Wahleah's Taos Pueblo Gallery

Photography by Karen Klitgaard and Hawthorne Studio

A GuestLife New Mexico Great Gallery

In the midst of the magnificent blue mountains of the Sangre de Cristos lies the timeless Indian village of Taos Pueblo. Within the borders of this renowned, majestic ancient settlement, you will find a hidden treasure . . . Wahleah’s (pronounced Wa-Hey-Lah) Taos Pueblo Gallery. Wahleah’s is located on the south side of the Taos Pueblo village, across the river and over the footbridge from the well known main Pueblo building and church. You will find this appealing gallery filled with an array of wonderful works of American Indian art. Don’t be deceived by the humble exterior; Wahleah’s has many rooms filled with an exceptional assortment of breathtaking art representing most of the Indian tribes of the American Southwest.

Wahleah’s was not always the spectacular gallery that you see today. It began modestly in the 1930s with the artwork of Wahleah’s grandmother and grandfather. They started a one-room shop selling handmade crafts representative of their native culture. Wahleah’s grandmother was a talented artist and created beautiful beadwork and pottery while her grandfather made moccasins to sell in their small shop. Wahleah’s mother contributed to the shop with her modern ideas by introducing the uniquely crafted works of other tribes around the state in addition to the ones of her own people.

In 1966, Wahleah left the Pueblo to attend school at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, at which time she was crowned the 13th Miss Indian America. There she met the love of her life, Don Flanagan, who played basketball on the Fort Lewis College team. Since then, Don Flanagan has become the outstanding Head Women’s Basketball coach for the University of New Mexico Lobos where his team recently won the Mountain West Tournament and went to the NCAA Tournament for its seventh straight year. Wahleah and Don have been married for 40 years and have four sons — Sean, Craig, Shane, and Brent.

Today, Wahleah’s Taos Pueblo Gallery is a business that has succeeded from not only tradition, but positive thought and perseverance. It is built out of respect and commitment to the heritage of the Taos Pueblo Indian traditions. The family members have devoted time and individual talent to create this gallery, hoping it will prosper as well as emanate a feeling of enchantment to all visitors.

Wahleah’s is operated by dedicated friends and family who take pride in sharing this magical place with you. The virtue, honesty, and overall integrity of these employees have enhanced the success of this family-owned business. Their life experience as Native Americans has allowed them to present the arts and crafts of Native and Taos Pueblo people to the modern world. Having grown up in the area, they have much pride in the gallery and are enthusiastic about what they are sharing with you. The gallery features one of the finest collections of Native American arts and crafts, including the works of many well known American Indian artisans. At times the pottery represents all 19 pueblos. Every corner discloses authentic wonders. They include the traditional crafts such as pottery, turquoise jewelry, Hopi kachinas, storytellers, deerskin drums, and sculptures as well as modern merchandise with an American Indian approach, such as T-shirts and even stylish Southwestern clothing. The unique quality that surrounds Wahleah’s is also due to the special artists that contribute to the distinctively alluring inventory.

Wahleah has the honor of showcasing the masterful works of many exceptional artists. One of these artists is Wahleah’s son, Sean. He is an accomplished artist who has found much success in painting traditional designs on extraordinary canvases such as deer skin drums. Sean has won several awards for his work at the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market as well as the Heard Museum Art Show. His highly desired works have found homes around the world and to see one of his delightful pieces is definitely an experience. To own one is to be a part of his success and a chance to own a token of the immense creativity this modest artist possesses.

Because the gallery is on tribal land, all purchases are tax free. Wahleah’s Taos Pueblo Gallery is open during the regular Taos Pueblo visiting hours, usually from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the summer and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter. Taos Pueblo is closed for six weeks from mid-February until March in recognition of tribal customs. The pueblo also may be closed without notice for funerals or special traditional occasions. A visit to Taos Pueblo should be considered a privilege, and respect of the area as well as the native people is expected. The Taos Pueblo people are very traditional and proud of their heritage. There are no phones or electricity and mail is not delivered, but you can contact Wahleah’s by calling (575) 758-9765 or (505) 294-8056 or by simply visiting.

Three generations of shopkeepers have made this a very special and intriguing corner of the world. To visit is an experience not to be missed. Look for the red rug and the decorative adobe stair-shaped oven outside the gallery. Here you will find an enchanting shopping experience whereby you may purchase a piece of exquisite American Indian art. May your visit to Wahleah’s Taos Pueblo Gallery be an experience you will never forget!

Wahleah’s Taos Pueblo Gallery
South side of the Taos Pueblo, NM
(575) 758-9765 or (505) 294-8056
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