Where is Carrizozo, New Mexico?
Why is there a place in town called the Tularosa Basin Gallery of Photography?

CARRIZOZO, is located in Lincoln County, New Mexico in the southeastern part of the state, at the junction of US Highway 380 and US 54. Like so many other features in the area, this settlement, now the county seat of Lincoln County, was named for Carrizo Springs, a water source, about 2 miles north of the town, and it was originally called Carrizo Flats, or simply Carrizo (carrizo being Spanish for grass) when founded in 1899 as a new town by the El Paso & Northeastern Railroad. About 1907, when the town was finally platted, James Allcook, foreman of a local cattle ranch, added the second ZO to Carrizozo, the extra syllable being added to indicate an abundance of grass for cattle. Another account says W.C. McDonald, a prominent local rancher & later New Mexico's first Governor, urged the railroad to change the name to Carrizozo.

The El Paso and Northeastern Railroad Company was chartered on June 5, 1896. It was built to connect El Paso, Texas, to other railroads, giving El Paso a commercial link to larger cities as far away as Chicago. In 1905 Phelps, Dodge, a mining company, acquired EPNR, to transport minerals, mostly copper and some gold, to industries throughout the country. Located with water and coal nearby, Carrizozo became an important supply link for the railroad and especially for the ranchers and farmers in the surrounding area.

Our gallery takes its name from the surrounding Tularosa Basin, one of the largest completely enclosed water basins in the United States. A basin formed millions of years ago as the surrounding mountain ranges emerged from the sea.

From Carrizozo, you can see the Sacramento Mountains, the largest mountain range in southern New Mexico, home to five majestic and climbable peaks: Sierra Blanca at 11,981 feet, Nogal Peak at 9,957 feet, Carrizozo Peak at 9605 feet, Capitan Peak at 10,201 feet, and Vera Cruz at 8,333 feet.

At the crossroads of HWY 380 and HWY 54 - two of the older roads within the state servicing travelers from all directions (North, East, West and South.)

Gateway to all the recreational activities in the area (skiing, hiking, horseback riding and golfing to name a few. Nearby is the Valley of Fires, a lava flow roughly 40 miles long and 5,000 years old. Also not to be missed is the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site which contains roughly 25,000 petroglyphs created by the Mogollon People who lived in this area more than 600 years ago.

Home to an established and growing arts community featuring over 60 artists and photographers as well as Historic 12th Street where several art galleries can be found.
Carrizozo is located south of the East-West Line that bisects New Mexico. The Northern portion of the state has the big cities, the vast majority of the state’s population and all the frenzy that comes with that. The Southern portion of the state has wide open spaces, big ranches, the White Sands National Park, warmer climate and a more friendly and relaxing pace of life.

Find out more about Carrizozo!
Carrizozo Chamber: http://www.carrizozochamber.org
Carrizozo Works: http://www.carrizozoworks.org
Read all about Carrizozo & the Gallery in the August issue of New Mexico Magazine

Discover Carrizozo, a Modern-Day Story of Survival and Arts Revival
Carrizozo was born as a railroad town in the early 1900’s. Homes, commercial shops, bars and rooms for rent were built in the architectural style of the time. The railroad still goes through Carrizozo but it no longer stops. Some of the old buildings have disappeared but the ones that remain have become the backbone and anchor the story of the Town’s revival. Historic 12th Street with buildings constructed of adobe and brick have become the new home for a rapidly growing Arts District. Twenty years ago there were 12 artists who called Carrizozo home. Today there are 60 and increasing, fixing up old buildings and opening the doors to the public.

There are currently three galleries on Historic 12th Street. There is Malkerson Gallery 408 known for its contemporary art & painting, jewelry, sculptures and hand-crafted items. It is also the Home of the Painted Burros of Southern New Mexico.

Across the street is another ‘Only in New Mexico' located in a 2-story building built in 1917. The Tularosa Gallery of Photography displays the works of over forty photographers from New Mexico. All the photos have been taken in New Mexico. At 2,500 Sq. ft. it is the largest photo gallery in the state.

Also down the street is the Heart of the Raven Gallery featuring Raku pottery and paintings. They also offer classes in pottery. Open most weekends.

To complement the art galleries there are several locations to stop by. The Soul of the West Boutique, a collection of western lady’s apparel, antiques and redefined furnishings. The store is known for its outstanding collection of men’s and women’s cowboy boots. Get your cowboy on!

During your visit take a break at The Honey Girl’s Café, a terrific little coffee shop where you can sit, sip and relax between your gallery visits.
Carrizozo Grabs the State Photography Spotlight for the Night. Read More...

Diamond in the Rough
Groups looking for something a bit different might want to head to Carrizozo, a small town about 150 miles south of Albuquerque. Located in stunning high-desert surroundings, Carrizozo is world-famous for its cherry cider and now is home to a somewhat quirky art community. The town’s many innovative, skilled artists work in diverse mediums and send their art to buyers and museums all over the country.

The town has many interesting galleries, including Heart of the Raven, featuring raku pottery and paintings; Momazozo (pictured), a community arts organization that engages guests in spontaneous creative activities; Malkerson Gallery 408, a contemporary space featuring the works of more than 25 local artists and an outdoor sculpture garden; Tularosa Basin Gallery of Photography, exhibiting the works of more than 35 New Mexico photographers.

Carrizozo is only about an hour’s drive from The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. The inn offers 273 guest rooms, panoramic views, hiking trails, 18-hole championship golf course, an indoor pool and 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 15 rooms.
Reprinted from www.smartmeetings.com

REVIEWS
We vacation every autumn in Alto, near Ruidoso, and this year went to see New Mexico Magazine’s Photo Contest winners in Carrizozo at the Tularosa Basin Gallery of Photography, We stopped at the visitor center, where we met Gwen Watson, a world-renowned cellist who trained under Pablo Casals and a published author who has lived around the world. She sent us to the Carrizozo Heritage Museum, which had the most interesting items. Finally, we got to the Tularosa Basin Gallery of Photography. It is a state-of-the-art facility and, oh my, around every aisle and corner are New Mexico photos more amazing than anyone can even imagine. Who knew? Go there now. Carrizozo might be small, but it sure is mighty.

Sue Price, Ellisville, Missouri
(Courtesy of NM Mexico Magazine)