ArtSpace

ArtSpace

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School of Architecture at UNM Mark Childs; four UNM architecture and planning faculty; and Rich Williams and Elmo Baco from the economic development depar tment of the state.

“We want to emphasize that these are not smart, strange people coming here and telling us what we have to do. They are here to help us learn how to do this ourselves,” says Spray.

“The charette’s goal is to make it so much more fun to live here and so people who come visit us have more fun,” she adds.

Spray is compiling an online calen­dar of events for Taos Plaza spanning from May-October. People are wel­come to plug in with events by calling her at (575) 758-8826. “We welcome everything from comedy routines and stilt walkers to music shows. And if someone wants to set something up for that afternoon and there’s nothing scheduled, just call. Infor mal events such as Plein Air painting and un­amplified music are always welcome (no permission required) in the plaza.” She said, “It’s the community that needs to kick in and help this happen.

If they want it, there’s no end to what can happen here.”

Spriggs named state employees Williams and Baco as being particu­larly supportive in assuring that Taos receives Art district-related funds.

“Part of the reason they’ve gone the extra mile is because the community has responded so well,” Spriggs says.

The town’s marketing effort “Return to Sacred Places” continues to move full speed ahead, according to Town Marketing contractor Joanie Griffin of Griffin and Associates. April 24 is the deadline for folks to post events on the online calendar at www.Taos­SacredPlaces.com , which spans from May-October.

The theme was specifically designed to include the major ity of events typically found in Taos. “A sacred exper ience can be listening to music, or simply reconnecting with people that you love. It’s not meant to exclude any events,” Griffin says.

Thus far no submitted event has been turned down for not being “sacred” enough.

The town’s advertising blitz, executed by Gr iffin and Associ­ates, has included pr int, online and radio advertising, trade shows and a monthly online newsletter that goes out to 1.6 million people. The Rose Bowl post-game event they attended in January drew 150,000 people; 2000 of them signed up for the sweepstakes, which is an all expense paid tr ip to Taos, airfare included. During the Rose Bowl the sacred places Web site received 30,000 hits.

“Our theme has been really well received by locals and media we’ve talked to,” says Griffin. “It really accu­rately reflects the flavor of Taos.”

For more information on town activities visit www.TaosSacredPlaces.

com. For info on the housing project see www.artspacetaos.org; for design academy see www.yourtowndesign.

org.

Rick Romancito

Town of Taos Community and Economic Development Director Matthew Spriggs said a portion, if not all, of the housing units will be located within the district, which encompasses Taos Plaza and roughly a one-mile radius surrounding it.