Friends of History
cordially invite you to the inaugural
New Mexico History & Heritage Lecture
“RIO GRANDE WEAVING: TRADITION, HISTORY, and CONTINUITY”
LIVE – New Mexico History Museum Auditorium, Santa Fe
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
1:00 PM (New time)
Returning to In-Person Lectures!
The Friends of History New Mexico History & Heritage Lectures are coming to the New Mexico History Museum’s Auditorium for live, in-person presentations and conversations every other month for 2026 – starting with this lecture.
IRVIN TRUJILLO
Master Weaver of Chimayó
In-Person presentation at the New Mexico History Museum Auditorium
In the 17th century Spaniards brought with them to New Mexico thousands of churro sheep and a distinctive style of weaving. Wool blankets proved a vital necessity for settlers and a valuable commodity with traders. In time, the item woven in greatest demand among Hispanos was what came to be called the Rio Grande blanket, a masterpiece of textile art.
Friends of History invite you to the New Mexico History Museum for an illustrated presentation by and conversation with Irvin L. Trujillo. The master weaver will explore the history and styles of Rio Grande weaving, his family’s work Chimayó, and the serious challenges this living heritage of New Mexico is confronting in the 21st century.
Introduced to weaving at age 10 by his father, Irvin is a seventh-generation weaver and award-winning textile artist. His work is acclaimed for combining flawless technique and respect for Hispanic history and culture with innovation in response to contemporary society and his life.
In 1980, Irvin and his wife Lisa founded their studio, Centinela Traditional Arts, allowing them to preserve traditional weaving styles and techniques, bring innovation to their work, and teach others in the Northern New Mexico community. They are now joined in the Chimayó studio by their daughter, Emily, an eight-generation weaver, artist and teacher.
Advance registration for this in-person event is required. Purchase your tickets below. Space is limited.
Friends of History members attend for free. (Friends of History membership is an add-on to a New Mexico Museum Foundation membership). Please choose the Friends of History free ticket option when obtaining your ticket below. Not a Member? Join the New Mexico Museum Foundation and the Friends of History here.
This presentation will be recorded and posted here and on our YouTube channel within a week of the lecture.