Ancient Way Arts Trail of New Mexico

Grants to Zuni to Gallup Along Scenic Highway 53

Ancient Way Arts Trail Basics

Where is the trail? The trail consists of the southern and southwestern portions of the Trail of the Ancients Byway – from Gallup west to Zuni on Hwy. 53 and north to Gallup on Hwy. 602.

Map

Website

Why an Arts Trail?

Many visitors breeze through Gallup and Grants on Highway 40 and are unaware of the treasures that lie close by. Some have discovered the Ancient Way Trail, Highway 53 from Grants west to Zuni and then north to Gallup on Highway 602. They have marveled at the history and beauty of El Morro National Monument and have visited Zuni with its historic Mission and shops selling world renowned Zuni jewelry.

But until recently, visitors may have breezed by some important artist’s studios and galleries. And lovers of the arts may not have ventured down Highway 53 at all. With the advent of the Ancient Way Arts Trail, visitors who love natural beauty, local art and a multi-cultural experience, will want to set aside some time to journey down the new Arts Trail.

And it’s not just about the visitors. Artisans in this culturally rich region are spread far apart. Many work in their homes on the reservations. With 650 named artists in the counties covered by the Arts Trail, it is important to connect these artisans with the public who wish to learn, enjoy and purchase a piece of art.

A Multi-Arts, Multi-Cultural Trail

The Arts Trail is an expansion of the successful New Mexico Fiber Arts Trail. Ramah, located along Highway 53, is known for its Navajo weaving and has been included. However this new trail includes not only fiber arts, but jewelry-making, silverworking, painting, pottery, carving and more. What the two trails have in common is that they bring people to rural areas where the artists live and work. These rural areas are beautiful and provide visitors with a relaxing, scenic experience.

How the Arts Trail Will Help the Artisans

While staying at the Cimarron Rose Bed and Breakfast, located on Hwy 53, right on the Ancient Way Arts Trail, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the artists who will benefit from activities along the trail. Dwight Mahooty, from Zuni, assists at the B&B, but he is also a top notch carver. I saw some of his Katsinas and figures which are carried at the B&B’s small gift shop. Usually it is only guests that would be able to purchase from the shop, but with the Ancient Way Arts Trail the B&B shop would be accessible to visitors. Dwight’s beautiful carvings would then receive more exposure. The B&B qualifies as an Arts Trail participant as they meet the criteria set by the governing body. They were judged to provide high quality local art and represented at least 4 artists.

Also on the Arts Trail is Native Hands Co-op in Gallup which is located in the Catholic Charities building and has not been easy to find or access. More visible venues will also participate such as the Double Six Gallery in Grants and the Pueblo of Zuni Arts and Crafts Center in the Pueblo of Zuni. Altogether it is anticipated that 28 entities will be available to travelers along the Ancient Way Arts Trail.

With map in hand, you will know where the galleries and artists are located and will have a ready-reference for their hours of operation and types of art on display. Also, as you travel the trail, you will also want to stop at some of the natural and cultural wonders of the area such as the Ice Caves and Bandera Volcano, and El Morro National Monument.

Festivals and Celebrations

The Arts trail anticipates holding two major festivals a year in addition to smaller events. The website will maintain a calendar of events.