Working the Land

May 16th, 2026 - December 12th, 2026

2nd Flr King Gallery
Collection from Sangre de Cristo Arts Center

Working the Land showcases the collection of Southwestern art from the permanent collection of the Helen Thatcher White Galleries. This exhibit features multiple artists including Gray Barlett, JoAnne Battiste, John Hampton, Harold Bryant and many more. The mediums include bronze statuary and oil and acrylic paintings.

Humans must interact with their environment on many levels to survive and hopefully to thrive. These images are a collection of the talent that humans are capable of – true. But they are also a testament to our dependence on the land and the environment around us. No one knows this more than the folks that farm and ranch for the rest of us. While we complain of the cost of an egg at the grocery store – the farmer or rancher is struggling to maintain heritage lands on the pennies we have agreed to give for their never-ending toil.

Some of these images were created by artists while staying at the ranches they depicted and documenting the processes they witnessed. It might seem odd at first glance that artists and ranchers will partner in this way, but on closer examination it becomes evident that these two branches of our culture are connected through storytelling. In a very real sense, our ranchers have carved out a place for our civilization and allowed it to flourish as it has. These are the story builders, and they do the carving because they believe in a story of life for their families and humanities. The artists follow the stories wherever they may lead because while food and water are our first needs – the story of how those needs came to be filled fulfill our souls' need for connection. Each of the pieces in this exhibit tell a story on their own, and at the same time are a tiny piece of the greater story of humanity.

Come join us for a stunning recollection and celebration of the stories that make us who we are!

Featured artwork is:
"Navajo Camp" Gray Barlett
"Early Morning Mount" John Hampton
"Two Laggards" Harold Bryant
"Ranch Dressing" JoAnne Battiste