The Questa Art Tour was in full swing August 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Town was bustling and the sun was shining while locals and travelers went from stop to stop looking for something to catch their eye—and there was no shortage of beautiful art to admire.
This is the ninth year of the Questa Art Tour and one of the busiest yet. With 18 stops in total, art enthusiasts and collectors traveled from the most southern stop in Questa at Cosas Hermosas to the most northern stop in Garcia, Colorado, to see Karen Ahlgren’s studio.
With its inception in 2015, the Questa Creative Council wanted to give Questa the opportunity for people to enjoy the beauty that is Questa and the fine work that artists have to offer. The tour has expanded over the years and reaches collectors from all over the country. From the meticulously crafted pottery at ArtQuesta to the unique architecture of the Star House, featuring artist Maruska, there was something for everybody to enjoy.
ArtQuesta hosted several artists, including woodwork and jewelry by Laura Holk. Laura started her woodworking a few years back but you’d think she’s been doing this all her life—the beautiful, intricate detail of her woodworking skills honors the natural material. Some of her work featured various types of local wood with a resin inlay pour, some of it speckled with turquoise. Laura’s work is not only beautiful but functional, with several charcuterie boards on display. The pottery created by Sandra Harrington, co-owner of ArtQuesta, was perfectly crafted—each stunning vessel would surely become a family heirloom.
Stop 3 featured the patient hand of artist Nick Ortega (deceased). His stained glass and the woodworking skills of Larry Cisneros were on display as well as some crafts from family members who were there in support. The family of artists featured handmade dishcloths, scrunchies, and even the young Gabriella had her work for sale, featuring handmade bracelets and unique magnets.
A quick stop at the information booth at the Questa Visitor Center offered some water and a bathroom break. The ladies were welcoming and were able to answer all questions from visitors. Small talk and a Taos Bakes bar gave me time to review the tour map and become intrigued by the title of “Star House.” This led me and my 5-year-old daughter to El Rito.
I wasn’t quite sure when to turn into her driveway but then the windy, piñon-lined road led us straight to the Star House and neither of us could wait to get out. Artist and Star House homeowner Maruska (aka Ellen Wood, the author) and her family were more than welcoming, offering pizza and fresh root beer from the brewery. Sitting at her long dining table was the artist’s family, there to support her over the two-day tour. Art was scattered throughout the house. The house itself was art! From the beautiful garden outside to the cow paintings rich in originality, Maruska had something for everyone. One collector left with a painting by Maruska called “Happy Jesus.” The gentleman who bought the art said he would now go find a place for Happy Jesus to smile down at him in his house.
At stop 7, the historic St. Anthony’s Church had non-stop traffic, according to tour guide, Flavio Cisneros. Between the historic vigas and intricate stained glass, visitors were able to see the fruits of labor of many who helped rebuild the church, which was completed in 2016. Over 30,000 adobes were laid throughout the church between 2008 and 2016, with over 45,000 volunteered hours. Mr. Cisneros pointed out little details that only someone who helped with the rebuilding project would know.
Our last stop of the day took us to the Questa Public Library where we encountered locals embroidering, while their tea towels, quilts, crocheted blankets, and other hand work were on display. Also present at the library were the unique paintings of Mary Miller who was happy to engage in conversation about her work, and artists BJ Konior and Boneta Curry-Brown.
The 2024 Art Tour beheld many treasures and had me readjust my thinking, as I now recognize that Taos and Santa Fe aren’t the only art meccas of New Mexico. Questa holds something very special when it comes to art: an unspoiled appeal. I can say that I can’t wait to see what the 2025 Questa Art Tour has to offer.
