If you enjoy art, then you're probably familiar with Georgia O'Keeffe, who is considered the mother of American modernism. She is best known for her paintings of enlarged flowers, New York skyscrapers, and New Mexico landscapes. That's right- O'Keeffe was a New Mexico resident! To this day, much of her work remains in New Mexico. Here's where you can find Georgia O'Keeffe in New Mexico!
Photo from https://www.facebook.com/GhostRanch/photos/
In 1940, O'Keeffe bought a 12-acre property on the edge of Ghost Ranch- a 21,000 acre dude ranch with stunning scenery- and resided in it seasonally. Today, Ghost Ranch is open as a retreat center, offering opportunities to escape the daily grind or take a workshop. To get the full, immersive O'Keefe experience, take the O'Keeffe landscape tour (in a bus), trail ride (on horseback), or walking tour (on foot). These tour options take you "into an O'Keeffe painting," as you'll get up close and personal with locations featured in some of O'Keeffe's most popular paintings. You'll get to pass by her house as well!
Photo from https://www.nps.gov/places/okeeffehomeandstudio.htm
In 1945, O'Keeffe purchased and restored a home in Abiquiú. This house became her permanent residence shortly after, and she lived there until 1984. In this 5,000 square foot adobe home, O'Keeffe produced iconic art, sought inspiration, and lived her life. This is the only O'Keeffe residence that is open to the public, so visitors seeking a glimpse into her personal life can book an intimate house tour.
Photo from https://www.facebook.com/georgiaokeeffemuseum/photos/
To see O'Keeffe's art, you should head to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe! The museum features a collection of over 139 O'Keeffe paintings, drawings, and sculptures, making it the largest O'Keeffe collection in the world. Throughout the year, the selection of view changes, but you're guaranteed to see at least 50 of her pieces whenever you visit.
Photo from https://www.facebook.com/georgiaokeeffemuseum/photos/
If you're lucky enough to be in New Mexico between March 12, 2022 and January 8, 2023, then you should head to the New Mexico Museum of Art for a little extra O'Keeffe! Their upcoming exhibit “Western Eyes: 20th Century Art Here and Now” features Southwestern-inspired art by T.C Cannon, Fritz Scholder, and many others (including, of course, O'Keeffe).
Come find the spirit of Georgia O'Keeffe in New Mexico! Plan you trip today!