Charles M. Carrillo, Santos of New Mexico
Tour Stop Number: 12Category: Painting, Sculpture, and Woodworking
Website: https://santosofnm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SantosOfNewMexico/
Painting & Woodworking/Santos and Retablos
Charles M. Carrillo, born in 1956, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an artist, author, and archaeologist known particularly for creating art using Spanish colonial techniques that reflect 18th century Spanish New Mexico. Carrillo has blended craft, conservation, and innovation throughout his career as a santero — a carver and painter of images of saints. The depiction of saints for religious purposes dates to the 18th century in Hispanic New Mexican communities.
Carrillo holds a doctorate in anthropology / archaeology from the University of New Mexico, but his true commitment to tradition has led him to work as an artist and advocate within the religious community of northern New Mexico. As a generous mentor, he has inspired many artists to pursue the santeros’ native techniques, values, and devotional spirit.
The Carrillo family offers visitors a peek into Abiquiu’s past. At our home gallery, we will exhibit hand-coiled utilitarian micaceous pottery identical to pottery made by Genizaro villagers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Debbie Carrillo was the artist recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Spanish Market. Additionally, traditional New Mexican Santos will be exhibited by Charles M. Carrillo-National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship Award winner -2006. The Carrillo family invites visitors to learn about the colonial past of the Pueblo de Abiquiu, through their traditional art forms.