Cultural Demonstration: Wooden Santo (Saint) Carving

Learn about the centuries-old local tradition of carving santos (saints) with artisans Felix and Jospeh Lopez. Stop by the visitor center on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 any time between 10am and 2pm to see their work and discover more about the history and techniques of devotional art in this region.

 

 

 

 

Felix Lopez has been carving images of the saints or santos for over four decades and is considered a master carver by his peers and by those who have followed his long artistic career. For the last twenty years, he has taught the centuries-old tradition of carving devotional art at Santa Fe Community College, and has done extensive conservation work of historic art work in area churches - Santa Cruz, Chimayo, Truchas, Trampas, Cordova and Chamita.  His work is in private collections, as well as in museums and places of worship. He has received many accolades including a life-time Achievement Award by the Spanish Colonial Arts Society in 2007, and the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2016, among others.

Joseph began carving since a very early age and has followed in his father’s footsteps. For years, he has traveled to many countries to see the art work in museums, churches and galleries, and to take classes in painting techniques, sculpture, fresco, and other art forms offered by masters, all of which have helped him become an accomplished carver and painter.  He has been a long-term artist in residence at Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area, and has taught classes in painting and carving in various venues.  Joseph has also received numerous awards, including Best of Show and twice the Archbishop’s Award at the annual Spanish Market in Santa Fe. His art is also in private collections, museums and in churches, most notably the Vatican.