A CREATIVE LEGACY
Explore how a small group of artists built New Mexico’s largest studio tour.
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In 1990, eight Eldorado artists, led by Arlene Siegel, came together to form the Eldorado Arts & Crafts Association (EACA).
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Their vision was simple:
Support local creativity, build community, and promote the arts.
In 1990, in the heart of Eldorado just outside Santa Fe, something remarkable began to take shape. It started with a handful of artists—eight, to be exact—who came together with a shared belief: that creativity thrives in community. Led by artist Arlene Siegel, this passionate group founded the Eldorado Arts & Crafts Association (EACA), planting the seeds for what would become one of New Mexico’s most beloved artistic traditions.
Their mission was simple but powerful: to support each other, share resources, and bring more visibility to the creative talents living quietly among the piñons and high desert skies of Eldorado. What they built together has grown far beyond what they may have imagined—transforming into a dynamic, member-powered nonprofit with a state-wide reputation for excellence, camaraderie, and artistic vibrancy.
The Studio Tour:
A Bold Idea Becomes a Legacy
Just two years after EACA’s founding, the group hosted the very first Eldorado Studio Tour in September of 1992. It was modest—just 14 artists opened their home studios to the public for a single day—but the response was enthusiastic. Visitors loved the chance to meet artists where they worked, to see the creative process up close, and to take home something handmade and personal. It didn’t take long for the tour to become a staple of the community's cultural calendar.
By 1993, the Studio Tour expanded to a two-day event,
added a printed brochure, and launched its first Preview Gallery, where visitors could get a sneak peek of the artists' work before deciding which studios to visit. The artists themselves created the marketing materials, collected sponsorships, and installed handmade studio flags.
Through the 1990s and early 2000s,
the tour steadily grew. More artists joined, the brochures got more polished, and the community embraced the event wholeheartedly. In 2006, EACA officially became a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, and by 2008, the organization had begun mailing professionally designed brochures across the region and developing an online presence.
More Than a Weekend:
EACA’s Expanding Vision
While the Studio Tour remains EACA’s signature event, it’s only one part of a larger story. Annual Spring and Winter Art Shows offer additional opportunities for members to exhibit and sell their work.
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Shop Talks and general meetings provide learning, mentorship, and networking. In recent years, EACA launched Artist Interest Groups—small, informal meetups where members share techniques, discuss creative challenges, and even collaborate on projects.
Thanks to its volunteer-powered model, EACA keeps dues low and opportunities high. Every artist who participates in the Studio Tour or other events contributes time and energy, whether by serving on committees, helping with marketing, or setting up exhibitions. This shared effort not only supports the organization—it builds lasting friendships and fosters a true sense of belonging.
Art That Gives Back
Since 2003, EACA has proudly donated more than $100,000 to local organizations, funded by voluntary contributions from participating artists. These donations have supported the Eldorado Fire Department, the Vista Grande Public Library, the Senior Center, school art programs, 285 Recycles, and other community efforts.
Giving back is more than a gesture—it’s part of the EACA culture. Artists are not just participants in a show; they’re contributors to the fabric of Eldorado.
Today and Tomorrow
In 2024, EACA celebrated its 32nd Studio Tour with over 110 participating artists—the most in its history. The event drew hundreds of visitors from near and far, many of them returning year after year. Some artists opened their doors to more than 300 guests in a single weekend. Studio sharing has become a popular and effective strategy, allowing multiple artists to exhibit together and giving visitors a richer, more varied experience.
EACA continues to grow and evolve, now with 175+ members and new ideas on the horizon. A stronger digital presence, improved artist resources, and deeper community outreach are all part of the ongoing vision. Yet at its core, the organization remains grounded in the values that launched it over three decades ago: creativity, community, and connection.
The Heart of Eldorado
The Eldorado Arts & Crafts Association is more than an arts group—it’s a living example of what happens when people come together with a shared purpose. It’s about neighbors supporting neighbors, artists uplifting artists, and a community that values expression, beauty, and heart.
And it all began with eight artists who simply believed in something more.