Gallup, New Mexico is one-of-a-kind. It can definitely be rough around its edges, but it also has a charm that only a town with a rich history can. When visitors arrive, it doesn’t take long before they realize this is an old train town. The Santa Fe runs right through downtown, and you might even have to wait at the train tracks to visit the historic buildings, and if you escaped the wait, you are surely going to hear the train horns blast its arrival.

Many visitors find this unique place because they needed a break from travel and exit off I-40 to cruise the Main Street of America, US Route 66. Others have made it their destination to explore the homelands of the Navajo and Zuni Nations. However, most people come to visit the many Native American art galleries that sell the handwoven rugs, baskets, kachina dolls, pottery, and jewelry of our local artisans. Make no mistake this is a serious art town.

You can visit museums across the country that proudly display the art that originated in our area. This fascinating history of our area pours over into our everyday lives. It doesn’t take long before you see someone wearing the sacred blue stone or selling their crafts in one of our many restaurants. Visitors are fascinated by this local industry, and it is such a different experience than anywhere else in the world. That love of art is also on display throughout the city. We offer our welcomed guests a tour of murals, trash can art, and several large sculptures that celebrate the artistic talent of our community.

Once a year the Gallup Journey Magazine celebrates our artist with the Arts Edition. All of the art admissions are displayed proudly throughout the magazine. You will find the pages filled with pictures that capture the beauty of our area, poems that express the deep roots of Gallup, and paintings to admire. We love being part of this community and all that it has to offer. Enjoy looking through this 18 th Edition of our Arts Issue.

Jpa