The Taos Experience

Mark Lavatelli's Artist Residency at the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico, May 16 - August 16, 2004
I became aware of the Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico through an online magazine, probably the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) publication Current. I applied in 2002 and was accepted for 2003, but they didn't have a studio available for the three summer months until 2004. I was content to wait, because having visited Taos in the late 1970's when I was a graduate student at the University of New Mexico, I was pretty sure it would be a powerful experience, and it was.

The Wurlitzer Foundation maintains about a dozen living and working spaces for writers, composers, filmmakers, and visual artists within walking distance of Taos Plaza. To minimize distractions, the Foundation keeps a very low profile. Once I unpacked and set up the studio, I began to enjoy the luxury of having time to reflect about my work, to explore the glorious mountains, to assimilate the myriad new experiences and to paint. I met fascinating talented artists as well as a variety of other characters. I got to hear excellent music, poetry, and short fiction, and was a judge for a poetry slam.
View of Taos studio
Spruce Posse #1, mm & encaustic on paper, 341/2" X 27 1/2"
Waterfall above Williams Lake
Casita #6 (Adobe) built circa 1900