The Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area is a significant component of the national story. The area of northern New Mexico, comprising the Heritage Area, carries its own history and course of occupation distinct from that of the rest of the country and the rest of the Southwest. This history preceded the formation of the United States, including an indigenous revolution against the dominant power—the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, which left its imprint on the cultural heritage that remains in northern New Mexico and in its people.
In Northern New Mexico, every face tells a story,
every hand helps build a legacy, and every voice sings the song of an enduring culture.
The Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) stands as a dedicated steward and advocate for the rich tapestry of culture, heritage, language, and environment of Northern New Mexico. Our mission is to sustain the communities, heritages, languages, cultures, traditions, and environment of Northern New Mexico through partnerships, education and interpretation.
Our Vision is Community and economic viability rooted in the heritage and the environment of Northern New Mexico.
Cerrillos Hills State Park
Established by the US Congress in 2006, the Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) encompasses Río Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos counties and is dedicated to conserving and sustaining the varied cultural, historical, archaeological, and natural resources of Northern New Mexico. To fulfill this Congressional mandate, NRGNHA developed a comprehensive grant program designed to distribute federal funds for a wide array of projects within the Heritage Area.
In collaboration with multiple community members and partner organizations, Rio Arriba County and the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) presents a groundbreaking initiative to promote economic development while preserving and celebrating the unique cultural heritage of New Mexico. The program, centered at the historic Los Luceros Historic Site, will establish an arts incubator offering comprehensive training, mentorship, and resources to individuals seeking careers in culturally appropriate arts. By nurturing artistic talents and fostering a thriving arts economic cluster, we aim to redefine economic development through the lens of New Mexico’s cultural richness and artistic expression.
In 2006, the US Congress established the Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) (Río Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos counties) to help tribal and local governments and other public and private entities conserve and sustain cultural, historical, archaeological, and natural resources. To meet the Congressional mandate, NRGNHA developed a grant program to make federal funds available to support a variety of projects in the Heritage Area.Communities, tribal and local governments, land grant associations, non-profit 501c3 organizations, youth programs, historical and archaeological societies, and preservation groups are encouraged to apply for grant funding up to $10,000 that support the NRGNHA’s mission and goals.
In 2023, the Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) (Río Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos counties) opened a grant application opportunity to help tribal and local governments and other public and private entities conserve and sustain native languages of the Pueblos. NRGNHA developed this grant program to make federal funds available to support the preservation of Native Languages in the Heritage Area. Communities, tribal and local governments, and non-profit 501c3 organizations are encouraged to apply for grant funding up to $21,500 for projects that support the preservation of language.
NRGNHA works with the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs Historic Sites to develop and implement economic development programs based out of the Los Luceros Historic Site located in Alcalde, NM. This program will feature economic development activities that are culturally appropriate for Northern New Mexico and supports the cultural heritage programming of the Historic Site. Each of the projects at Los Luceros have been designed and created to diversify the regional economy and provide the residents of Northern New Mexico with alternative economic opportunities based on our rich cultural heritage
Projects: Commercial Kitchen at Los Luceros,Traditional Agriculture Training Project, Cultures and Creators
NRGNHA is actively championing Northern New Mexico as a promising film and media hub. The organization is proactive in engaging in discussions with local stakeholders and has created opportunity and potential for substantial economic growth in the region. NRGNHA actively collaborates with Milagro Storytelling Project and the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival to further this initiative.
Projects: Milagro Storytelling Project, SF International Film Festival Endowment, Northern NM College Drone Training and Podcasting Courses
Remedios at Los Luceros: Identifying Plants and Local Herbs
Date: April 27th
Time: 10am-3pm
Location: Los Luceros
Cost: $50 per person
15 spaces available
The aim of this class is to introduce our local herbs, identify, understand, appreciate and the knowledge on how to make remedios with our abundance of locally foraged healing herbs.
Location: Los Luceros - Off State Route 68, apprx 10 miles north of Espanola. Down County Road 48. Watch for the "Los Luceros Historic Property" sign and other "Los Luceros" signs) Alcalde, NM
This class is now full!
The Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area is offering grants to support Indigenous Language Projects in Rio Arriba, Taos, and Santa Fe Counties. Eligible organizations, including nonprofits, local governments, and Indigenous communities, are invited to propose projects that preserve, revitalize, or promote Indigenous languages, acknowledging their cultural significance and the threats they face from historical processes of colonization and assimilation. Projects may include developing learning materials, creating digital tools, establishing immersion programs, conducting research, or organizing community events. Grants of up to $43,000 for a 6-month duration are available, with a 2:1 in-kind match requirement. Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with objectives, feasibility, innovation, potential impact, and organizational capacity. Interested applicants must submit detailed proposals outlining project objectives, timelines, budgets, expected outcomes, and plans for sustainability.
Application Consultation with Grant Manager (Steve Vigil): March 1, 2024 - April 12, 2024
Application Submissions Due: May 17th, 2024
Grant Award Notification: May 30, 2024
For inquiries and application consultations, please contact:
Steve Vigil at info@riograndenha.org
Retablos with Joseph Lopez
May 18 - 10a-3
Adult Class
15 students max
Join us on May 18th at the enchanting Los Luceros Historic Site for an unforgettable experience in retablo painting and Capilla exploration.
Step into the captivating Capilla and behold the breathtaking collection of Clare Villa's Retablos adorning its walls. These exquisite artworks offer a glimpse into the spiritual traditions of Northern New Mexico, steeped in centuries of history and symbolism.
Following this tour, students will delve into the world of traditional Spanish Colonial Art with acclaimed Santero, Joseph Ascensión López. With over 30 years of experience and numerous accolades, including Best of Show at the Santa Fe Spanish Market, Joseph is a master of his craft. Under his guidance, you'll learn the intricate techniques of bulto and relief carving, retablo painting, and fresco artistry.
Discover the profound meaning behind each stroke of paint as you create your own masterpiece, infused with the essence of this culturally rich region. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a novice enthusiast, this workshop promises to ignite your creativity and deepen your connection to the vibrant heritage of Northern New Mexico.
Don't miss this opportunity to unleash your artistic spirit and embark on a journey through time and tradition at Los Luceros Historic Site. Reserve your spot today and let the magic of retablos transport you to a world of beauty and reverence.
Contact conner@riograndenha.org to register.
Straw Applique with Gabriela Silva
July 27 - 10a - 3p
15 students max
Adults class
More details to come.
Frescos with Gabriela Silva
June 15 - 10a - 3p
15 students max
Adult class
Embark on a captivating journey into the world of artistry and heritage at the Los Luceros Historic Site! Join us for an enriching experience where you'll discover the timeless beauty of frescoes, steeped in the rich history of the 18th century, when the Hacienda at Los Luceros was built.
Picture yourself strolling through the majestic Hacienda, where vibrant frescoes adorn the walls, each telling a story of the past. As you soak in the influences of the breathtaking surroundings, you'll feel inspired to capture the essence of wildlife, nature, and the sheer magnificence of the environment around you
Immerse yourself in the art of creating your very own frescoes, a skill passed down through generations. Guided by Gabriela Silva, you'll learn the secrets behind this ancient technique, where dry pigments meld seamlessly with freshly laid lime plaster, transforming your artwork into a lasting masterpiece.
At the end of the class, you’ll take home your own creation, a beautiful fresco imbued with memories of your journey and ready to be cherished by future generations. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unleash your creativity and leave your mark on history!
Join us for an unforgettable adventure in art – sign up for our fresco painting class today!
Contact conner@riograndenha.org to register.
Artists whose work emulates the following themes are encouraged to submit their designs for a commemorative 2024 Cultures and Creators Visual Arts poster.
Project theme: Our Ancestors. Our Future.
Selected artists will receive a licensing fee of $500 in exchange for reproducing the artwork in print, web, and social media. Artists whose work is included in the campaign will also be featured as Cultural Ambassadors for our Cultures and Creators Visual Arts Festival and featured prominently on the website and in our social media platforms.
Click here for full details, submission information, and more.
The deadline to submit your work is July 1, 2024