Enchanted Soul Art Creatives’ Gallery & Shop will mark its first anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 1 at 2 p.m., celebrating a year of community engagement and support for local artists.
The Cedar Crest gallery, located at 12220 N. Highway 14, Suite A, specializes in New Mexico and Native Contemporary Art and has established itself as a community hub since opening to the public in October 2024.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our first anniversary and the incredible support we have received from our community,” said Dame Brown, the gallery’s founder and curator. “This event is not just about us; it’s about recognizing the power of art to bring people together and make a positive impact.”
Brown, a disabled U.S. Navy veteran and New Mexico transplant, opened the gallery after being inspired by the artistic expression of East Mountains residents. The gallery features work exclusively from artists who live, work or frequent the East Mountains area.
During its inaugural year, the gallery organized several community initiatives, including an annual food drive that provided food to more than 200 families in the East Mountains and a Literary Art: Mountain Poetry event featuring local writers.
The gallery initially opened with a holiday food drive that sold mason jars containing rice and beans, with proceeds benefiting La Planta, a local nonprofit focused on sustainable dietary education.
Brown said she was drawn to open the gallery after observing the artistic spirit of the community.
“Within the first few months of arriving in this region, the spirit of the mountains was palpable through the artistic expression of the people in the area,” she told New Mexico News in 2024.
The gallery serves as a platform for independent artists and sells American-made products. It has also launched an entrepreneurship internship and mentorship program for individuals ages 14 to 20.
Enchanted Soul is a member of the Turquoise Trail Association and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include remarks from local leaders, artists and community members. Attendees can explore the gallery, meet artists and learn about upcoming events and programs.
According to the anniversary announcement, Enchanted Soul plans to share the year in recap as well as acknowledge its role in the community, along with its readiness for growth and expansion. The organization hopes to set the stage for future endeavors through partnership and collaboration.
For more information, contact the gallery at thescoop@enchantedsoul.info.
