The Saints Come Marching In

Santero Nicolas Otero of Los Lunas

Perhaps, one of the most sought after items at Santa Fe’s Spanish Market are representations of saints.  When they are painted on boards they are called retablos.  When they are carved figures they are known as bultos.  When men create the images they are known as santeros.  Women are called santeras.  I stopped by to chat with several of the well-known santeros.  If you get to the last day of the Market, tomorrow on Sunday, July 26 take some time to talk with the artists about their processes. See more of Nicolas Otero’s art.

Santero Carlos Rael of Ranchos de Taos loves to go out searching for the raw materials for his pigments.

Santero Carlos Rael makes retablos and bultos.

Santero Carlos Rael has an eye for color and loves to go hunting for the ingredients of his natural pigments.

The Ranchos de Taos artist says he doesn’t leave home without a shovel and pail.

He has a special place in Questa where he retrieves some of the raw materials for his pigments.

Take some time to visit with this artist to learn more about his dedication to traditional painting methods.

He makes both retablos and bultos.

Santero Ruben Gallegos of Albuquerque

As you peruse the Spanish Market you’ll notice that no two santeros create their art in the same way.

Ruben Gallegos of Albuquerque creates bright, vivid retablos.

He’s also know for his eggshell art and his fine miniature paintings.

There are many more talented santeros and santeras. Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, is one of my favorites.  Do you have a favorite?