OUTSIDE OF ARTIFACTS 302, a 400-pound horned lizard sculpture welcomes visitors to Farmington’s historic Main Street.
“People like to sit on it and take photos,” says Bev Taylor, who owns the downtown gallery located in the historic Farmington Lumber and Hardware building. Created by Tucumcari artist D’jean Jawrunner, Sun Lion is one of nearly a dozen public works along the art-filled thoroughfare, where brightly colored murals adorn historic buildings.
“There is so much good creative energy here and some really fine artists,” says Karen Lupton, Farmington’s MainStreet coordinator and economic development specialist. Lupton helped launch the city’s annual Art in the Heart Sculptures exhibition in 2022, inviting artists from the Four Corners region to participate. Up to 15 sculptures are selected and installed along Main Street for a year with several already purchased by the city for public parks and other areas.
“Farmington’s art scene is evolving,” says Taylor, who spearheaded Art in the Heart Sculptures. “We want to make people aware that we have phenomenal art and history in this community.”
Farmington's murals bring lively colors and local stories to life along the historic Main Street.
Long an agricultural hub and trading center, Farmington was founded in 1901 where the La Plata, Animas, and San Juan rivers converge. Creativity has always flowed here too. Artifacts 302’s building, which dates to 1918 and played a role in the development of the town, is at the heart of the city’s art scene. The gallery showcases works by more than 40 local artists, a bakery and café, and an event venue for drawing classes, concerts, and other gatherings.
Taylor was inspired to create the outdoor sculpture exhibition during the pandemic. “The city did a huge multimillion-dollar renovation,” she says of the infrastructure and aesthetic improvements.
While downtown was being transformed, people had to access businesses through back alleys. To make the entries more inviting, more than 20 murals by local artists brought color and stories to the streets through Art in the Alley. “That set the stage for art that we wanted publicly, downtown,” Taylor says.
A stroll through the area makes for an enchanting afternoon. Among the must-visits is the contemporary HEart Gallery. Founded by painter Karen Ellsbury and her photographer husband, Patrick Hazen, the vibrant space creates a haven for artists and enthusiasts by hosting exhibitions, paint parties, and more. Owned by the Tanner family, Fifth Generation Trading Company specializes in Native American jewelry, pottery, and weavings. When you need to refuel, order up one of the New Mexican chile specialties at the Chile Pod, which got its start by competing in the town’s annual chile cookoff challenge in 2011.
So no matter what colors your world—from art and culture to shopping and tasty cuisine—you’re likely to find a rainbow of options in Farmington.
DON'T MISS
Meet more than two dozen artists who sell handmade leather, repurposed art, and other items at the Downtown Makers’ Market, held in Orchard Park on Thursdays from June through September. Live music, local foods, and happy vibes are also on tap.
