A Virtual Visit to Nedra Matteucci Galleries

Welcome to the gallery—a slice of heaven in Santa Fe known for its vast collection of historic Southwestern art, sprawling adobe building, and lush, one-acre sculpture garden. Whether you’re a regular or live far from The City Different, join us for a digital detour walking you through some of the most notable spaces in the gallery.

The Front Courtyard at Nedra Matteucci Galleries

Through an arched courtyard gate, past a traditional horno oven and several sculptures, you enter the front room of the gallery. There you’re greeted by our gallery staff—often including a very friendly Beagle. 

If you look up, you’ll see antique vigas, or wooden beams, spanning the ceiling. Parts of this room were expanded in the 1960s and 70s, but its vigas were sourced from old barns and other structures for an authentic feel. 

This room houses highly collectible historic pieces, from works by famed Russian artist Nicolai Fechin to Fremont Ellis, E.I. Couse, Glenna Goodacre, and more. You’ll also find standout works by select living artists, like sculptors Michael Naranjo and Doug Hyde.

Francisco ZÚÑIGA - Tehuanas con Iguana, BRONCE, Ed. of 6, 26 x 15 x 15 in.

Alice Schille - Village, New Mexico, watercolor, 18 x 21 in.

Doug Hyde - Zia Pot, bronze, Ed. of 15, 15 ½ x 15 ½ in.

The Vault

There’s one feature of the gallery that guests notice right away—the bank vault tucked in the corner of the front room. Originally from a 100-year-old bank in Southern New Mexico, the vault’s metal door is nearly half a foot thick. It was installed in the gallery by its previous owner, Forrest Fenn, to house his collection of fine jewelry and Native curios.

Bodie the Beagle in the entrance to the gallery’s vault

Today the vault stays open, and is a fantastic icebreaker for first-time visitors. Guests are welcome to step inside and explore the historic prints and visitor information within.

Doel Reed - Valdez, charcoal, 14 ⅜ x 19 ⅛ in.

Willard Clark - St. Francis Cathedral, wood block print, 4 ½ x 5 ¾ in.

The Jewelry Room

Past the front room, you’ll find the gallery’s glass cases. Here you’ll find a true menagerie of treasures, from Native pottery and beaded whimsies to jewelry, small sculptures, and paintings.

The gallery’s jewelry room and cases

Douglas Johnson - Koshare, gouache, 5 ¾ x 5 in. 

Iroquois Heart Pillow Whimsy

The Blue Room & Residence

On the opposite side of the front room is a small book room, followed by the Blue Room and the Residence. The blue room makes up the bulk of the original gallery structure, once a group of small adobe huts that were converted into an art gallery and residence by Nicolas Woloshuk in the early 1900s. 

Today, it’s just one room in the larger gallery complex, and contains a mix of works by legendary artists from Western art history and some incredible Southwestern contemporary works.

A view of the gallery Residence

To find the Residence, guests enter a low, arched doorway that expands into an impressive, brightly-lit space. It was added as living space for the former owner, but is now utilized as display areas for more art. Curious guests can peek around to spot a kitchen and spiral staircase leading to upstairs bedrooms. (The second floor is not open to the public.)

Fremont Ellis - The First Snow, oil on canvas, 28 x 36 in.

Peter Hurd - La Casa Rosada, watercolor, 4-5/8 x 6-5/8 in.

The Hallway

Connecting the two sides of the gallery is a hallway that’s lined with art. The hallway primarily features smaller works, which can be incredible finds for art collectors looking for a hidden gem.

Andrew Dasburg - Forrest Interior [sic], oil on canvas, 8 x 11 in.

LouiE Ewing - San Fernandes, silkscreen, 11 ¼ x 6 ¾ in.

Gene Kloss - Southwestern Landscape, drypoint, 8 ⅞ x 9 ⅞ in.

The Back of the Gallery

The far side of the gallery is reserved for some of the best artists working in Southwestern art today. It includes contemporary bronzes by artists like Ed Smida and vivid oil paintings by the likes of Laura Robb, Walt Gonske, and more. 

Laura Robb - Orchids in White & Magenta, oil on linen, 16 x 10 in.

Ed Smida - Gesture Study II, bronze, Ed. of 9, 15 ½ x 5 x 10 in.

Walt Gonske - Chapel on Janitzio Island - Mexico, oil on linen, 24 x 34 in.

The garden room leads to the gallery’s one-acre sculpture garden, and also houses its perhaps equally famous restroom, with its rustic floor-to-ceiling decor and door covered in old farm tools. 

Chris Morel - Pueblo Pasture, oil on canvas, 24 x 48 in

The Garden

A view of the sculpture garden with Dan Ostermiller’s “Le Toad” in the foreground

A feature of the gallery that needs no introduction, the garden is a verdant oasis in the heart of the high desert. With a large pond, winding trail, and monument-sized sculptures throughout, the garden is a treat for art lovers, kids, and furry friends alike.

Glenna Goodacre - River Woman, bronze, Ed. of 25, 46 x 30 in.

Originally, this area was a private backyard for the previous owner. It had even hosted his two pet alligators, Elvis and Beowulf, who resided in the pond. After Nedra Matteucci purchased the property in 1988, one of her first big changes was installing large-scale bronzes and opening the garden to the public. No more giant reptiles—just beautiful art for our guests from around the world to enjoy.

Dan Ostermiller - Pouncing Cub, bronze