Image Courtesy of Carol Bondy
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The Abiquiu News is brought to you by Carol and Brian Bondy
Image Courtesy of Carol Bondy
Image Courtesy of Carol Bondy
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February 7, 2025
In Gratitude
We thank artists sponsors Rick Hilsabeck and Barbara Campbell for renewing their sponsorship.
We thank Jarred Conley of NM Real Estate Group and Vicki Markley of Sotheby's for renewing their Real Estate sponsorships.
We thank Jarred Conley of NM Real Estate Group and Vicki Markley of Sotheby's for renewing their Real Estate sponsorships.
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Rick Hilsabeck has loved color ever since he can remember. During childhood visit to The Art Institute in his hometown of Chicago, he was captivated by the rich and vibrant color palettes of such artists as Wolf Kahn, Gustav Klimt, Frederick Carl Frieseke, Odilon Redon, and Pierre Bonnard as well as the Abstract Expressionists, Clyfford Still, Richard Diebenkorn, Helen Frankenthaler and Hans Hofman. Rick has studied at The School of the Art Institute as well as with Colorado Impressionist painter, Chuck Ceraso, student of Henry Hensche. He was selected to paint in the Impressionist galleries of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, has shown throughout New England and the Western United States, along with his first solo show here in New Mexico at Abiquiu Inn. His works hang in many private collections. Rick is a consummate colorist, mixing his oil paint both on the palette and directly on the canvas, panel or paper. He frequently incorporates gold leaf as well as metallic pigments along with oils, acrylics and pastels, using brush, knife, fingers, cloth, towels … you name it.
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Rick is also a highly successful professional actor on the Broadwan stage and around the world, playing roles such as the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera and Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Dad in Billy Elliot, the Musical. Experience traveling as an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer and director have greatly informed his visual art. Rick and his wife Sarah Pfisterer make their home in beautiful Abiquiu, NM. Sarah is the Artistic Director of New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe.
Visit Rick online or make a appointment to see his studio
Note: Read an extended feature story about Rick - A Phantom in Abiquiu
Visit Rick online or make a appointment to see his studio
Note: Read an extended feature story about Rick - A Phantom in Abiquiu
Barbara Campbell
I intended to study foreign diplomacy and took a pottery class elective in my first year of college. I was so fascinated by the material; I transferred into Fine Arts and got my degree in Ceramics. I have been exploring the infinite facets of pottery making ever since. I have lived and worked in the village of El Rito since 1978. My current work is mainly functional stoneware, but I am spending more and more time on decorative and architectural pieces. In 2006 I began teaching workshops at Ghost Ranch Conference Center North of Abiquiu. At Ghost Ranch I got involved in kiln building, many different types of firing including Raku, Fume and Wood firing. My work over the past ten years has morphed from functional into sculptural and wall pieces. I designed the mural on Lower Pavilion at the Ghost Ranch.
Barbara's work can be seen at the Abiquiu Dome (Seasonal)
Read more about Barbara from our 10/23 features
Interview with Barbara Campbell – Ghost Ranch Arts Coordinator
Interview with Barbara Campbell – Part Two
Barbara's work can be seen at the Abiquiu Dome (Seasonal)
Read more about Barbara from our 10/23 features
Interview with Barbara Campbell – Ghost Ranch Arts Coordinator
Interview with Barbara Campbell – Part Two
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Vicki MarkleyRaised on a farm and living rurally all of her life gives Vicki an advantage with rural properties. With more than 30 years in the real estate industry including loan originating and processing and 20 years assisting Sellers and Buyers in Northern New Mexico, Vicki offers creative negotiating skills, has a strong work ethic and enjoys working with people. Her goal is to provide her clients with exceptional service. In her spare time, Vicki loves working with her Morgan horses, cooking and gardening.
View Vicki's listings online |
Thank you Contributors and Paid Subscribers
News and Features
Visitors to Dar al Islam, the site of a mosque and madressah (retreat and educational facility) often ask “why?” Why this place? Next, comes the question of “How?” How was this structure, reflecting the architectural traditions of North Africa, built? What’s the story behind this place that sits upon a mesa overlooking the Chama River and the Pueblo of Abiquiu on one side, and White City, or Plaza Blanca, on the other side? Read More
The departure of Agapita “Pita” Judy Lopez, Georgia O’Keeffe’s former companion and mainstay of the Georgia O’Keeffe Foundation and Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, left big shoes to fill at O’Keeffe’s Home & Studio in Abiquiú.
With two decades of experience in art and curatorial work and seven years at the O’Keeffe, Giustina Renzoni was recently appointed Director of Historic Properties and is ready to take the next steps in projects and operations in Abiquiú at the Welcome Center, Home & Studio, and O’Keeffe’s Home at Ghost Ranch. Let’s get to know Giustina Renzoni. Read More
A bill aimed at protecting public libraries from politically charged book ban attempts is making its way through the Roundhouse.
HB 27, the Librarian Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Cates, D-Rio Rancho, seeks to prohibit public libraries from getting state funding unless they adopt a policy prohibiting the removal of books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval. Read More
While historic snow fell across swamps and beaches in the Eastern United States in January, New Mexico’s snowpacks are looking high and dry at the beginning of February.
New Mexico had its hottest autumn ever, with October through December marking the warmest temperatures on average since 1895, said Tony Bergantino, the director at the Wyoming State Climate office, which collects water and temperature data for the Equality State. Read More
Let’s just get this out of the way: I dance Argentine tango.
Despite what some family members have asked out loud, Argentine tango is not a weird sex thing. It is intensely intimate at times, yes, and sometimes it is over way too soon. I also know what a lot of married women’s shampoo smells like. Read More
Last Monday, Jan 27th, we experienced a sharp decline in tech stocks, particularly Nvidia, which suffered the largest single-day market cap loss in the history of the stock market. This dragged down other stocks too – the NASDAQ was down over 3% in 1 day! This sort of market decline challenges us as investors to reflect on our emotional reaction to the drop. A reaction of fear or panic probably indicates that you have an overexposed and too risky portfolio. Read More
Question from Darla: Hi, Rick. I hope you can answer a Facebook question for me.
I'm an amateur photographer but I'm hoping to go pro before too long. I regularly upload some of my best photos to my Facebook profile to get feedback from my friends and other photographers. I was chatting with one of my photographer friends the other day and she said once I upload a photo to Facebook they automatically become the copyright holder of that photo and they can do anything they want to with it. Read More Previous News and Features
We get letters
Abiquiu News needs you. If you are interested in providing local news for the Abiquiu News on a regular basis, drop us a line. Let's talk!
If you have a story to tell, send it in. If you want, interview your friend, relative, teacher, co-worker. If you think it would be interesting, I bet other people would too. Give it a try and send something in to us. Carol Bondy Scene Around Town
Image Courtesy of Mariaelena Jaramillo
Thank you to all my beautiful people del Pueblo Abiquiu for carrying on our traditions and not being embarrassed to go out there and REPRESENT who we are and where we come for. Que VIVA la gente, que VIVA Pueblo de ABIQUIU, que VIVA los genizaros!! February 2025
Mariaelena Send us your local images. Send to AbiquiuNewsImages@gmail.com Please send images under 1mb. My inbox will thank you. ~Carol 
Art, Music, Film and Books
https://abiquiuartistsmarket.com/shop/karen-butts-photography-studio/
The Locals’ Picks Book List
Zach Hively Casa Urraca Press has created a place for locals in our area to recommend books to each other, and a place to find book suggestions with a personal touch.
Have a book to recommend? Send it to Zach at casaurracaltd@gmail.com – title, author, and the reason you suggest it.
The full Locals’ Picks list is available to view here on Bookshop. A purchase from Casa Urraca's link helps support independent bookstores. Abiquiu’s Casa Urraca Press earns a commission from every shopping trip that starts with the above Bookshop link—you can shop the entire Bookshop site in addition to the locals' picks. Plus, a percentage of every book (at least 10%) goes straight to independent bookstores. This is an opportunity to support small businesses with the same convenience as large online retailers. Abiquiu Book Club
The group has compiled the list of books they plan to read for 2025. Check this out and mark your calendar if you wish to join in the discussions.
March - Violeta by Isabel Allende (6) April - Goodnight Irene by Luis Urrea (6) May - Whiskey Tender: A Memoir by Deborah Jackson Taffa, (5) June - The Women, by Kristen Hannah (5) July - Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (5) August - The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin (5) September - Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey by Kathleen Rooney (4) October - James: by Percival Everett (4) November - All Fours by Miranda July (4) December - Anthropology of Turquoise by Ellen Meloy (4) January '26 - Eventide by Kent Haruf The group meets the last Tuesday of each month. Books are recommended by the members. All are welcome to join. Please call Analinda 505 927-6220 if you have questions 
For the Birds
1/31/25
NM Wildlife Center We've had an eventful week in our wildlife hospital! On Monday, we received a call about an injured American White Pelican on the ground in Santa Fe. This was a surprising thing to hear since we have not admitted a pelican in many years, although we knew it was a possibility since we are right in the path of a migratory flyway! The pelican in Santa Fe was alert and trying to fly but seemed unable to get off the ground. Santa Fe Police Department Animal Services Officers were able to capture the pelican and transport him to NMWC, where we set him up in a warm, quiet spot in our hospital outbuilding. American White Pelican 25-20 is already a survivor: his x-rays revealed old, healed fractures of his right radius and ulna, both of which are already fully stable. There is some irregularity in the muscle tissue around the radius fracture, but 25-20 has full range of motion in that wing and seems to have recovered from that old injury on his own. So why was he down on the ground in the middle of Santa Fe? We suspect that he probably crash-landed on a nearby road, which can look an awful lot like water in dark, wet conditions. Without an actual large body of water nearby, he became very dehydrated and hypothermic and was unable to get himself airborne again. Our hospital team's focus this week has been on stabilizing 25-20 by keeping him warm, hydrated, and fed. Since he isn't able to self-feed in this setting, our rehabilitators have been tube-feeding him multiple times a day with a specialized formula for piscivorous (fish-eating) animals as well as depositing whole fish directly into that enormous beak. We are hopeful that his stay with us will be short and that he will be ready for release soon! 2/3/25 We're happy to see that so many people are interested in American White Pelican 25-20's story! Keep an eye out for local news coverage on the pelican this week via KRQE News 13, KOAT, and other outlets. The pelican isn't the only wild patient keeping our team busy. We have several other injured wild animals receiving care in our hospital, and before we know it we'll be heading back into another baby season! Individual donations go a long way in keeping our hospital patients fed, medicated, and cared for from intake to release. You can donate to help support the care of 25-20 and other hospital patients by going to our wildlife hospital's donation page at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/wildlifehospital/. Every contribution is appreciated and helps us get wildlife back out into the wild! EventsPlease remember, events will go in for a maximum of three Fridays before the event. Send text, word or publisher file and a separate image, please keep images below 1 mb and send to info@abiquiunews.com. Vertical PDFs or JPGs will be edited for space. Send by Wednesday Noon for inclusion in that Friday's News.
Valentine's Day Sale!
starter
Tortillitas, Shrimp, Chive and Chickpea Pancakes Joyful Salad Bib Lettuce, oranges, avocado, sweet, pickled beets, and candied pecans with champagne vinaigrette entree Slow Braised hind Lamb Shanks with Lemon, Cumin and Cinnamon (for two) or Roast Halibut with Orange and Green Olive Salsa or Winter Vegetable Tart Tatin With your choice of: Celery Root, Yukon Gold Potato Mash or Golden Couscous with Wilted Greens with Pine nuts, Raisins, and Apple dessert Pistachio Raspberry Tart or Double Fudge Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream $60.00 per person Reservations only Seating at 5:00pm, 6:00pm and 7:00 pm 505-685-0086 during business hours Puppy Love Online Auction Supports Española Humane
Online auction features art, jewelry and resort stays
ESPANOLA, NM — Get ready to bid for a cause at the Puppy Love Virtual Auction hosted by Española Humane. Featuring over 150 items ranging from luxurious spa getaways and resort vacations to exquisite art and jewelry, this Valentine’s Day-themed auction promises to add sparkle and excitement to your life while supporting the vital work of Española Humane. The auction kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, and runs until 8 p.m. on Feb. 15. Whether you're seeking the perfect gift for your Valentine or treating yourself, there's something for everyone in this diverse selection. “There’s no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by finding a unique gift while supporting Española Humane and the animals we care for,” said Kate Baldwin, Executive Director of Española Humane. “Thanks to our generous supporters, we’re able to offer some truly special items.” Among the highlights are original paintings by renowned local artists Carol Anthony and Barbara Meikle, folk art pieces, handcrafted jewelry, gift baskets, professional dog training sessions, personalized pet and family portraits, and an array of gift certificates. Anyone can participate in the auction starting at 8 a.m. on Feb. 8 by visiting one.bidpal.net/25puppylove/browse/all. Show your love for Northern New Mexico’s open-admission animal shelter and find that perfect Valentine’s gift. For more information and to get involved, visit espanolahumane.org. 
Mark your calendars and join us for Posole Mio 2025! This benefit sponsored by the Española Valley Opera Guild will be held at Moving Arts Española on February 16, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00. Dining entertainment by Mariachi Divino and performances in the theater by the Young Voices of the Santa Fe Opera, the Pojoaque Middle School Guitar Students and the Moving Arts Folklorico Dancers. And Black Mesa Winery and Cidery cash bar, our EVOG Raffle and Silent Auction! Adults $20, Children under 12 $10. Proceeds we raise benefit the Community Engagement Department of the Santa Fe Opera
8th Annual Rio Chama Congreso - Water after Wildfire
9th Annual Rio Chama Congreso
following 2-3-2 Events at Ghost Ranch Event Center February 27, 28, March 1, 2025 Save the dates! You won't want to miss this joint meeting of the Rio Chama Congreso and 2-3-2 Partnership. Join us for three days of learning and connecting about the state of the Rio Chama watershed. On Thursday 2/27, the 2-3-2 will host a meet and greet in the evening, before the Full Partnership Meeting on Friday 2/28, followed by joint field trips looking at projects in the Rio Chama watershed and an evening premier of the first episode of "Thinking Like Water" and discussion, and the 9th annual Rio Chama Congreso on March 1. Congreso participants will have a full water and riparian health agenda, including a keynote presentation from Mike Hamman (former NM State Water Engineer), water and fire outlooks for the year, legislative water update, and panels featuring irrigators impacted by the flooding in 2024 on the Rio Chama, discussions on restoration projects in the watershed, and lots of opportunities to network across the watershed. We welcome everyone to join us as we explore the 2025 Congreso theme of "The River and Watershed, Top to Bottom." And, of course, we will provide food! Share the invite and RSVP today! Email sage@chamapeak.org with any questions. 
Announcements and Classes
Join us this February for dance and art workshops and a special Veterans Weekend.
Earth Body: Midwinter Movement for All with Rulan Tangen | February 7-9 Creativity, Connection, and Joy 2.0: A Retreat for Veterans with Michelle Holdt | February 13-16 Color and Composition with Sean Hudson | February 21-23 Earth Body: Midwinter Movement for All with Rulan Tangen | February 28-March 2 
Hoy Recovery Seeking New Board MembersHoy Recovery Program, a non-profit substance abuse treatment program located in Velarde, NM is seeking new Board members. If interested please send email to Eugene Gutierrez, HR Mgr.
E.gutierrez@hoyrecovery.org www.hoyrecovery.org 
Movement to Strengthen and Invigorate
Winter invites us inward for reflection but also calls for balancing warmth and energy. This class offers a fun mix of yoga postures and inspired movement focused on physical strengthening, conditioning, balance and ending with a feel good stretch and relaxation. All levels are welcome. Thursdays at Soulfire Studio or Virtually 9–10 AM ($10 per class) ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Soul Deep 1:1 Immersion This is your time to receive, restore, and go Soul Deep. Indulge in a personal mini retreat designed to renew and empower you. This sacred space blends self-care with authentic connection, helping you realign and leave feeling deeply refreshed and inspired. Your Immersion Includes: Sacred Ceremony & Intention Setting: Begin with clarity and purpose to guide your experience. Personalized Yoga Practice: Tailored movement to meet your unique physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Guided Yoga Nidra: Deep, conscious rest to plant intentions and cultivate manifestation. Reiki Energy Session: Energy healing to balance, bring integration and empowerment across all levels. 3 Hours | $225 (In person or virtually) ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Contact Joy for details or to reserve your spot at 802-855-3003 or joyousOM@gmail.com Soulfire Studio is located at 247 NM 554 in Abiquiu |
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Friday and Saturday Bistro Dinner
Feb 7th and 8th Japanese style baby back ribs, rice and broccolini 
KitanaGerman shepherd lovers! Kitana is a firecracker on four paws! At just 9 months old, Kitana is a whirlwind of wiggles, wonder, and wild-hearted joy! She’s got the boundless spirit of a shooting star and the curiosity of a cat (though don’t tell her that!). Whether she’s dashing through the yard like a streak of lightning or sniffing out the secrets of the great outdoors, this gal is always on a mission—to have fun! She’s a social butterfly with a shepherd’s smarts, getting along famously with her fellow furry friends. Have a pup at home? Let’s set up a meet-and-greet to see if they’re a dynamic duo in the making! And when it comes to people? Kitana is a tail-wagging, face-licking, command-learning superstar who’s eager to impress. She goes home spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and with six months of free heartworm prevention!
www.espanolahumane.org 505-753-8662 
CreamsicleCreamsicle is ready to melt your heart! This orange-and-white swirl of sweetness has been a devoted mama, a patient soul, and now, a kitty dreaming of her true forever home. After raising her kittens who have fledged to their forever homes, Creamsicle is in foster care, ready be an empty nester! She’s a dreamy, green-eyed gentle mix of independent and affectionate—loving her solo time but always ready for cozy cuddles when she feels safe. Give her a little patience, and she’ll reward you with soft purrs and playful zoomies (springs and string toys are her jam!). Creamsicle thrives in a calm home, either as your one and only, or with a super mellow feline friend. Think you might be her perfect match? Reach out—this sweet girl is ready to find the forever love she so deserves! Apply on our website to connect with her adoring foster family!
www.espanolahumane.org 505-753-8662 Found Cat
Found Cat. Are you missing your medium-size long haired ginger with slight tabby markings? Given our remote home 7 miles from El Rito, we are almost certain the kitty was a stowaway and came to our land in a truck with workmen from Coyote on January 21st. The kitty seems to be outdoor savvy so we think maybe indoor/outdoor. One defining mark - his/her tail is a bit raggedy, light orange blending into white. The kitty is being well cared for – if this sounds like yours, call or text to 505-231-9206
Sparrow isn’t just a name—it’s a promise. This dashing 3yo tabby is ready to swoop into your life and make himself at home, not just on your couch but perched right in the coziest corner of your heart. With his perfectly striped coat and his soulful gaze, Sparrow is the kind of cat who lands softly in your world and stays forever. He goes home neutered, vaccinated and microchipped! We are open to walk-in adopters Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm.
www.espanolahumane.org 505-753-8662 
Wanting to rehome our friendly and well mannered 2-year old female Mastiff/Shar Pei cross. She is a loyal pet who likes people and gets along with other pets but has a tendency to go on walk-abouts looking for adventure. She is a good watch dog and will bark at strangers but is not aggressive. She is paper trained if kept inside but she spends most of her time outside. She knows how to sit, shake paw, down, roll over, and likes her belly rubbed. A forever home with a fenced area is best for this big girl. She is spayed, vaccinated, and chipped. To the right home we will offer her very large Igloo doghouse for a small cost. Located in Abiquiu. Call 505-412-8220 if you want to come meet this sweet pup.
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