In-Person Workshop in Abiquiú | Traditional Wood Carving

Join a traditional wood carving workshop with master wood sculptor, Cruz Lopez.

Georgia O’Keeffe carefully decorated her home and studio, blending art and design in a way that turned her space into an artist’s sanctuary. Inspired by the thought of bringing special objects into our homes, enjoy a relaxing afternoon learning basic wood carving skills and working on your own Corazón.

Students will learn how to sharpen the carving tools, carve with the grain of the wood, clamping and sanding techniques, wood carving safety, and leave with a deeper understanding of wood carving. 

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This class is suitable for youth ages 12 and up. If needed, please bring snacks and a water bottle—the Welcome Center has a filling station.

This class will meet at the O’Keeffe Welcome Center, located at 21120 US-84, Abiquiu, NM 87510. Registrants will be notified 24 hours in advance if the lesson is to be canceled.

Registration

All supplies are included: Members $125 | Non-members $150

About the Instructor:

Cruz Lopez is a multifaceted artist who grew up in an artistic family. Cruz is the son of Jose Benjamin Lopez and Irene Lopez who are both well-known artists working in Northern New Mexico in the town of Española. Jose Benjamin and Irene instilled a deep sense of passion for art into Cruz at a young age, and he has strived to perfect his skill and talent in every type of art he tries to master. Growing up in this artistic family where art was so important in the atmosphere of the home, Cruz learned the traditional art of his Indio-Hispanic culture from his parents. Woodcarving, weaving, painting, and working with straw cut into patterns on black painted wooden crosses were a way of life and the means to earn money as a child. The family demonstrated together at art fairs around the Southwestern states, such as the Festival of the American West in Utah and Santa Fe’s annual Spanish Market. Cruz went on to attend college at UNM, where he studied art studio and art history. After College, Cruz worked at various bronze foundry jobs learning the art of mold-making and bronze casting, welding and chasing, and wax work. Cruz also apprenticed with master artists, learning the techniques of buon fresco mural painting and stone sculpture. Cruz has also done work in drawing, pastel, painting on canvas, and large wall murals, digital art, movie making, and recording music as a musician (guitar and drums, vocals). Cruz regularly teaches kids visual arts and sculpture, helping kids make sculptures in clay, then scanning and 3-D printing . Cruz also teaches computer-aided drafting and 3-D printing. Cruz Lopez has recently opened his own Fine Art Gallery, CRUZ, at 500 Paseo de Oñate Española. The CRUZ Gallery holds art by Cruz Lopez and his family, along with other local artist’s work. Look for Cruz Lopez art online on his website CruzLopezArt.com , or on Facebook as Cruz Lopez , or on Instagram at @Art.by.Cruz.Lopez.

Photos Courtesy of Cruz Lopez