Bonfires on Bent Street

the holiday glow is back

BONFIRES ON BENT STREET RETURNS

BY DENA MILLER

FILE PHOTO

Bent Street merchants and John Dunn House Shops neighbors love the holiday season, especially when Bonfires on Bent Street is on the calendar and the dozens of shopkeepers come together to welcome friends and visitors in this most convivial event.

Saturday (Dec. 11) from 4-7 p.m., Bent Street will close to vehicular traffic, as it has in previous years, giving pedestrians a family-friendly stroll through this part of Taos historic district, warming themselves by cheery bonfires, visiting with friends and enjoying refreshments, music, shopping and holiday tidings.

All of the shops will be resplendent with decorations and many will offer holiday snacks, sale items, raffles and prizes.

If you miss Bonfires, never fear: the shops – stocked with merchandise and ready to make your shopping a breeze – will continue the season’s exuberant spirit all month because the joy is real this December. The holiday glow of Taos is back.

At the head of the block Taos Blue always offers fine arts and crafts, many from local artists. Of course you’d expect a gallery to feature paintings, sculptures and mixed media assemblages, but you’ll also find ceramics, cutlery, fetishes, glassworks, jewelry, chimes and wearable art: in other words, something for everyone. Check out their collection of cards, ornaments and cozy holiday-worthy home decor items.

What’s on every woman’s wish list this year – or any year? Relaxed yet elevated loungewear in luxe fabrics and modern fits are as appropriate for binge-watching Netflix as for a jaunt about town. Boxie Tees has an incredible selection of, among others, NUX activewear, Monrow’s timeless and super-soft leisurewear, and Eberjey pajamas. Make Boxie Tees your destination for Free People as well as the shop’s signature organic cotton tee shirts and french terry

AMPERSAND UNTITLED EDITIONS MUDD N FLOOD CHOCOLATE + CASHMERE MOMO

loungers. And don’t forget to check out their selection of wildly popular unisex Duckfeet boots, handcrafted in Denmark.

The “grooviest little gift shop” might just be fx/18, where you’ll find “unusual and unexpected gifts and goodies” for everyone on your shopping list. And if you’ve got a winter sports enthusiast for whom to buy, then your destination must be Mudd N Flood Mountain Shop where you’ll find footwear, gear, packs and women’s and men’s lifestyle and technical clothing.

The Underground has got the men in your life covered from head to toe with on-trend brands like Dr. Martens, Kardo and Alternative Apparel. And for decades Sam’s Shop has carried unique selections and high-end basics that celebrate the spirit of the independent woman in your life. If that special someone-who-haseverything is still baffling you, then visit Artemesia for one-of-a-kind wearable art impeccably crafted by New Mexican weavers and fiber artists.

Taos Cookery is home to kitchen gadgets and giftware galore – not to mention some pretty awesome local food products – so, while you’re shopping for what your own menu may need, don’t forget those on your gift list who love baking, cooking and entertaining as much as you do.

Everyone loves Chocolate + Cashmere, are we right? Make your selections of luxurious yet affordable items at the shop of the same name; you will be hard-pressed to choose between ladies’ and mens’ sweaters, scarves and hats, or a dozen small-batch bon bons in dreamy flavors like grapefruit green chile, coconut cardamom or blackberry sage.

Both Ampersand Old & New and Dwellings Revisited are known for their vintage finds and one-of-a-kind oddities that will grace any home with a wink and a nudge. Ampersand – a newcomer to Bent Street – is a can’t-be-missed stop filled with the simplicity and functionality of mid-century, the funky charm of boho and shabby chic, and lots of campy, retro fun. For years, Dwellings Revisited has offered visitors a treasure trove of primitive and folk art primarily from Latin American and New Mexico.

Jones Walker of Taos is the art gallery we eagerly look forward to visiting: its friendly, welcoming vibe is unlike any other and you soon feel like family. They represent some of the finest local artists – Jeff Cochran, Max Jones, Jocelyn Martinez, Peggy McGivern, Nancy Ortenstone, Victoria Ryan, C. S. Talley and the late, great Jim Wagner, to name a few – but the gallery has an abundance of gift ideas, from the functional pottery of Clay Hicks to the hand-poured candles of Angel Fire’s Pinecone Candle Company. Woodcarvings from Daniel Barela and a sweeping assortment of art books are just some of the things that will make their way onto your shopping list.

MoMo Taos is another gem of the Bent Street corridor, replete with a global aesthetic that permeates the arts and designs offered here. Work by owner-jeweler Moriah Stanton is featured amongst fine art paintings and sculptures, vintage Native American jewelry, and a collection of giftables made exclusively in the Land of Enchantment. Across the way, the artfully quirky and endearing Ennui Gallery is a cooperative venture with a most interesting collection of gift ideas.

Visit Untitled Editions, an atelier and print gallery that features limited edition museum quality reproductions based upon the light-responsive original works of Taos painters Kimberly Webber and K.C. Tebbutt. Find the gorgeous prints in a variety of sizes to work in any decor. And Earth and Spirit Gallery features the award-winning art of Shari Ubechel, who will be happy to custom design a painting for your loved one. Landscapes, hand-painted drums, jewelry and calendars are also available.

At the end of your busy day a signature cocktail and cozy dinner at Lambert’s will set things right. Maybe purchase a gift certificate for that hard-to-shop-for person while you’re there.

And just like that, it’s time to relax and spread some good cheer of your own.

BOXIE FX-18

Twirl at Bonfires on Bent Street

Stop by Twirl during Bonfires on Bent Street for bonfires, holiday shopping, warming treats and an illuminating take-home craft, Saturday, Dec. 11 from 4 - 7 p.m.

Twirl Holiday Raffle

Every Saturday in December Stop by Twirl and add your name to the drawing. No purchase necessary. December Store Hours: Monday -Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays noon-5 p.m

Twirl is located at 225 Cam De La Placita. Visit twirltaos.org for more information.

FILE PHOTOS

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