Downtown Silver City has been known for many, many years as a culturally rich “art scene.” Well, it has not stopped evolving and growing. And a lot of the earlier art settlers are still here.
In 1997 Lois Duffy, along with a core group of artists from around the country, arrived in Silver City. They all had hopes and dreams and lots of energy. They were attracted to the area by the friendly people, the beautiful surroundings, relatively cheap real estate, a small university and moderate weather. According to Lois, “It didn’t take long to realize that if they were to earn a living, they would have to market themselves. Thus began the Yankie/Texas Art District and the Silver City Gallery Association which soon morphed into the Silver City Art Association. At one time they had 11 art galleries on Yankie/Texas Streets. By working together, they soon achieved a reputation for great art, art events, workshops, and to be known as one of the best small art towns in the country.” In 2005 Lois Duffy bought a building on Texas Street where she operated a gallery/studio along with three other art tenants until 2023.
Although Silver City has had its ups and downs it still attracts new aspiring artists with young ideas and their own hopes and dreams to carry on. Thanks to the revitalized SCAA and the expanded reach and new look of the Red Dot Guide, Silver City is once again establishing itself as one of New Mexico’s primary “art destinations.”
Now, almost 30 years later the Yankie/Texas Art District has expanded throughout downtown Silver City. Art venues can be found from Bullard to Broadway then into the original Yankie/Texas Art District.
Silver City Main Street Director Sharla Lefkowitz-Oberg says, "The arts scene is thriving in Silver City. What I am most excited about is the depth and breadth of the galleries and the work that is represented. I am regularly astonished by the level of skill and talent that comes from the artists who reside here in Silver City, as well as the artists our local galleries bring in from around the country."
Lots of new galleries and studios have popped up just in the last few years. New Mexican artist Charlie Meckel has renovated a Bullard Street shop to become The Charlie Meckel Atelier. Moving from Tucson, Linda L Chappel has opened Merge Art Community Space, also on Bullard, which is an informal institution functioning as a venue for contemporary art and cultural projects. And only two months in business, Angalyn Bishop’s Transformations Gallery features clay artists. These add to the already existing 20+ art locations on Broadway and Bullard.
The Yankie/Texas Art District is now full once again. Art by Franky de Angelis can be discovered at 211 West Yankie Street. He is known for his wild and exploratory painting style. He satiates his photography side by pursuing thunderstorms, moonrises and wild birds. He also captures the art and neighborhood with his keen photographer’s eye.
Across the street at 208 West Yankie, Otter Chaos offers art supplies and treasures made by local artists. In the back of the building a workspace is provided. A variety of art and fiber classes are offered for crafty folk with donated materials in a naturally lit, creative, friendly space.
Keep your eyes on the historic Bell Building on Broadway as the Otter Chaos owners are in the progress of creating a new business and renovated offices. Silver City Tye Dye is a step up from the 60’s tie dye! Brenda and Lenny feature “revived” clothing, linen and accessories. They combine contemporary tie dye methods and traditional dye resist methods with a southwest inspired color palette.
Kit West opened her Desert Bouquet Studio six months ago where she creates collagraph and scanograph prints, frequently hand painted on rice paper. Kit’s work explores a reverence for the natural world and the mystery and grief of the sacred feminine.
During First Friday in October two more galleries join the Yankie/Texas Art District. Carmen Mazzarella will open Silver Seed Gallery and Apothecary at 104 West Yankie. She will have a gallery for local artists, a makers’ space to create your own artwork along with poetry classes and a selection of apothecary delights.
Right next door, The Tinker’s Daughter Art Collective will celebrate its Grand Opening on First Friday October. This article’s author Marcia Tinker and her partner Bryan Hyde are thrilled to have finally found an art gallery they can call their own. Not really their own as they will represent a dozen local fine art and craft artists. And coming full circle, Lois Duffy returns to the Yankie/Texas Art District as one of the Tinker’s Daughter featured artists!
So now the Silver City Downtown Art District is Bullard/Broadway & Yankie/Texas with almost 40 art and cultural businesses to experience. Silver City is a true New Mexico Art Destination.
For more information: silvercityart.org, visitsilvercity.org.
