encaustic art institute

Only here will you find a vast range of encaustic work that is of high quality and so creative. The owner was gracious enough to let us take a tour of the Institute even though it was closed. He answered many questions and invited us to the Gala they had in September. It is difficult to find encaustic art in Santa Fe so the EAI was delightful.

The EAI is the marvellous result of the vision of Douglas Mehrens who works at his dream every day. The trip out to Cerillos and Madrid are not a bother as one sees the countryside around Santa Fe. The EAI is several galleries and museums in one place...both inside and out. The plethora of sculptures and secluded gardens around the center draw one to sit and dream a while. The fountains, colors and archways keep the eyes and mind engaged. The three art exhibitions within are "show-stopping" with international encaustic (wax based) artists represented. There is a great permanent collection (also international artists) and last, but not least, some work by Douglas himself...a huge proponent of the wax arts, something that has been developing for some years but is far from being mainstream. An exciting tour to say the least.

This unique art gallery has a singular focus -- encaustic art using pigmented wax as the medium for both two dimensional and three dimensional works. The gallery features work from its members and from its permanent collection. There is also a fully equipped encaustic art studio demonstrating the materials, equipment, and process used for the encaustic medium. Open principally on weekends, the gallery was staffed during our visit by a local encaustic artist who was eager to explain the work and the gallery. The gallery itself is a striking bit of architecture, just north of Cerrillos. Well worth a stop, particularly after some of the kitsch farther south on NM 14.