Oso Art
100 Lincoln Avenue
Capitan, NM 88316
Phone: 505.354-2327


Oso Art, at the corner of Smokey Bear Boulevard (US Highway 380) and Lincoln Avenue (NM Highway 48) in Capitan, is a new delight in Lincoln County. Opened in late November 2006, the gallery has charmed hundreds of people already and is continuing to attract more through the doors.

Oso Art’s motto is “from folk to fine,” and it is easy to see within the first few minutes that this is a fact. Displayed in the attractively remodeled bank building are renderings from a multitude of mediums ... oil and watercolor paintings, metals, rope, fabric, photography, clay, stone, wood, and many more. There is a wide array of art ranging from jewelry to wooden tables, from fine hand-crafted dolls to wine racks fashioned from horseshoes, from larger-than-life paintings of reptiles to whimsical stones with ladybugs painted on them, fanciful feathered horses contrast with elegantly crafted bowls, and sweet faced doll is complemented by rose paintings on the wall behind her. Everywhere you turn, there is something new and unique.

Oso Art is a truly unique gallery. It proudly displays crafts of local artists. There are many fine artists in Lincoln County, and a large number of them are represented here. Approximately 98 percent of the contributing artists are residents of Lincoln County. You’ll agree this is a special place when you step inside.

The hundred year old building has been refurbished under the watchful eye of owner Gregg Russell over the past year. Every room holds a mixture of sensory delights with colors and textures. Russell says that the building has survived for so long that it would be a shame to remodel without giving it what is needed so it can last another hundred years. Every room, every nook and cranny has been refinished so that each treasure has a pleasing showcase. Even the vault room in the basement of the building is used to exhibit art. Featured artists for the month of June are Cheryl Sullivan and Peter B. Renich, with their photographic display “Women in Hats.”

 

The building has historically served as a bank, restaurant, pawn shop, drug store, mercantile, skating rink, theater, coffee shop, and a residence for various proprietors. It served as the library for the village, also. The history of the building is being researched for a compilation of the stories.

If you haven’t visited here plan to do so. It is a charming and special gallery, just one of Capitan’s hidden pleasures, and we think you’ll be glad you made time.

The historical building which is now Oso Art sits at the corner of Smokey Bear Boulevard (US Hwy 380) and Lincoln Avenue (NM Hwy 48).

 

Inside the door is a beautifully remodeled gallery, home to the works of artists from Lincoln County.

 

The building is a perfect backdrop of the varied mediums and styles of art.

 

Every doorway leads to more visual delights.

 

There is certainly something for everyone here.

 

In the basement you’ll find more lovely pieces of interest.

 

The Vault Room is the showplace for Geronimo, a fine sculpture by Lulu Tatum.