Kathleen Elsey

Sanctuary at Chimayo

Sanctuary at Chimayo, New Mexico
Acrylic on canvas 24" x 30"
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Chimayo is a small town in Northern New Mexico. The first settlers came here after the Pueblo Revolt (1680-1692) for the fertile farmland. The colonists worked the land with diligence, for there was not only the chance of becoming self sufficient through their labors, but the Spanish Crown might provide them with the title of hidalgo and provide all the perks that becoming a nobleman would entail. About a hundred years later, (~1810) a local friar was performing penance, and saw a light coming from the hillside. At the sight of the light, he dug a short way down and found a crucifix. Later named, Our Lord of Esquipulas, this crucifix was taken by a priest to another area. Three times the crucifix turned up missing. Three times the crucifix was found back in it's hole in Chimayo. By now, it was determined that El Senor Esquipulas didn't want to leave Chimayo, and a small chapel was built around his favorite spot. It is a magical sanctuary full of memories. I've painted the exterior many times. This is the first time i have painted the memories of the interior.


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© 2009 Kathleen Elsey