Fifty-six miles of desert sunbaked-earth dotted with yucca plants and spiny-cacti stretch into dense, green forest and climb up and through the mountains of the Sangre De Cristo Range along the High Road to Taos.

Situated in this wildly-beautiful rural landscape between Santa Fe and Taos you will find Truchas and the annual High Road Art Tour now in it’s 19th year. According to Sally Delap-John,  artist and president of the board, in that time the scope of the tour “has continued in this area from just beyond Vadito, in the north, to Chimayo, in the south.”

“Our goals include putting a spotlight on our part of the art world, broadening the scope of each artist’s audience, and connecting with our local cultural counterparts,” Delap-John said.

She was originally invited to get involved with the tour by another artist, Judith Hert, after seeing a painting Delap-John had done en plein air.

“When I saw what artists were doing in Truchas, operating studios and galleries in their homes, I thought this would be perfect for me,” Delap-John said. “The setting of Truchas and the entire area of the High Road Art Tour is stunningly beautiful and inspiring.”

Sally Delap-John has been a participant on the board for 6 years and serving in her current role for the past three in dedication to the goals of the High Road Artisans.

“Our emphasis has ranged from increasing community involvement and bringing awareness to the historical mountain villages as early outposts of settlement, to promoting children’s art and this year showcasing the farm connection,” Delap-John said.

The Farm Connection is a cultural bridge between the arts and the foods of the region. Local farmers have been invited to sell and showcase their goods.  In Truchas and open to the public during the art tour are Tooley’s Trees and Zia Queenbees. Additionally in Truchas are Michael Panas, Dave and Lise Shepard and Gene Vigil all offering assorted produce. David Sandoval also located in Truchas is offering produce and gladiolas. Located in Penasco are Mesa Ruiz, Ron Monsour and Charlotte Madueno are selling assorted produce and natural remedies.

“The local farmers’ of the area turn soil and seeds into art each growing season and the timing of our annual art tour is the harvest in our mountainous area. It seemed like a great connection to make,” Delap-John said. “A lot of the art that comes from Northern New Mexico is inspired by the colors and shapes of the flora and fauna.”

In addition to the the Farm Connection a student art contest was introduced. Blair Brown organized the student competition and art show. Delap-John said it has been added this year “to foster art enthusiasm in the youth and show their talents.”

Whether your interests lay in art, agriculture or the natural beauty of Truchas and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains–the High Road Art Tour has something to offer by way of a new connection. Travel the High Road Art Tour and embrace life, food, art and beauty.

For more information about the art tour and artists featured here, please visit High Road Art Tour or Sally Delap-John

**Please note that featured throughout this article are the works of a variety of artists that are participating in the High Road Art Tour.