Courtesy of Rachel Black This year, Art in the Park Day takes place on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the Cabin District, located 4 miles down the park entrance road from NM-4. Please join us! Schedule of Events Here are the activities offered during Art in the Park Day 2026! Please note that certain activities and workshops require registration.
The Volcano Discovery Center houses a state-of-the-art, immersive exhibit where the geology, ecology, and cultural history of Valles Caldera come alive before your eyes. Visitors to this facility may also view Caldera Reverie, an exhibit featuring original artwork inspired by Valles Caldera.
Featured artists include:
Join Albuquerque-based artist Mark Dyke for a 90-minute workshop to create your own miniature wildlife sculpture! First, Mark will demonstrate how to make a wire armature as a starting point for sculpture. From there, participants will be provided pre-made wire armatures to build onto using taxidermy clay and other materials. Participants will take home their creations!
Spots are limited; registration required. This registration link will activate at 8:00 am, two weeks in advance of the program.
The human eye is designed to recognize things like colors, patterns, and shapes. Though some of the most essential parts of art, these three things are often forgotten in the seemingly formidable task of creating. Join Ranger Jordan on a short walk through the Cabin District as we observe the colors of Valles Caldera, learn to mix them using watercolors, mimic patterns and shapes in nature, and take home a piece of Valles Caldera that you create! This walk is open to all ages and skill levels and will begin at the Volcano Discovery Center.
Enjoy live music by New Mexican artists at an outdoor silent disco! Having a silent disco instead of a traditional speaker setup minimizes sound pollution—which protects wildlife and the serene natural soundscapes of the park—and provides a more accessible avenue for individuals with hearing impairments to enjoy the music.
Four artists will perform throughout the event. 11:00 am - 12:30 pm CR8 & Homie.Avocado 12:30 - 2:00 pm Carma & Mii Casa
Join Ranger Alex to explore Parkitecture - early architecture in the National Park Service. Discover how the National Park Service has carried on the legacy of this style through thoughtful modern adaptations.
Enjoy live music by New Mexican artists at an outdoor silent disco! Having a silent disco instead of a traditional speaker setup minimizes sound pollution—which protects wildlife and the serene natural soundscapes of the park—and provides a more accessible avenue for individuals with hearing impairments to enjoy the music.
Four artists will perform throughout the event. 11:00 am - 12:30 pm CR8 & Homie.Avocado 12:30 - 2:00 pm Carma & Mii Casa
Madeline Naranjo will demonstrate the art of traditional pottery-making.
Madeline E. Naranjo is a potter from Santa Clara Pueblo specializing in a traditional style of deep carved black pottery with a contemporary flair. She is a full-time potter who has devoted 34 years to preserving the ancient craft of her pueblo. She has won awards at prestigious shows like Santa Fe Indian Market and Heard Guild Indian Art Market. Her works can be found in private and public collections such as Colby College and Gilcrease Museum. Words from the artist reflecting on what makes each of her pots unique: "I love my 'job' as a potter, and working with mother clay has been a blessing in my life. Each time I work, I think, 'How lucky am I to be able to play as a way of making a living!'"
Leather tooling is a folk art whose history can be traced from Spain through Mexico and into the Southwestern United States and beyond. During this demonstration, artist Jim Weaver will show the process of tooling leather and the subsequent printing on a small portable press while interspersing background information on the history of leatherwork and printmaking.
This is a drop-in style event. Stop by the Volcano Discovery Center anytime from 1-4 pm!
At Valles Caldera, the sky is an integral part of the landscape, whether by day or by night. Join Santa Fe-based artist Patsy Welch to learn how to paint the clouds above Valles Caldera using watercolors. Cloud painting is a fun and low-stress activity that anybody can do. This one-hour program is geared toward children and families.
Spots are limited; registration required. This registration link activates at 8:00 am, two weeks prior to the event.
Learn the basics of photography and compositional recommendations using an instant film camera, all while exploring Valles Caldera alongside Ranger Corey. A camera and film will be provided, but exposures will be limited to 2 per person. If you want to take more than two photos, you can purchase your own film to use (Polaroid i-Type, color or black & white) and can bring your own instant film camera as well. The program is approximately 1 hour in duration.
Spots are limited; registration required. |
Last updated: April 3, 2026