Albuquerque, NM December 2023

The Season of Giving SHOPPING

H O LI DAY GI FTS THAT ARE U N IQU ELY N EW M E XI CAN

D E C E M B E R 2 02 3

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IS A GIVEN. Finding your place is the difference.

IN Q UIRE | VIS IT | APPLY Give your child the opportunity to experience the Bosque School difference by scheduling a shadow day.

Visit our beautiful campus, meet our expert and talented faculty, and talk with our students about why they chose Bosque School.

Visit bosqueschool.org/admission for more information.

Why Bosque School?

Academic Excellence | Dynamic Curriculum | Strong Community Bosque School is a college-preparatory independent school for grades 6-12, educating middle and high school students in an academically challenging, student-centered learning environment.

Voted Albuquerque’s best private school four years in a row!

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy Holidays!

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Rich Ringrose | rich.ringrose@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Richard Lakin | richard.lakin@citylifestyle.com

It's hard to believe how quickly 2023 has gone by, and for all of us here in Albuquerque, it has been a year filled with both challenges and remarkable moments. As the months flew past, the city of Albuquerque continued to thrive in various aspects, making the year memorable.

One of the most exciting developments was the continued growth of the local tech industry. The city saw an influx of new startups and technology companies, creating jobs and fostering innovation. The expansion of the film industry in Albuquerque also brought economic opportunities and a renewed sense of cultural vibrancy. The area's stunning landscapes and unique architecture continued to serve as a backdrop for numerous film and television productions.

Cultural events and festivals flourished, showcasing the rich heritage and diverse traditions of the city. From the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to the vibrant Dia de los Muertos celebrations, the city remained a hub of cultural activity throughout the year. These events not only brought people together but also attracted visitors from all over the world.

As 2023 draws to a close, the year's rapid passage reminds us of the city's ability to adapt, evolve, and make positive changes. Albuquerque's journey through the year serves as a testament to the community's resilience and the bright future that awaits.

I'd like to thank our advertising partners for putting their faith in us, and our readers for allowing us in your homes.

Happy Holidays! Here's to a great 2024!

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

RICH RINGROSE, PUBLISHER @A LB U Q U E RQ U E _ CIT Y_ LI FE S T Y LE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

Andrea Jacquin, Richard Lakin CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

M.Cordero, Kitty Leaken, Nicole Bridges, Sarah Montoya, Madeleine McCullough, Ricardo Reitmeyer, Richard Lakin

Corporate Team CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ALBUQUERQUE |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Albuquerque City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Albuquerque area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Albuquerque City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 The Jemez Historic Site

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Local Experiences

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Back Stage ENT ERTA I NMENT

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Must See LI FE + C U LT U R E

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Artist’s Palette A RTS + C U LT U R E

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Local Limelight EDU CAT I O N

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Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

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Events

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Gift Guide S HO PPI NG

Light in ancient shadows

20 Talavera

A classic holiday gift from the Southwest

32 Buy Local

Holiday gifts with a New Mexico flair

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Ricardo Reitmeyer This wonderfully decorated Christmas Tree in Santa Fe New Mexico glows brightly at night as a light snow falls. The full moon lights the snow covered adobe wall.

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ActonAbq.org 505-358-1163 3100 Menaul Blvd NE

DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: Wild West Fest/ Eaves Movie Ranch-Sept. 30. Music, dancing & food. Western apparel was encouraged. 2: Wild West Fest/Jake and Yvonne 3: Wild West Fest/L to R: Santiago Tynker, Sitara Schauer, Nick Reilly, Kathleen Downey 4: Wild West Fest/L to R: Mayfield Berg, Chloe Kerr, Seven Evaskovich 5: Rail Yards Market/ Bobby Rivera, Magoo’s Farm, roasting chilis. 6: Amanda Silva and Paulina Borjas, Black Dog Farms, offering pumpkins and Middle Eastern dates. 7: Rail Yards Market/ Adrian Perez, NM Metal Art Photography by Albuquerque City Lifestyle

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @Albuquerque_City_Lifestyle

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C I T Y SC E N E

DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Bosque School

Casa Talavera

Lavender Road

Bosque School is a 6th-12th grade college prep institution with a 100% college acceptance rate and a 6:1 Student/Teacher ratio. The average class size is 14 students. At the heart of Bosque School is a supportive, welcoming community in which our commitment to academic excellence and whole-education child education prepares our students for the challenges of college and equips them with the skills to excel in all aspects of life.

Casa Talavera of Albuquerque, New Mexico has been in business since 1977 and specializes in the importing of handmade traditional Mexican Talavera tile. We maintain stock in over 200 patterns with matching washbasins, bath accessories and door pulls available in any pattern.

Hand-painted tile murals depicting street scenes, religious figures, floral arrangements, and a literal variety of subject matters; are possibly one of the best selections in the country. 621 Rio Grande Blvd NW.

Artisan textiles and thoughtfully curated home decor and accessories. Lavender Road offerings fill your home with the vibrancy of cultures from across the globe. Poco a Poco Patio, Old Town Albuquerque.

328 San Felipe Street NW, Suite C, Albuquerque, NM.

Photography: Bosque School

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Albuquerque

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DECEMBER 2023

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

Tis the season for tinsel, twinkling lights, and celebrating the holiday season! Partake in any one of our picks for local holiday happenings and rejoice in the joy and festive spirit around town and around the state!

Our Picks for Holiday Happenings BAILA! BAILA! / NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTUR AL CENTER : Baila! Baila! Annual

holiday show Christmas in New Mexico 2023. December 2 & 3, 2023- 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm Saturday, 2:00 pm Sunday. 1701 4th St SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 TWINKLE LIGHTS PAR ADE, CENTR AL AVENUE / R OUTE 6 6 : Twinkle Lights Parade, Saturday, December 2, 5:15 PM, Nob Hill. A holiday event that illuminates a mile-long stretch on Route 66. Nob Hill, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 OLD TOWN STR OLL: Old Town Holiday Stroll. Enjoy local entertainment, shop for gifts, and experience the festive atmosphere all month long. Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104 R IVER OF LIGHTS / ABQ BIOPAR K: River of Lights. Get into the holiday spirit at River of Lights, New Mexico’s original and largest walk-through holiday attraction! Nov. 25-Dec. 30 903 10th St NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 CANYON R OAD FAR OLITO WALK ON CHR ISTMAS EVE: Canyon Road Farolito Walk on Christmas Eve, Santa Fe Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Twinkle Lights Parade Photography: City of Albuquerque

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Richard Lakin/editor, Albuquerque City Lifestyle @albuquerque_city_lifestyle Richard Lakin, the editor of Albuquerque City Lifestyle magazine, has spent much of his career traveling and creating media for international educational institutions and non-profits in the developing world. He has now settled down in Albuquerque.

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NACHA MENDEZ “See the World through Music”

Nacha Mendez is a Latin World musician who lives and performs in Santa Fe. She started playing guitar at just 6 years old. Four years later she began singing. Her grandmother used to sing as a young girl at the markets in Mexico. The Santa Fe musician proudly uses her grandmother’s name as her own stage name and says, “My grandmother taught me the first songs.” The Ranchera songs she learned from the original Nacha Mendez were just the beginning for this acclaimed musician.

Mendez says, “In junior high and high school I started entering talent shows. I thought I love this! I’m going to keep going with this!”

As a child Mendez struggled in school and did not speak, but music and art helped her find her voice. She says, “I had a learning disability and they couldn’t figure out what was going on with me. I found art and music and that kept me in a good place in my life. I thought this is another way to communicate.”

In her spare time, she still enjoys painting, sculpting and hiking.

Her high school speech teacher made a big impact on her life.

Mendez says, “She got me out of my shell. It was another way for me to express myself.”

“I had a learning disability and they couldn’t figure out what was going on with me. I found art and music and that kept me in a good place in my life. I thought this is another way to communicate.”

ARTICLE BY ANDREA JACQUIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.CORDERO, KITTY LEAKEN, RICHARD LAKIN

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Mendez’ music has helped her become a success and navigate her world. When Mendez was in her twenties she worked at the American Foundation for the Blind in a recording studio. “I had to follow the actors narrating. I had to read along with them and because it was combined with audio it was easier to navigate and follow them as they read.” As a result of her job, Mendez’ reading improved and she became the studio’s go-to person for pronunciation of books read in Spanish.

She spent her college years working in radio and studying journalism. She worked as a production director and on-air radio host in Santa Fe and New York. Audio has helped her navigate her way around the world and that is something she finds comforting.

Mendez has performed locally and toured throughout Europe and Japan.

The first time she traveled out of the country was for Robert Ashley’s opera “Now Eleanor’s Idea.” She was a lead singer in the opera and helped translate the libretto. Mendez says, “Three or four months later the tenor couldn’t make the tour so I toured with him. I had to really cram and learn two more operas. I would say it was the best time of my life.

I was really getting to see the world.”

Now Mendez is giving back to young musicians with the Nacha Mendez Scholarship for New Mexican Girls of Color. The scholarship was started in 2021. Mendez says, “It was a seed that my brother had planted when I received the New Mexico Platinum Lifetime Achievement award.” Twenty scholarships have already been awarded to girls with financial need in New Mexico. The girls range in age from eight to fifteen years old. “I feel like it is helping them.”

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New Mexico Girls Scholarship event

Mendez says, “It gives them a little monetary support and they can buy an instrument, or a laptop, or travel to a music camp. These are young girls who can’t afford to do these things and are recommended by their teachers.”

Mendez hopes the girls will remember the validation and encouragement they receive, just like Mendez received from her own teachers.

Mendez is Apache, Mexican, and Spanish but sings a variety of music from most of the world’s Spanishspeaking countries. Mendez says she learned to appreciate music from around the world after a good friend told her to learn a new song for every country she travels to. She took that advice and followed it. Mendez says, “I can be there just by learning the music.” In 2013 the musician received the New Mexico industry award for best production for her song “Bella Isabel” in the Latin music category.

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She was recently awarded a residency at Jack Straw Studios in Seattle. She will use that residency to record her new album produced by Steve Peters. The album will feature Latin World music and guest musicians from the Seattle area. It will be released in 2024.

Mendez hopes to continue making music, painting, and sculpting. She says, “I still want to do music but it’s evolving and changing.” After completing an acting project for Meow Wolf she hopes to land more roles in the future. She is also passionate about encouraging young musicians through her scholarship. For more details visit https://nachamendezscholarship.com or https://nachamendez.com

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The Jemez Historic Site Light in ancient shadows ARTICLE BY ANDREA JACQUIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD LAKIN

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M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

The annual “Light among the Ruins” event returns to the Jemez Historic Site on December 8th and 9th. The historic site is decorated with small lanterns or farolitos, a traditional New Mexican holiday tradition.

The event has a new name this year with historical significance. Organizers renamed the event, “Light among Gisewa” to honor the ancestral name of the 700-year-old Jemez Pueblo village. “Gisewa” is a Towa word that means “place at boiling water” because the pueblo is located near the thermal springs.

“We use multiple definitions of that word like village by the sulfur which refers to the Sulfur Springs in the canyon, “says Marlon Magdalena instructional coordinator for the Jemez Historic Site.

For two magical nights, visitors can experience hundreds of glowing farolitos at the ruins of Gisewa Pueblo and the San José de los Jemez Mission. Visiting the historical site after dark is a rare occurrence. The site is typically open to visitors only during the day.

Elisabeth A. Stone, the regional manager of Jemez and Coronado Historic Sites says,” It’s a great family-friendly event and a really beautiful event to bring people together from all over.” Stone says,” This is a unique time to see it at night and get into the mountains when it’s dark. It’s a really unique, peaceful, event to come watch.” She says many people call the event magical.

The ceremony will feature Native American dancers performing between bonfires. Magdalena says, “To stand around the bonfires and see the dancers dance, hear the songs and sounds from dancers and singers is really beautiful. In the winter, the traditional Native animal dances celebrate and honor animals that were used in our lives and they honor the hunts like the Buffalo dance.”

Magdalena has been working the event since 2005.

“I’ve seen it grow to such a large event.” In the 1990’s it was informal and started with a horse-drawn wagon and small gathering. The event began as a traditional way to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Magdalena says, “The significance goes back to the story of Christianity,” with travelers journeying to their final destination with a fire burning to light the way.

The event will have timed entry tickets to enter the site every half hour but organizers say “Stay as long as you want and enjoy the farolitos.” Tickets include parking in the Jemez village. Shuttles throughout Jemez Springs will take guests to the historic site.

The winter event will feature indigenous artists selling arts and crafts. Pueblo vendors will also be selling food and drinks.

The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 8th, and Saturday, December 9th.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 16 and under. Visit www.nmculture.org/traditions

“It’s a marker of New Mexico…the light in the darkness. Finding light in the winter is important and we want to celebrate in a variety of ways,” says Marlon Magdalena instructional coordinator for the Jemez Historic site.

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Talavera A classic holiday gift from the Southwest ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD LAKIN

In any New Mexico home where arts and crafts are collected, you’re bound to find at least a few pieces of Talavera…the brightly colored ceramics from Mexico that are ubiquitous in stores throughout the Southwest. Most gift shops in local up-scale hotels and resorts carry it because it makes a great souvenir or a conversation piece for the folks back home. Despite being produced south of the border,

it is immediately recognized as being a part of the American Southwest culture.

Paul Mahr, the owner of Casa Talavera in Old Town, told us that its popularity is due to the “joyous bright colors, like the houses in Mexico.” Despite its popularity though, a lot of consumers aren’t familiar with the story of its design or history, and many aren’t even aware of its actual name.

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

Mexican artist Isabelle Collins holds a piece of talavera tile from the 17 century.

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“What makes Talavera so striking is the firing of a tin glaze that creates a milkywhite surface on which the artist hand paints the colorful patterns.”

Talavera was spread by conquest. First by the Moors that invaded Spain from North Africa, then later when the Spanish colonized Mexico. In the 16th century, it was brought from the Spanish city of Talavera de la Reina to Puebla, Mexico, where it is still produced today. While it is also produced in several other Mexican locales, only the Talavera that is produced in Puebla is certified and protected by the Mexican government through international trade agreements, similar to tequila that has to be primarily produced in the state of Jalisco to be authentic.

Much of the Talavera that is produced in Mexico becomes tile used architecturally to adorn buildings.

What makes Talavera so striking is the firing of a tin glaze that creates a milkywhite surface on which the artist hand paints the colorful patterns. For Mexican Talavera to be considered authentic, it can only be painted in one or more of six colors: black, blue, green, orange, yellow, or mauve, all of which must be made of natural dyes and all of which must be painted onto the piece of tile or pottery by hand.

Quality Talavera undergoes a lengthy and complex process by skilled artisans, so when you pick up a Talavera coffee cup in a shop and wonder why it’s not so cheap, it’s because the process is a time-consuming

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

effort requiring an expertise that takes years to acquire. Each piece is a unique one-of-a-kind work of art.

Coincidentally, while producing this story, Albuquerque City Lifestyle happened to meet up with Isabelle Collins, an internationally known Talavera artist and lecturer from Puebla, Mexico, who was in ABQ giving a “Meet the Artist” talk at Lavender Road. An expert on the history and processes of the craft, some of her pieces are on display in the Smithsonian. Her Talavera methods and motifs are steeped in tradition...some dating back to the 14th century. Isabelle even makes her own paint brushes like Talavera artists from centuries ago. Much of her work features cobalt blue coloring which was traditionally used for presentation to Spanish royalty. She is actively involved in preserving the original processes and educating the public about the history of the art form. Her insight was invaluable in writing this article.

When you’re connecting with family and friends this holiday season, Talavera is a welcome and tasteful gift that reflects the ambiance of the American Southwest.

Many thanks to Casa Talavera and Lavender Road for letting us photograph in their shops, both of which are in Old Town ABQ.

There’s no place like (a new) home for the holidays

Give me a call today to discuss what this market means for you

Eloise Coutret

Coldwell Banker Legacy eloisecoutret.realtor@gmail.com C: (505)414-2704 O: (505)293-3700

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BOSQUE SCHOOL

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BRIDGES, SARAH MONTOYA, MADELEINE MCCULLOUGH

ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE

EDUCATION FOR A LIFETIME OF LEARNING

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | ED UCATI ON

Situated on a wooded 42-acre campus, the Bosque School is a 6th-12th grade college prep institution that challenges students and empowers them to develop critical thinking skills that serve them throughout college and into adulthood. Rather than rote memorization or “teaching to a test,” Bosque School is focused on metacognition…thinking about one’s learning behaviors and applying them to improve practical knowledge and understanding of the subjects.

With the supportive educational environment provided by the faculty and staff, the Bosque School builds a strong foundation for continuing education, a rewarding career, and a fulfilling life. Elaine Peabody, Director of Enrollment and Communications, told us “At Bosque School, we’re really interested in whole-child education, so when you are a student, you’re well known by the faculty, you’re well known by the staff. We

make sure every child is looked after and seen as an individual.” This level of engagement is augmented by the 6:1 student/teacher ratio and an average class size of 14 students.

The pastoral location, right next to the Bosque, lends itself to field studies of the natural environment. The City of Albuquerque asked the school to do a long-term impact study of a proposed trail at Tingley Beach, which is part of the Albuquerque Biological Park complex. Issues such as erosion, wildlife habitats, and accessibility were used to determine a well-thought-out placement of the trail based on the practical application of science. Elaine told us “Our students don’t just learn science, they DO science.”

The large natural areas of the campus allow the school to use the Bosque as an outdoor classroom that is conducive to thinking and discussion. A group of students is currently conducting a study of the porcupines that inhabit the nearby woodlands. It is one of the largest studies of the species in existence, and the University of New Mexico is supporting the study by availing some of its labs to the Bosque students.

Bosque School has a remarkable 100% college acceptance rate and conducts classes starting in 9th grade on how to navigate college entrance exams and university life. They also prep students on college essays, obtaining recommendation letters, scholarships, and financial assistance. It is a robust and intensive college guidance program. Seniors are required to author a minimum 20-page thesis on a subject of their choosing, which they research, write, present, and defend, much like a graduate student.

Bosque School is involved in many community events that include family participation.

The Parent and Guardian Association is active and vibrant. There is a Fall Festival that is very well attended, and there is a family day before Thanksgiving that invites the extended families; aunts, uncles, and grandparents who may be in town for the holiday, to visit the campus and get a sense of student life.

Bosque Schools stated mission is: “To create transformative learning experiences that empower a diverse community of students to lead lives of intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and compassionate contribution to a more just world.”

Truly an impressive and worthy educational philosophy.

Bosque School is located at 4000 Bosque School Road, NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Their phone number is 505.898.6388 Their website is: https://www.bosqueschool.org/

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

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G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year.

With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.”

“We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds.

City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders!

To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential.

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DECEMBER 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

EVE RY W E E K E N D BE T W E E N D E C E M BE R 2 N D - 2 3 RD

D EC E M BE R 9 T H

Madrid Christmas Open House & Christmas Parade

MADR ID, N EW MEXICO Madrid Christmas Open House highlights include activities and refreshments in many shops each weekend through Christmas. On December 2nd, town members give tribute to the historical lighting display of prior years with an annual holiday house lighting throughout town. Join us on Saturday, December 2 for the annual Christmas Parade, 4pm.

NME Movie Night: A Christmas Story

T HE G UILD CIN EMA, 3405 CENT R A L AV E NE , A B Q | 1 :0 0 P M Join New Mexico Entertainment for our screening of A Christmas Story for the holiday season. Early bird ticket purchasers have the chance to win door prizes from local businesses and organizations around town.

Price: $12. https://holdmyticket.com/event/418046 D E C E M BE R 9TH-10TH

DE C EM BE R 1 5T H

Holiday Market at the ABQ Rail Yards

T HE R AIL YARDS , 777 1ST ST S W, A B Q Keep it local and SAFE for the Holidays, enjoy the best of Burque's local small businesses IN-PERSON at the Rail Yards in Albuquerque. Visit the Rail Yards of Albuquerque to celebrate local food, art, and music together for the Holidays. Sample New Mexico's finest cuisine, peruse all the local gifts, and give back to your community at our Donation Station.

Mariachi Christmas

POPEJ OY HALL, 203 CORN ELL DR I V E , A B Q | 7 :30 P M Ring in the season with swirling dresses and trumpeting music as Mariachi Christmas returns for its 24th year! The sights and sounds of Mexico fill our theatre and hearts with rich mariachi music and traditional ballet folklórico. Price: $32.50 D EC E M BE R 1 7 T H

Drumline Live

POPEJ OY HALL, 203 CORN ELL DR I V E , A B Q | 3:0 0 P M Lift your holiday spirits with the Christmas cheer of DRUMLine Live! Experience the high-stepping energy of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band performing bold new musical arrangements of holiday hits. Price: $25-$75 https://www.popejoypresents.com/events/detail/drumline-live-holiday-spectacular

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gift guide ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD LAKIN

Buy Local HOLIDAY GIFTS WITH A NEW MEXICO FLAIR

One of the things we love about New Mexico is the large arts and crafts community, and the abundance of fine art galleries, exhibits, and craft festivals. It provides holiday gifting opportunities that would be hard to find anywhere else, and it gives us the chance to support local businesses. Moreover, we are often able to meet the people who are creating these pieces faceto-face, and get the background on the inspiration for their creative expressions...a story to pass along with the gift that makes it even more special.

Many New Mexico artists are from the 19 Pueblos in the state, significantly influencing the local artistic styles with traditional designs, and often finding international renown.

So, here at Albuquerque City Lifestyle, we scouted out some of the great arts and crafts that are available locally. We’ve provided contact information for them as well. Happy shopping!

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New Mexican Holiday Gifts 1.

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1. Nicholas Jackson/Navajo Silversmith thesilverartichoke.com 2. Lauren Tobey/Meltdown Jewelry www.meltdownstudiojewelry.com 3. Adrian Martinez/Wood Inlay Design martinezwoods.com 4. Jerry Salazar/Artist jerrysalazarart.com 5. Kevin Vigil/Mr. Melty Art mrmelty.com 6. Patty O’Connor/Photo Alchemy/blended media art www.pattyspieces.com 7. Todd Abbott Winters/Painter wintersgallery.com

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A L BUQ UE R Q UE

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New Mexican Holiday Gifts 1.

1. Holly Woelber/Hand-made, one of a kind fashion m--g-designs.weeblysite.com 2. David Gary Suazo/Taos Pueblo Artist www.davidgarysuazo.com 3. Ken Krebs/Ken's Pens www.etsy.com/shop/krkpens 4. James Tsoodle/Kiowa Fine Art h t t p s : // w w w. m o u n t a i n a r t s g a l l e r y. c o m / james-tsoodle/ 5. Steven Teiler/Origami hangings sandkkreations.com 6. Reggi Mitchell/Navajo Jeweler www.instagram.com/fiercewarchief 7. Share Waquie/Jemez Pueblo Potter Contact her by e.mail: waquie1@gmail.com 8. Lauren Tobey/Meltdown Jewelry www.meltdownstudiojewelry.com

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SHOP NOW. SAVE LATER.

Checking with price protection, rewards and dividends.

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