as in Jaroso. Visitors will experience studios and homes tucked along this picturesque route, winding its way along the Rio Costilla.

The Rio Costilla Studio Tour can be experienced in one day for those who keep moving.  However, consider a leisurely pace and check out the local lodging. Food and lodging information can be found at www.RioCostillaArt.com.

The tour includes the Hispanic artists that have been here for generations, the longtime Anglo ranchers, as well as the relative newcomers who may have raised families here but are still considered the new ones. This tour is as authentic as it gets.

Ever wonder what draws such an artistic mix of people to a tiny dot on the map in the northern-most speck of New Mexico and the southern-most part of Colorado? Why do they do a multitude of things to get by in such a beautiful place that can also be very harsh? What keeps them creating here in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos is their all consuming love of creating their art. Experience it!

This year Kelly West will be sharing her artisan breads again and the tour welcomes Anita McDaniel’s hooked rug wool footstools and pillows.There are two incredible local photographers, JC Santistevan and Nancy DeHerrera Crochet. Don’t miss The Woodworker on the Plaza, David Satrun as well as African style musical instruments built by Michael Schraud.

There are local painters, Karen McCurtain-Blair, Karen Ahlgren, Randy Pijoan, Steve Waldrip, Kathryn Tatum and Evy McLean. There will be even more artisans and jewelers on the Plaza.

Also features are world-class sculpture done by Lynn Kircher, Matthew Gonzales and RC Santistevan, as well as ceramics by Sarah Welch and fused glass by Jane Kircher. Unique note cards and paper crafts will be shown by Evelyn Oliva and Lou McCall.

The Annual Emerging Artist Show creates much excitement every year on the Historic Plaza. Everyone involved in the tour believes strongly in mentoring the future artists who will carry on this artistic tradition. In it’s 9th year it is an open call to the youth of the area, K through 12. Tour participants vote for People’s Choice and every participant gets an art supply. For more information on the 9th Annual Emerging Artists Show email [email protected].