Author | Lightnews

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 3h

In Mexico, Dia de Los Muertos is a vibrant celebration, not just a somber occasion. Altars bring together the living and the departed with colorful offerings.
📸 Day of the Dead Offering Altar (Ofrenda): Mexico, 1960
Museum of International Folk Art: Girard Collection #17-13
Photos by Tamara Hill

Colorful Day of the Dead altar featuring skulls, candles, food offerings, and angel figurines, symbolizing remembrance and celebration.

Colorful wooden diorama featuring an angel with white wings and outstretched arms behind a tall lit candle, surrounded by vibrant flowers and figures.

A decorative skull surrounded by yellow and orange gourds, with small winged figures above and below, creating a vibrant autumnal scene.

Wooden carving depicting a bearded man in blue holding a trumpet, surrounded by angels with wings and musical instruments.

4

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 21h

Día de los Muertos Annual Community Celebration
Museum of International Folk Art
Sunday, October 26, 2026
Noon - 4pm
FREE Admission All Day!

2 1

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 1d

The @kukuli-v.bsky.social sculptures are arriving for Truths Be Told.
They’re disconcerted to find themselves in a Santa Fe museum basement.
"Truths Be Told: Artists Activate Traditions" on view 12/5/25
https://moifa.org/exhibition/6423/truths-be-told-artists-activate-traditions
#TruthsBeTold

A ceramic figure with intricate white geometric face and body paint, wearing large circular ear ornaments. A small, dark animal figure is attached to its shoulder.

A clay pottery bust of an ancient figure with intricate white patterns on a headdress, wrapped in blue protective fabric.

A close-up of a colorful, intricately painted ceramic mask with geometric patterns and a stylized face, resting on a dark fabric.

Close-up of a colorful, ancient Mesoamerican ceramic figure with wide eyes and open mouth, showcasing intricate facial patterns.

4

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 2d

Ready for a colorful day? Join our annual Dia de los Muertos celebration on Oct 26, 2025, from 12-4 PM! Art, tradition & community vibes—FREE!

Add to the Community Ofrenda
Catch Los Niños de Santa Fe dancing!

📸 Details of altar by Stephanie Riggs / Photos by Tamara Hill

#DiaDeLosMuertos #SantaFe

Decorated skull with colorful butterfly patterns surrounded by orange marigold flowers and white hanging decorations, celebrating Día de los Muertos.

Skeleton dressed in Aztec-style headdress and holding a shield stands amidst bright orange marigold garlands, celebrating Día de los Muertos.

Colorful Day of the Dead altar with skeleton figures, marigold flowers, and traditional decorations, celebrating Mexican culture.

Day of the Dead altar with vibrant decorations, including marigolds, a painted skull, skeletons, and traditional offerings like corn and seeds.

1 3

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 2d

The Bartlett Library + Archives at MOIFA celebrated #NationalArchivesMonth Monday during "Archival Oddities: Misfits and Mysteries in Collections" at Meow Wolf. Objects included: Italian tarot deck of cats, published book of secret societies, a relic from the Chapel of Bones in Malta, and much more.

A colorful table display featuring various books, including "Secret Societies," "The Witches," and "American Car Spotter's Bible," set against a vibrant mural.

1 2

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 4d

Donate your gently used folk art to the Friends of Folk Art (FOFA) Folk Art Flea this Saturday, October 25, 10am-2pm. Drive to the back of the Museum of International Folk Art parking lot and look for the storage pods. All donations are tax deductible.

Collage of folk art items, including masks and beadwork. Text reads: "Donate to the Folk Art Flea. Oct 25, 10am–2pm at MOIFA."

3

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 5d

Ever wondered about the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos? Dive into the rich history + learn how to craft your own Ofrenda Nicho Box with our easy guide! Perfect for teachers & students. https://moifa.org/learn/lesson-plans/day-of-the-dead-ofrenda-nicho-box.html

Decorative altar with a photo of a dog wearing a red bandana, surrounded by red flowers, colorful paper, and a ribbon bow on top.

3

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 6d

Feature on New Mexico says Museum of International Folk Art was a "pleasant surprise' and "a riot of color, design, and unique objects.” https://www.heraldstandard.com/community_life/2025/oct/11/sojourn-to-the-southwest-a-week-in-the-land-of-enchantment/

#SundayReads

Sojourn to the Southwest: A week in the ‘Land of Enchantment’

While searching for a late summer getaway, an article in the Wall Street Journal provided an intriguing prospect. Why not fly into Albuquerque, New Mexico, and also visit Santa Fe and Taos? The state is proudly called “the Land of Enchantment” to reflect its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. My wife and I […]

www.heraldstandard.com

1 2

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 7d

Join MOIFA's Bartlett Library & Archives and over a dozen other institutions at Meow Wolf as we show off bizarre objects at Archival Oddities: Misfits and Mysteries in Collections on Monday, Oct. 20, 4:30-7pm.
Tickets: https://tickets.meowwolf.com/events/santa-fe/nm-archives/

#ArchivesMonth

Event poster with abstract background reads: "Archival Oddities: Misfits & Mysteries in Collections. Free to the public, October 20, 4:30 PM." Organized by New Mexico State Records Center and Archives.

1

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 9d

Fun times were had by all at the @govmlg.bsky.social Governor's Fall Festival yesterday. MOIFA's education team was there helping participants decorate sugar skull masks.

#NewMexico

Person in a gray Puma hoodie holding a decorated paper skull mask on a stick at an outdoor event with tents and people in the background.

Three women smiling at a table with Day of the Dead skull coloring pages, markers, and festive decorations, under a tent at an outdoor event.

Children decorating sugar skull masks at a table with markers, glue, and craft supplies, celebrating a cultural art activity.

Table with Day of the Dead skull coloring pages, markers, and sequins for decoration. Piñata and more crafts visible in the background.

2 2

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 10d

Make and Take corn husk dolls in our hands-on studio this Sunday, October 19th from 10am-4pm.
Enhance your museum visit with hands-on art-making, guided by our wonderful MOIFA docents. The program is free with museum admission. Admission is always free for kids and members.

1 3

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 11d

Ever thought about how different cultures honor their ancestors? Zhang Zu Zhang's installation at MOIFA blends Taiwanese and Mexican traditions in a vibrant altar. It's more than mourning—it's a celebration of life cycles.

#OnceWithinaTime

Vibrant altar adorned with marigolds, papel picado, colorful sugar skulls, and figurines, symbolizing Day of the Dead traditions.

1

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 12d

#IndigenousPeoplesDay

Text about Indigenous language families in New Mexico, their historical travel, and the Museum of International Folk Art's recognition of Tewa land.

1 5

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 13d

"'Appearances Deceive' - a retrospective of Policarpio Valencia: - ABQ Journal
https://www.abqjournal.com/lifestyle/article_c502fde7-0249-4608-b15d-a249a3074133.html

#sundayreads

'Appearances Deceive' at MoIFA a retrospective of Nuevomexicano artist Policarpio Valencia

The Museum of International Folk Art is tying together family history and art with “Appearances Deceive: Embroideries by Policarpio Valencia.” The exhibit is dedicated to Nuevomexicano artist Policarpio Valencia, whose family contributed stories about him to the exhibit.

www.abqjournal.com

3

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 14d

Grey skies in New Mexico are rare, but when they happen, it's the perfect time to explore indoors for sights like this:
12th International @sitesantafe.bsky.social "Once Within a Time" including the installation here at MOIFA, featuring artist Zhang Xu Zhan.

#NewMexico #SITESantaFe #MOIFA

A dimly lit room with a vibrant jungle scene projected on the wall, featuring a table adorned with intricate, red botanical sculptures.

Two women stand in an art gallery, observing a large, textured installation made of crumpled paper, with a projection on a wall.

A small, detailed figurine made of green leaves, adorned with red and gold accents, stands on a platform covered with large leaves. The background is a textured, crumpled paper wall.

2 1 5

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 14d

🎈 After the balloons fly high, keep your vibe colorful! Check out the Museum of International Folk Art for "Appearances Deceive," showcasing Policarpio Valencia's stunning embroideries.

#MOIFA #EmbroideryArt #SantaFeArt

Museum exhibit featuring three large, intricately patterned mosaic panels displayed on angled stands against a mustard-colored wall.

Three people sit at a table embroidering on a large white cloth with red borders. Behind them are three panels featuring types of embroidery stitches

1

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 16d

Loved the colorful Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? Head to Santa Fe for "Weaving Meanings" at the Museum of International Folk Art! Dive into vibrant South African telephone wire art—each piece tells a unique story.
📸 Eric Cousineau

#SantaFe #WeavingMeanings #FolkArt

An elderly couple examines colorful, intricately patterned baskets displayed on stands in a museum exhibit.

Group of people observing a colorful, circular art display on a museum wall during Hispanic Heritage Month.

1 3

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 17d

Visiting the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta? Take a detour to Museum Hill in Santa Fe! Discover "Sandroing: Tracing Kastom in Vanuatu" at the Museum of International Folk Art. It's our first Oceania exhibit since 1960!

📸 Eric Cousineau

#SantaFe #FolkArt #Vanuatu

A child explores a tactile exhibit with sand patterns, observed by an older man and woman.

Two elderly women admire a tall wooden sculpture with a carved face in a museum exhibit room, surrounded by various art pieces.

1 4

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 18d

Congratulations to Carlos Cervantes for receiving the first-ever Santa Fe Mayor's Heritage Arts Award! His work, showcased in MOIFA's "Between the Lines: Prison Art and Advocacy," is a testament to creativity and resilience. Stay tuned for the exhibition's online launch!
#ArtMatters

Elderly man smiling, holding a heart-shaped frame made of colorful paper squares in front of his face, wearing a patterned shirt and hat.

4

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 19d

Ever dreamed of diving into folk art? MOIFA's 2026 Summer Research Fellowship is your chance! Spend 4-6 weeks in Santa Fe exploring rich collections and archives. Apply by Nov 17, 2025. Details: https://moifa.org/learn/research-fellowship-program/
#ResearchOpportunity

A woman in green gloves shows a collection of jewelry to two people in pink and red sweaters at a museum-like setting.

2

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 20d

Today, on World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate and appreciate the incredible educators who dedicate their passion, creativity, and care to shaping the next generation.

We’re grateful for everything you do in and out of the classroom. ❤️

#TeachersDay #SantaFeEducators

1

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 23d

Join us at MOIFA on Oct 5 from 10 AM to 4 PM for MAKE & TAKE! Enjoy art projects, coloring, and treasure hunts. Create a Corn Husk Doll with guidance from our amazing docents. Free with museum admission; always free for kids and members.

Three colorful, handmade dolls made from paper and cloth: a cat with a red tail, a woman in a floral dress, and a man in blue attire.

1

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 23d

Kicking it old school with vinyl on the turntable, staff grill masters, potluck side dishes and a beautiful fall day on Museum Hill for the MOIFA Staff BBQ. 🍂🎉

4

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 26d

Remembering the legendary Cipriano Vigil.

Thanksgiving 2020 Virtual Concert: https://youtu.be/skfQzdthdd0

"Cipriano Vigil y la Familia Vigil" from our "Música Buena" exhibition: https://youtu.be/LSWlqp5AmcM

A Corrido Lesson with Cipriano Vigil: https://youtu.be/1dIz0fuWBf4

#NewMexico

A Corrido Lesson with Cipriano Vigil

Produced in conjunction with "Música Buena: Folk Music of New Mexico," October 6, 2019 - September 5, 2022. Many thanks to Cipriano Vigil, who was also a co...

youtu.be

1 3

Museum of International Folk Art @folkartmuseum.bsky.social · 26d

We are sad to hear of Cipriano Vigil's passing. His passion for #NewMexico folk music and teaching was unmatched. We were privileged to have him as a guest curator for our "Musica Buena" exhibition a few years ago. Sending love to his family and everyone who cherished him.

Elderly man playing a traditional wooden string instrument, wearing a flat cap and suspenders, performing outdoors at a cultural event.

8