Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area

Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area The Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area sustains the communities, heritages, languages, cultures, traditions, and environment of Northern New Mexico

The Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area (NHA) office has moved to Espanola (2021) and can be found at 109 E. Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM 87532 and the office phone is 505.852.0030. Come and visit us

The Northern Rio Grande NHA was designated by the United States Congress on October 12, 2006, Congress passed Public Law 109-338, which established the Northern Río Grande National Heritage Ar

ea, comprising the counties of Río Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos in north-central New Mexico. This Heritage Area designation culminated nearly 20 years of community efforts to identify ways to conserve and sustain the area's life ways, languages, folk arts, and sacred spaces, as well as, its architecture and spectacular natural and scenic landscape. Thank you for being a part of our journey. We are always looking for board members to help us serve our mission. If you or someone you know is interested please contact us at the office located above.

Discover the art of weaving this summer at Los Luceros Historic Site! On Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10am to 3pm, we'r...
05/30/2026

Discover the art of weaving this summer at Los Luceros Historic Site! On Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10am to 3pm, we're hosting a hands-on Mug Rug Weaving Workshop where you'll create your very own small woven mat — the perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn the fundamentals of loom weaving, including warp, weft, and finishing techniques, while choosing your own colors, textures, and patterns. Drawing inspiration from local heritage and natural materials, you'll leave with a charming, one-of-a-kind piece that brings handcrafted tradition into everyday life.

No prior weaving experience is necessary — this workshop is open to all skill levels.

To register visit: app.aplos.com/aws/give/NorthernRioGrandeNationalHeritageArea/MugRug2026
Or for more information, contact Gabriela Silva at 505-692-3086.

Ready to be creative?On June 13, join Diné artist Chantel West for a hands-on papermaking and bookbinding workshop — whe...
05/21/2026

Ready to be creative?

On June 13, join Diné artist Chantel West for a hands-on papermaking and bookbinding workshop — where discarded cotton finds new life as handmade paper and a journal you take home the same day.

No experience needed. All materials provided. Just bring your curiosity and clothes you do not mind getting a little messy.
Visit app.aplos.com/aws/give/NorthernRioGrandeNationalHeritageArea/Papermaking2026 to register.

Presented by Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area in support of Los Luceros Historic Site.

If you've ever wanted to learn how to grow your own garden, you'll want to join Gabriela Silva, Art Program Director, fo...
04/21/2026

If you've ever wanted to learn how to grow your own garden, you'll want to join Gabriela Silva, Art Program Director, for a hands-on workshop where tradition and healing come together.

In this workshop, participants will create their own indoor mini greenhouse designed for growing traditional remedios at home. Rooted in generations of knowledge, this session offers a simple and powerful way to bring traditional practices into your everyday life—no matter your space.

Learn how to cultivate and care for healing plants, and leave with something you can continue to grow long after.

Registration is still open, but space is limited. https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/NorthernRioGrandeNationalHeritageArea/Greenhouse2026

Eva Oyenque is a keeper of traditions, sharing stores of cooking in Hornos, recipes passed down from generation to gener...
04/18/2026

Eva Oyenque is a keeper of traditions, sharing stores of cooking in Hornos, recipes passed down from generation to generation, and memories of pie tins created from the tops of flour tins. What are some of your favorite memories growing up New Mexican?

It’s a beautiful morning here at Luceros Historic site as we bring our traditional foods to life. Throughout the day, jo...
04/18/2026

It’s a beautiful morning here at Luceros Historic site as we bring our traditional foods to life. Throughout the day, join us as we make pastelitos, blue corn biscohitos and bolitos - in an Horno! Time honored traditions never tasted so good!

Today’s schedule includes:

10:15 AM – Pastelitos demonstration and talk with Eva Oyenque
11:30 AM – Traditional cookie baking
1:30 PM – Sourdough bread demonstration

04/17/2026

Cultures & Creators begins tomorrow at 10:00 AM with a celebration of traditional foodways centered around the adobe horno.

Throughout the day, join us as we bring these traditions to life:

10:15 AM – Pastelitos demonstration and talk with Eva Oyenque
11:30 AM – Traditional cookie baking
1:30 PM – Sourdough bread demonstration

Experience fresh-baked goods, cultural storytelling, and the revival of time-honored cooking techniques passed down through generations.

And while you’re there, take time to explore the art exhibit—featuring work that reflects the creativity, culture, and stories of our community.

04/13/2026

Reflecting on a wonderful Easter celebration—thank you to everyone who joined us and brought their children to our Easter egg hunt. It was a truly enjoyable day filled with fun, laughter, and memorable moments for all.

Did you get a chance to experience today’s Cultures & Creators events?From sheep shearing and meeting the newest little ...
04/13/2026

Did you get a chance to experience today’s Cultures & Creators events?

From sheep shearing and meeting the newest little addition, to hands-on papermaking with Chantel and Chauncey, to loom weaving and basket weaving demonstrations, there was so much to take in. We would love to hear what stood out to you most.

If you missed today, there is still plenty of time to experience Cultures & Creators: Interwoven. Follow along throughout the week to explore this year’s artwork, and join us again on Saturday, April 17 for another day filled with culture, creativity, and community.

Last night, we gathered in celebration, connection, and creativity to officially open Cultures & Creators: Interwoven at...
04/13/2026

Last night, we gathered in celebration, connection, and creativity to officially open Cultures & Creators: Interwoven at Los Luceros Historic Site.

We are deeply grateful to the many artists whose work brings this exhibition to life, the dedicated board members who help guide this vision, and the community who showed up in such a meaningful way to kick things off. Your presence set the tone for what this event is all about.

A special thank you to La Cocina for the incredible food and to Davied Geist for the music that carried us through the evening. Together, it created a space that felt both vibrant and grounded in culture and connection.

This exhibition, part of the Cultures and Creators series, celebrates the traditions, materials, and stories that continue to shape Northern New Mexico

We look forward to welcoming even more of you in the days ahead.

If you’re planning activities for this weekend or next, set aside time to experience the annual Cultures & Creators exhi...
04/11/2026

If you’re planning activities for this weekend or next, set aside time to experience the annual Cultures & Creators exhibition. This year’s theme, Interwoven, brings together artists working across different mediums, cultures, and traditions, reflecting the many ways creative expression carries forward the stories of Northern New Mexico.

On Sunday, April 12, the day begins early with sheep shearing at 8:00 AM, offering a look into one of the region’s longstanding agricultural traditions. Throughout the day, visitors can explore a vendor market, enjoy food trucks, and experience hands-on demonstrations led by artists working in basket weaving, traditional woodcarving, handmade papermaking, and loom weaving.

You’ll also have the opportunity to view this year’s exhibition, featuring work by Featured Artist Byron Martínez.

Raised in a family deeply rooted in artistic tradition, Byron was influenced early on by generations of makers, including his grandfather, Apolonio, a respected santero. Today, he continues that lineage through finely crafted santos and sculptures, with unpainted bultos that highlight the natural grain of hardwoods. His work reflects both personal experience and the everyday lives of his community in Chimayó.

Join us for a day that brings together art, culture, and community in one place.

Learn more: https://culturesandcreators.com/

Address

101 Calle De Las Espanolas
Espanola, NM

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+15057537273

Website

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