Allan Houser was a Chiricahua Apache artist well known for his modernist sculptures and paintings. He began his prestigious career with a showing at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Immediately thereafter he was commissioned for mural work at the Main Interior Building (the headquarters of the Department of Interior in Washington). Over the years, Houser’s works found homes in museums like the British Royal Collection in London, the Smithsonian, and the National Portrait Gallery.
But you don’t have to travel all the way to D.C. or England to see this Guggenheim fellow’s art. The Houser Sculpture Garden, 22 Haozous Rd., in Santa Fe, holds over 80 works of art. Additionally, an indoor gallery houses hundreds of drawings, paintings, and smaller sculptures. Tours are available, but even if you want to go it alone, this whole joint is an appointment-only art space, so call before you drive down. It’s $25 for the guided tour, but well worth it to hear the history of and see breathtaking art by a groundbreaking artist.
Pro tip: Try to visit in the early morning when it isn’t that hot yet. Even then, you will mainly be outside. Bring an umbrella or a parasol, or, ya know, wear sunscreen.
Details and contact info at https://allanhouser.com.
— Patty TempletonDGO Staff Writer
