Centennial Events Calendar
Join the Spanish Colonial Arts Society and the Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum in celebrating its 100-year anniversary with special centennial festivities that invite the public to learn more about the Society’s history, celebrate its milestones, and share in its future. Events include exhibitions, scholarly lectures, parties, garden tours, pop-up events, conversations with artists, conservators, curators, and more.
Unless otherwise specified, all events are held at the Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum, located at 750 Camino Lejo on Museum Hill in Santa Fe. Admission is free unless noted.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8: 100 YEARS OF COLLECTING |100 YEARS OF CONNECTING
Public Opening of the Spanish Colonial Arts Society Centennial Exhibition.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Society kicks off its 100th Anniversary Celebration with the opening of its centennial exhibition and unveiling of the Society’s first acquisition in 1928: an 1840 altar screen by master New Mexican santero José Rafael Aragόn. After nearly 100 years on loan to the Palace of the Governors, the altar screen returns to the Society for the first time in its history.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26: “THE WOMEN OF SCAS” LECTURE AND PANEL DISCUSSION
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, 4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NE, Albuquerque. For ticket information visit https://lospoblanos.com/events/dr-armin-rembe-lecture-series-at-la-quinta.
To celebrate Women's History Month, the Society takes the stage at the Los Poblanos Dr. Armin Rembe Lecture Series for a lively panel discussion on the history of the extraordinary women of the Spanish Colonial Arts Society. From SCAS co-founder Mary Austin to SCAS curator E. Boyd to the women who lead the organization today, the talk explores the central role that women have played in shaping and securing the legacy of the Society over the past 100 years. Featured speakers include SCAS Curator Emerita Donna Pierce, SCAS Curator Emerita Robin Farwell Gavin, SCAS E. Boyd Curator Jana Gottshalk, and former SCAS trustee and author Carmella Padilla.
SATURDAY, MARCH 29: THIRD ANNUAL YOUTH ARTIST EXHIBITION
Public Opening and Reception.
10 a.m. – noon
Celebrate the achievements of New Mexican youth curators, ages 7 to 17, who created this exhibition inspired by the heritage arts of Hispano New Mexico. The exhibition puts students in conversation with the Spanish Colonial Arts Society collection, which they studied during workshops led by Traditional Spanish Market artists and the curator of the Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum. A collaboration with the Atrisco Heritage Foundation.
SUNDAY, APRIL 6: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SCAS LIBRARY + ARCHIVE
Panel Discussion, Reception, and Book Club Launch
3 – 5 p.m.
Join supporters, volunteers, and founders of the Spanish Colonial Arts Society Library, as well New Mexico State librarians, as they share what makes this nearly 4,000-volume library unique in Santa Fe and throughout New Mexico. Hear about the Society’s plans for providing full public accessibility to the library and help select the first book for the newly launched Spanish Colonial Arts Society/Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum Book Club!
APRIL 10 and 12: HIGHLIGHTS OF JOHN GAW MEEM’S REGIONAL DESIGN
Individual Ticketed Lecture Series in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Details TBA.
A two-day event of talks, tours, lunches, and receptions beginning at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and concluding at the Laboratory of Anthropology Director’s Residence (home to the Nuevo Mexico Heritage Arts Museum), Santa Fe. Includes featured speakers Dr. Audra Bellmore and Chris Wilson on the topics of John Gaw Meem’s career and approach to regional design.
SATURDAY, JULY 26: SPANISH COLONIAL ARTS SOCIETY ANNUAL SUMMER CELEBRATION
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Ticketed Event.
Spanish Colonial Arts Society members, Traditional Spanish Market artists, and special guests gather to celebrate the Society’s 100th anniversary and the unveiling of its Centennial Book.
