New Mexican santero José Rafael Aragón’s altar
screen (circa 1840). Image from website at
https://nmheritagearts.org/exhibits.
This centennial exhibition showcases more than 200 Spanish Colonial arts objects from the Spanish Colonial Arts Society’s (SCAS) collection, revealing the unknown and surprisingly personal stories behind SCAS and it’s collection. Arranged chronologically to trace their evolution in New Mexico, the exhibit includes the Society’s first purchase in 1928 of master New Mexican santero José Rafael Aragόn’s altar screen (see above image), which was on long-term loan and display at the Palace of the Governors for nearly 100 years, returned to the SCAS museum for the first time in its history. Other art objects on display include colcha embroidery, tinwork, silversmithing, cabinetry, basketry, and straw appliqué. Visitors will also learn how the SCAS collection has grown over a century of preservation and cultural exchange. The “100 Years of Collecting/100 Years of Connecting” exhibit will be on display from now through December 13, 2025 at the Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum, located at 750 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM. For more information, call (505) 982-2226 or visit https://nmheritagearts.org/exhibits. Admission is free.