From the Editor: Experience the magic of a Northern New Mexico holiday

HOLIDAY GLOW

The predicted la niÑa weather system may well bring us a warmer winter for 2020-2021, if the forecasted moisture does indeed head more northward. If so, Northern New Mexico ski areas say they will keep snow hounds happy by cranking up the snowmaking, while keeping uphill traffic numbers safely reduced and physically distanced.

No matter how the pandemic complicates our holiday plans, with winter comes the joy and adventure of skiing and boarding, the fragrant wisps of cedar and piñon smoke and the deep reds of ristras peeking out from under dustings of snow.

Steaming bowls of posole and cinnamonsweet biscochitos treat the taste buds and farolitolit walkways create magical pathways harkening ancient and New Year hopes, all capped with virtually presented historic folk dramas reminding us of the meaning of this wondrous season.

Snowy walks, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, snowman building, snowball fights and more with our loved ones, all gloved and gatored-up, will keep our cheeks rosy and eyes sparkling with holiday excitement.

Warmer temperatures might also mean we could enjoy patio dining with heaters through more of the winter than we normally do – snowfall, wind and other inclement weather depending, of course.

Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day is quieter this year, but no less special, perhaps even more immensely so during this year of unknowns and cancellations. But the joy and wonder of this holiday season here in Taos match anywhere in the world.

So, take it all in, because it only comes around once a year. It bears repeating, the holiday season in Taos is one of the best.

Finding and cutting the perfect tree is part of many Taoseños Christmas

SIMMS ART TAOS

WELCOME TO SIMMS ART TAOS, the creative studio and gallery to three, unique local artists: RJ Pfammatter, Catherine Simms, and Eric Anderson.

RJ Pfammatter is a Taos resident of many decades. He has been painting Taoscentric and Southwestern art for 30 plus years. RJ has been featured in several Taos galleries, and after a brief hiatus, he has found renewed inspiration for his work in this colorful and fun gallery. RJ ‘s figurative and abstract work can also be seen at rjpfammatter.com.

Catherine Simms is a native New Mexican, with deep family roots across the state. Her Southwestern landscapes reflect the richness of color and form inherent to New Mexico, and her work has been described by many as calming and meditative. Catherine also paints spiritually inspired pieces, drawing from her deep respect of the many cultures, religions, and nationalities of the Southwest.

Eric Anderson relocated to Taos from Columbus, Ohio in the early 90’s. Eric is a professional artist of note for his works in oil, pen and pencil, charcoal, and watercolor. Eric’s creativity is not limited to works on canvas. For those of you interested in living art, Eric has long been one of Taos’ outstanding tattoo artists, and he recently opened a new tattoo shop just North of Simms Art Taos, at 113A Paseo del Pueblo Norte. “Little One” Eric Anderson

“New Mexico Monolith” Catherine Simms

“Going for the Gorge” RJ Pfammatter “Last Coming of the Christ” Catherine Simms

IN ADDITION TO ORIGINAL, SW ART, Catherine Simms has a great love of African, Middle-Eastern, Tibetan, and Chinese décor and jewelry. Come see our great collection of vintage and new worldly wares. You can always find an unusual, handmade gift at Simms Art Taos.

Gallery Located at 102b Paseo del Pueblo Norte, at the entrance to the historic Taos Plaza and directly adjacent to World Cup Coffee (575)-770-4589