Art
in Patagonia
Patagonia is an oasis of nature, creativity, health and spirit.
In my 15 years here as owner of Mariposa Books & More and proprietor of the Visitor Information Center, I’ve grown to really appreciate the importance of the art galleries and museum in Patagonia. Now I’d like to take you on a tour of them.
GRAYCE’S GIFT AND CANDLE SHOP
260 W. Naugle Ave. 394-2035
LA GALERIA DIA DE LOS MUERTOS MUSEUM
266 W. Naugle Ave.
Open: Fri.-Mon., 10-6
As you come into Patagonia on Hwy. 82 / Naugle Avenue from Sonoita, on
your right is Grayce’s Gift and Candle Shop. It is one of Patagonia’s
oldest businesses, founded in 1975 by Grayce Bogden Arnold and operated
by Grayce until her death at 97 in 2005. Located in an historic old
miner’s home built in 1905, you’ll find decorative candles, antiques,
examples of Grayce’s unique creations, and gifts from the Southwest,
Mexico and other native Latin American cultures.
To the rear of Grayce’s is the Galeria Dia De Los Muertos Museum. There
you will find colorful figurines, skulls and skeletons dedicated to the
Day of the Dead, celebrated in Mexico on All Souls’ Day, November 2nd.
METAMORPHOSIS ART GALLERY
316 Naugle Ave. / Hwy.82 394-2105
Open: Thurs.–Mon., 10:30–4:30
In the quiet beauty of the Metamorphosis Gallery’s many rooms you will
find a variety of stunning art pieces from some of the finest artists in
the region: paintings, sculptures of bronze and wood, ceramics and stained
glass. This is truly Patagonia’s source for fine art. In addition to the
Southwest themes, I particularly like the abstract paintings and sculpture.
Now continue to the corner and turn left at 4th Avenue, then left again on
McKeown Avenue, and admire the stained glass windows of the Community
Church on the corner.
MESQUITE GROVE GALLERY
371 McKeown Ave.
394-2358 or 394-0054
Open: Wed.-Sat., 11:30–4:30; Sun., 1:00-4:30
Or by appointment
Now in its 21st season, the Mesquite Grove Gallery is situated in an
historic adobe home under a 100 year old mesquite tree. It was originally
founded to exhibit the work of area artists whose art showcases the
region’s beautiful landscapes and diverse people. Today, the Gallery still
features fine arts and crafts, paintings, pottery, sculpture and jewelry
by area artists and artisans, as well as work from outside the region.
THE GATHERING GROUNDS
319 McKeown Ave., 394-2079
Open: daily, 7–5
The Gathering Grounds – the name says it all: an espresso bar with
creative soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries and people…..and art. The
long side wall features the work of local artists, changing with a new
show and reception the first Thursday of each month. The Gathering
Grounds has it all – ambience, action, and art.
CREATIVE SPIRIT ARTISTS’ COOPERATIVE GALLERY
317 Mc Keown Ave., 394-2100
Open: Mon–Sat., 10-5; Sun.,10-4
The Co-op, now in its 3rd year, showcases the diverse creativity to be
found in this area of Eastern Santa Cruz County. Oil, watercolor and
digital paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fabric art, candles,
book art, and a variety of mixed media (have I covered them all?) are
creatively displayed . Participating artists are your hosts, and love to
explain their work to you.
MARIPOSA BOOKS & MORE
317 McKeown Ave., 394-9186
Open: Mon.-Sat., 10-5, Sun 10-4
Sharing space with the Co-op on the other side of the partition is
Mariposa Books & More with a wide variety of books, new, rare and used,
greeting cards, many by local artists, Aubusson tapestries by a local
weaver, and crafts and gifts also by local artisans. Incidentally you’ll find
visitor information at this location, too.
GLOBAL ARTS GALLERY
315 McKeown Ave.,
394-0077
Open: daily, 10–5
“Gifts from around the world and around the corner” – that about says it
all. From beaded Huichol bowls and dramatic local art, to antique Asian
treasures and stunning international and Native American jewelry, Global
Arts is a feast for the eyes and a solution to all your gift needs.
