First Fridays At Taos Blue

All Summer long and into the early Fall, First Fridays have quickly become a favorite evening for locals and visitors alike.

Beginning at the entry to the John Dunn House Shops, in the heart of Taos’ Historic District, you’ll discover some of the best shopping in Taos, with most of these business staying open late during this event, and getting into the spirit of things with refreshments, music and other entertainment.

Initiated by Sarah Basehart (Seconds and Glam Trash), after seeing how it was blowing up in other parts of the country, it has become a wonderful way for locals to connect with business owners in Taos, as well as for visitors to have a chance to meet some folks who actually live here!

The charming buildings (and small flower gardens), lining the walkway along this small outdoor mall, that leads to Bent Street, house a myriad of small retail shops carrying everything, from kid’s clothing to bespoke leather goods. it’s truly a shoppers paradise so bring a big bag to carry all your purchases in!

A stop for a quick bite to eat at the Bent Street Cafe or the upstairs Treehouse Bar at Lamberts, (across from Chocolate & Cashmere on Bent Street), will recharge you so that you can continue on your way up and down Bent Street.

From top to bottom, Bent Street is packed with unique boutiques and galleries tucked into centuries old adobe buildings, filled with history, stories and of course, the ghosts who come with the territory.

Indulge in a little luxury at Chocolate & Cashmere and check out Moriah Stanton’s one of a kind jewelry designs at MoMo before making your way up to the top of the street, stopping at Sam’s, the Underground, FX18 and others along the way.

Save the best for last – just look for the Corn Maiden beside the (Taos) Blue door – because Sue Westbrook at Taos Blue always makes it a party!

And this Friday will be no exception – in fact Sue will be pulling out all the bells and whistles, quite literally.

Beautiful and unique handcrafted metal bells have always been a Taos Blue trademark, and as Sue likes to keep things fresh and new, this year’s bell’s are made from recycled metal by a young couple from Taos County.

The bells forged by Tom and Toni Vigil have a gorgeous fish design and a beautiful ring. Perfect to hang on your portal to enjoy all season and beyond. Sustainable and green, they would make a great gift for that constant gardener in your life.

Along with the bells, Sue will also be featuring gourd artist Janice Hill at Taos Blue this Friday. Janice who is an accomplished artist who uses other mediums besides gourds, says that “gourds are a three-dimensional canvas that I carve, burn, paint or embellish.”

“Tactility has always been a part of me,” she says, “I can tell when I like a piece because I’m drawn to touch or handle it.”

You will be able to touch and handle all of the pieces Sue has outside on her patio this Friday evening, at her (not so little anymore), shop on the corner of Bent Street and the Paseo. You’ll also be able to meet the artists who make them and because these events are proving so popular, Sue has extended the meet and greet (with the aforementioned artists), through Saturday.

Taos Blue on Bent Street is a one of a kind gallery in a town full of them; filled with unique Art, American made crafts, jewelry, lighting, cards, stylish sunglasses and readers, bags, tea towels and mobiles! Sue has sourced everything you thought you didn’t need and much more.

It is the perfect one stop shop for wedding gifts, birthday gifts, Mother’s and Father’s Day and every other occasion that demands a present.

Housed in Taos Art Society founder Bert Phillips’ home, Taos Blue is truly a Taos treasure, so definitely stop by on Friday and say hello to Sue and her crew, as well as the artists who will be there, sharing their process and work with you.

Then it’s across the street to the Taos Inn for one of their famous margaritas and some people watching – the perfect way to end a Friday aqui en Taos!