Photo by Connie B. Burkhart
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The Abiquiu News is brought to you by Carol and Brian Bondy
Image Courtesy of Connie B. Burkhart
Image Courtesy of Connie B. Burkhart
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May 16, 2025
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Hebé GarcíaHebé García is a figurative artist, deeply moved by the essence of human nature, which she strives to capture in her figurative oil paintings and ceramic sculptures. Born in Miami, Florida, her formative years in San Juan, Puerto Rico, significantly shaped her artistic vision. The island's vibrant cultural heritage and rich mythology seeped into her soul, becoming a constant source of inspiration. In 2015, she moved with her husband to Abiquiu, New Mexico, where the area's breathtaking beauty and historical significance have elevated her work to new heights. The 360-degree views of the legendary Cerro Pedernal, a favorite of Georgia O'Keeffe, and the ancient land steeped in history and enchantment infuse her creations with a profound sense of place and history.
Her artwork reflects the enigmatic aspects of human nature, both internal and external. It explores how individuals navigate their emotions, desires, fantasies, and impulses. The creative process for her is a journey of equal parts challenge and exhilaration, whether she is working with oil paints or clay. Ideas often strike her spontaneously, amid everyday life or in the depths of her dreams. Once an idea takes hold, it becomes an obsession, a driving force that compels her to bring it to life on canvas or in clay. Her pieces are meticulously crafted using only the finest archival materials, ensuring longevity. This provides collectors with confidence that their investment will endure over time. Each piece is unique and original, reflecting her artistic vision and processes. She is a member of the New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists and the Gentileschi Aegis Gallery Association. Her artwork can be viewed at various locations, including the Nest Showroom in Abiquiu, NM, NOSA Restaurant in Ojo Caliente, NM, and the permanent collection of the Museo de Arte de Bayamón (MAB). Her studio gallery is at 52 Corona Dr, Prado Valley Ranch, Abiquiu, NM, with visits available by appointment. Those interested can reach her at 505-690-9888. www.hebegarcia.com IG: hebe_garcia_finearts Facebook: Hebe Garcia Benitez Thank you Contributors and Paid SubscribersCharmelle P
Anita S Submitting to the Abiquiu News. Submit to our primary email info@abiquiunews.com or abiquiunewsimages@gmail.com (
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News and Features
Interview with sculptor and painter Kathie Lostetter. Compared to busy Abiquiú, Barranco is pleasantly sleepy and, yes, one could say dreamy. Everything proceeds at a slow pace; except for the paved road, things look much like they did 50 years ago, one could imagine. The perfect setting for an artist who has an intuitive connection to everything around her, animals, trees, birds, plants…
We’ve followed the adventures of selecting the location of the Dar al Islam Mosque and retreat center, along with the arrival of Egyptian masons who taught traditional methods of building domes, arches and vaults. Let’s move on to the days when the halls of Dar al Islam rang with the cheerful voices of school children.
Ryan Martinez, the gunman who severely wounded a Native American man at an Española protest against the proposed installation of a controversial Juan de Oñate statute in 2023, is serving the first year of a four-year prison sentence. Now, survivors of that shooting are suing the county officials who they say turned a blind eye to the circumstances that enabled Martinez’s violent outburst.
Vote followed opposition from environmentalists, Democratic lawmakers. Several environmental groups declared victory in an ongoing rulemaking process to expand the uses of oil and gas wastewater beyond the oilfields, after the Water Quality Control Commission during a Tuesday hearing reversed its position to allow releases into the environment.
On May 2, President Trump confirmed his intention to eliminate federal funding for PBS and NPR with an executive order, reviving a long-standing ideological attack on public media. The Trump administration has accused the two broadcasters of using public funds to produce biased coverage and “left-wing propaganda,” framing the move as a win for fiscal conservatism and culture war politics.
The Office of the State Engineer (OSE) has approved the 2025 Rio Chama Basin Sharing Agreement, enclosed. Implementation of the sharing agreement shall be triggered by daily average flows at USGS gaging station 08284100 (La Puente) as follows...
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is warning residents about a widespread scam targeting New Mexicans with fake toll road payment demands.
The Same Day Care Clinic at Presbyterian Española Hospital provides convenient care when you need it. When your provider is unavailable, our family medicine providers are available to provide same day care for minor and non-life-threatening conditions.
Applications now open for third class of program participants. LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is accepting applications for its NEW MEXICO—Taste the Tradition® Chef Ambassador Program.
This unique opportunity allows chefs to represent and promote New Mexico agriculture through food, media and live events across the state and beyond
Pedro Pascal is, somehow, only the second-hottest item in this story. (I am not the first.) Today, I find myself remembering that time my beans nearly burned my house down. And it all happened because I—ludicrous and flawed human that I am—trusted people.
For Mothers, Grandmothers, mothers, and daughters; mothers all.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple act of walking. For many, it’s just another means of getting from one place to another. But for Bruce Fertman, a renowned Alexander Technique teacher and co-author with Michael Gelb of Walking Well: A New Approach for Comfort, Vitality, and Inspiration in Every Step, walking is far more than a physical activity. It’s a profound practice that connects us to our bodies, the earth, and our deeper selves.
Revegetation seeding has been a major theme for me this month. Examples of projects include reveg. of a former horse corral, cut slope treatments, monitoring seedling emergence from a post-construction planting, and consultation on extensive grass and wildflower reveg. to suppress weeds - mostly the all-too-familiar kochia and tumbleweed duo.
Found on rocky slopes, in woodlands
Seen blooming in May on the north rim of Canon de Cobre
Do you have a phone? If you do (and who doesn’t these days) it’s a good bet that you receive a robocall every now and then. Even worse, if you’re one of the unlucky folks whose number has found its way onto an active caller list you probably receive several of these irritating calls per day.
Previous News and Features
Rio Arriba County 4-H youth are looking to raise $6,000 more for their national convention trip to Washington coming up in June 2025. The teens have already raised $19,000, but need to reach their $25,000 goal. The sponsorship will provide hands-on opportunity to learn and practice skills that promote "Better citizens today. Better leaders tomorrow."
Donations may be payable to Rio Arriba County 4-H and dropped off at the Rio Arriba County Extension Office on State Road 554 in Abiquiu. Council contact is Lucinda Montano. Thank you! Community Cafe MeetingsCommunity Cafe Meetings will always be on the second Thursday of the month, 4PM at the Rural Event Center. Next meeting: June 12th.
We Get Letters
Do you have a story to tell, a history to share?Whether you have been here ten years or your family hundreds of years, you have a story to tell about your connection to Abiquiu. Email us
Abiquiu News needs you. If you are interested in providing local news for the Abiquiu News on a regular basis, drop us a line. Let's talk! If you have a story to tell, send it in. If you want, interview your friend, relative, teacher, co-worker. If you think it would be interesting, I bet other people would too. Give it a try and send something in to us. Carol Bondy Scene Around Abiquiú
City Slickers Cabin Sunset at Ghost Ranch. Courtesy of Connie B. Burkhart.
Courtesty of Ted Harsha
Art, Music, Film, and Books
The Locals’ Picks Book List
Zach Hively Casa Urraca Press has created a place for locals in our area to recommend books to each other, and a place to find book suggestions with a personal touch.
Have a book to recommend? Send it to Zach at casaurracaltd@gmail.com – title, author, and the reason you suggest it.
The full Locals’ Picks list is available to view here on Bookshop. A purchase from Casa Urraca's link helps support independent bookstores. Abiquiu’s Casa Urraca Press earns a commission from every shopping trip that starts with the above Bookshop link—you can shop the entire Bookshop site in addition to the locals' picks. Plus, a percentage of every book (at least 10%) goes straight to independent bookstores. This is an opportunity to support small businesses with the same convenience as large online retailers. Library NewsPueblo de Abiquiú Library & Cultural CenterPueblo de Abiquiú Library & Cultural Center Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 21 at 6pm at the Library https://www.abiquiulibrary.com/ 
Over 80,000 petroglyphs have been recorded by Mesa Prieta volunteers over the past 25 years. Mesa Prieta is not just a collection of petroglyphs; its'a bridge between past and present, an intricate record of the Puebloan heartland where cultural heritage, sacred stories, and the natural landscape are deeply interconnected. Read more here.
Abiquiu Book Club
The group has compiled the list of books they plan to read for 2025. Check this out and mark your calendar if you wish to join in the discussions.
June - The Women, by Kristen Hannah (5) July - Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (5) August - The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin (5) September - Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey by Kathleen Rooney (4) October - James: by Percival Everett (4) November - All Fours by Miranda July (4) December - Anthropology of Turquoise by Ellen Meloy (4) January '26 - Eventide by Kent Haruf The group meets the last Tuesday of each month at the Abiquiu Library. Books are recommended by the members. All are welcome to join. Please call Analinda 927-6220 if you have questions El Rito Library
EventsPlease remember, events will go in for a maximum of three Fridays before the event. Send text, word or publisher file and a separate image, please keep images below 1 mb and send to info@abiquiunews.com. Vertical PDFs or JPGs will be edited for space. Send by Wednesday Noon for inclusion in that Friday's News.
Abiquiu News and Bondy Yard Sale and Fundraiser for NYP
Saturday May 17th 10 – 4 Sunday May 18th Noon – 3 1293 County Road 142 – Just off 554 – Look for Signs or the sounds of happy shoppers Parking along driveway and on property Over ten households participating and a section for Northern Youth Project. Come out and find some bargains, enjoy some porch time and support a worthy project. Camping gear, tools, furniture, household goods, fans, kayaks, clothes, books, Art Work, treadmill, safe, office / school supplies, Small appliances, fans, evaporative cooler, electric space heater and an under-counter RO water system, Hopi Kachinas by Hopi artist Poleyestewa, Jewelry, picture frames, Kitchenware, lamps, chandelier, trailer hitch/ball, binoculars, Holiday do-dads, New Blue Rhino woodchip smoker box, dart board, Fabrics, Hand printed & bound books and a bit of Music (Yamaha Guitar), Track light color black, Clothing racks, High chair, Antique linen from Germany, Weber Grill, Coleman Camp Stove w. Griddle, Tripods, blood pressure monitor, empi tens shocker unit, golf clubs, poker chips, wooden desk, Antique Hoosier Cabinet, Dart board, Juicers, TVs, Mircrowaves, small fridge/freezer And the list goes on. So stop by for some porch time and pick up a good deal. Saturday, May 17th in Abiquiu
A Noria grief café will be held at únashay (in an outdoor land and kitchen space) from 5 to 7p, with community potluck to follow. ≺ Noria cafés are an attempt to be a collective presence for the grieving. They are reverent, brave holding grounds for All to share what hurts in these times. ≻ Please RSVP at inquiries@unashayhome.com for info/ directions, bring a dish, and share with who might benefit! Cafés are free and welcoming of donations to support the work. 
HUGE Yard Sale May 16, 17, & 18HUGE yard sale May 16th, 17th, and 18th from 8 am-4 pm, Fri and Sat, and Sun 8 am-12 pm. Sale includes antiques, furniture, sporting goods, electronics, household items, books, and clothing. Cash, Apple Pay, Google Pay, accepted. I DO NOT do Venmo or PayPal. 2 Gooseneck Cr, Abiquiu. Call or text 405-590-5611 anytime.
This one-hour presentation/class, will be practical. As we all know, walking is good for us. It can regulate weight, improve sleep, elevate mood, transform stress, and boost creativity. Most people want to walk more but often don't. But what if the key isn’t just to walk more, but to walk better?
Over the past 50 years of teaching thousands of people around the world how to move well, I have evolved a method for teaching people how to walk naturally, freely, comfortably, and powerfully. I will begin teaching this to you. I will also introduce you to six kinds of walking: Hatha Walking, Transportal Walking, Empathic Walking, Inspirational Walking, Transformational Walking, and Metaphoric Walking. 
Announcing the annual Spring Into Summer event at New Mexico Wildlife Center, happening on Saturday, May 24th! We'll have Animal Encounter programs throughout the day, games and activities for all ages, and a special guided tour of our nature center and Wildlife Walk. Admission to this event is FREE! You don't want to miss it, so mark your calendar for Saturday, May 24th from 10am-3pm and come kick off your summer at NMWC!
Every Sunday morning this spring into summer, join us at The Last Resort in Abiquiú for an intimate, curiosity-driven Goat Walk. Open for seven participants, one herd, and countless insights. We’ll walk side by side with our goats into the Cottonwood Bosque, sunflower seeds in hand, practicing “Being” with every step.
Of four seasonal curations, Season One invites you to slow down, listen deeply to the herd and the earth, and engage in playful observational exercises that reveal the subtleties of animal behavior, land rhythms, and your own inner landscape, deepening our connection to place, to each other, and to the simple power of presence. For just $40 per person, you’ll not only support local animal stewardship and garden regeneration, but you’ll also gain a living template for carrying the art of attentive presence out into your daily life. Spaces are limited to seven walkers; come discover how the goats can teach us patience, partnership, and protection, one gentle step at a time. LINK FOR TICKETS (begins May 25th, then weekly, Sunday’s at 11am): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-goat-walk-tickets-1366079894739?aff=oddtdtcreator 
Announcements and Classes
As part of the groundwater study for Rio Arriba County we have been sampling wells in the Abiquiu and Mendanales area. We would like to further characterize the deeper aquifer in these locations. We are looking for volunteers that have wells in non-irrigated lands including the areas off Hwy 554, the mesa above Mendanales and the Plaza Blanca area above County Road 155. If you have a well in these areas and would like to volunteer please contact Jessica Johnston at 575-770-8585 or email aguasnortenas@gmail.com. The sampling will include measuring the water depth in your well and a water quality test. You will be provided a copy of the results. Please reach out if you have any questions.”
Join us in immersive workshops and or plan to visit us this end of April for Photo Week
May 18-24 Birding at Ghost Ranch with Raymond VanBuskirk May 26-June 1 Plein Air with Natasha Isenhour June 16-19 Community Camp 1 June 22-27 Church Youth Week with Loye Troxler and Connie B. Burkhart June 22-28 Painting the Ghost Ranch Desert at Casa del Sol with Michelle Chrisman June 23-28 Be Still, My Soul: Sabbath Rest and Wonder with Larry Goleman and Carol Bechtel June 27-29 Mindful Birding with Holly Thomas Contemplative Astronomy with Wayne Hicks “Look Closer” Watercolor Cloudscapes and Botanical with Jean Cate June 29-July 4 Family Week |
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Missing Dog - Miles
Please help us get the story out there to help bring Miles home. Miles was last seen in rural Abiquiú, New Mexico — but could now be anywhere in NM or southern Colorado.
Miles isn’t just any dog — he’s a rescued survivor. This 4-year-old beagle was saved through the Beagle Freedom Project, an organization known for liberating animals from laboratory testing. After surviving a traumatic start to life, Miles finally found love, safety, and a home. But now he’s missing — and his family is desperate to find him. He vanished in the rugged, expansive terrain of Abiquiú, NM, and may have traveled a great distance or been picked up by someone unaware of his story. His family fears he may be lost, scared, or in need of care. Miles is:
We urgently ask media outlets, community networks, newspapers, and community networks to help amplify his story. With your reach, Miles could be found. A hiker, a truck driver, a small-town vet—anyone might be the key to bringing him home. Monetary compensation is being offered for information leading to his safe return. Contact Immediately With Any Information: Jessica Ourisman 📧 jgourisman@gmail.com 📞 510-381-9302 Miles survived the unimaginable once. With your help, he can come home again. Please share his story — every moment matters. 
MochaIf Monday had a face, it would be Mocha’s.
You know that feeling when your alarm goes off, your hair looks like you wrestled a raccoon in your sleep, and someone dares to speak to you before caffeine? Yeah… that feeling is Mocha. With her sideways ears & bedhead, “don’t test me” glare, and general air of “I’ve had it and it’s only 8am,” Mocha is a cat-shaped Monday morning. This 7-year-old brown tabby is 100% attitude, and yet somehow? Completely adorable. But here’s the plot twist: beneath that “I will hiss at your existence” energy is a total softie—once she decides you’re worthy. She’s part of a bonded pair with her polar opposite, Latte—a sweet, gentle marshmallow who brings the calm to Mocha’s spice. Think of them as your emotional support espresso: one wakes you up, the other soothes your soul. Want to meet them? Just… maybe bring treats. And don’t make eye contact too early. We are open to walk-in adopters Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm and Neptune goes home neutered, vaccinated and microchipped! www.espanolahumane.org 505-753-8662 
DoveDove is a gentle wisp of a pup with a heart full of hope and a nose for sniffy strolls. Shy and soft as a cloud, this 2yo 46lb pocket Pittie mix is still learning the world is kind—but offer her patience and a quiet home, and she’ll reward you with tender trust and sweet love. With time and a little magic, Dove will surely open her heart… and soar.
We are open to walk-in adopters Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm and Rodger goes home neutered, up to date on vaccines, microchipped, and with six months of heartworm prevention. www.espanolahumane.org 505-753-8662 For the Birds
Spotted by Terry Price
In the generally arid West, riparian (or streamside) woodlands hold a lot of the songbirds, including Bullock's Orioles. Look for them in cottonwood trees where they forage in the outer branches or build their intricately woven, hanging nests. Orioles are vocal birds; listen for their sweetly whistled notes interspersed with harsh chattering, sung by both males and females. Sometimes they give just the chattering notes as they take flight, and this can help you locate them, too.
In addition to insects, they eat fruit and nectar—a trait some bird watchers capitalize on by offering nectar, jelly, and orange halves in summer backyards. 
Puppy in search of a young family to play with and be a part of! Australian Cattle Dog, male, 11 weeks old, blue merle coloring. Call or Text
505-901-6208 
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