Spotlight: New Art Galleries
New gallery alert! In fact, two new art galleries recently opened in Albuquerque, both downtown. Kukani, at 117 Seventh Street just down a few doors from the new Ex-Novo location on Central, seeks to “challenge conventional art world norms and build a vibrant hub for creativity, identity, story listening and storytelling.” The gallery’s name means “red” in the Keres Pueblo language, which artist and gallery owner Jesse Raine Littlebird speaks; it’s a nod to the color of New Mexican soil. Among the artists currently featured at Kukani are Beedallo, Delano Garcia, Huitzil Sol, and Larry Littlebird, Jesse’s father. Visit the gallery between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays or by appointment, and check out Kukani on various social media channels for upcoming events.
Just around the corner inside Arrive Hotel is the newest location for Secret Gallery, which aims to organize “exhibitions, performances, and gatherings that authentically reflect the diverse arts of the region, emphasizing a curation that focuses on artists indigenous to the Southwest.” The gallery once existed in the old B. Ruppe pharmacy building in Barelas and was founded in 2019 by Albuquerque ArtWalk creator Gabriel Gallegos. The current exhibition, “Nosotros Somos,” features work by Eric Romero, Gabriella Campos, Noé Barnett, Vanessa Alvarado, and many more. Secret Gallery is open Wednesdays through Fridays 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
5 Things To Do in August
Help Anyway
Directed and produced by Albuquerque artist Rica Maestas and choreographed by Julianna Massa and Stella Melina, Laughing Doesn’t Need Your Help is a unique dance/improv performance that “envisions a cosmic pull toward connection, even when relief from everyday struggle feels inconceivable.” The show takes place in and around the Rio Grande, near Tingley Beach, on Sunday, Aug. 3 starting at 11:00 AM. Free!
Two-for-One at FUSION
Need fresh art on the walls? Decorations for your dorm? Maybe just some face paint? On Friday, Aug. 8, FUSION—the multi-venue arts and culture event space that spans from 700 to 708 1st Street downtown—will host the free ArtStop Market starting at 5:00 PM. Enjoy live music while you peruse a spectrum of local creations. Then, at 8:00 PM, shift to the 708 1st Street location for Noche Gótica, a celebration blending goth and Latinx cultures. Dance to music by DJs Audio Buddha, Lowkey, and Agua, and check out a light show, inflatables, piñatas, and a beading table. Tickets are $15 per person or $10 with a flyer, and kids are welcome with adult supervision. Dressing up for the theme is highly encouraged!
Take A Bath
Chances are high that you’ve taken a bath at least once in your life—but have you ever tried a sound bath? On Monday, August 4, figuratively wash your stress away from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at The Cathedral of St. John (318 Silver Ave. SW) with delicate, meditative sounds meant to invoke peace and relaxation. No worries if you miss this one. These baths occur on the first Monday of every month, and they’re completely free.
Day of the Dead, Japanese Style
Get a head(less) start on Halloween and Dia de los Muertos with the 2025 Obon Festival, happening Friday night, Aug. 15 at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. This Japanese festival with Buddhist roots honors ancestors at a time when the spirit world connects with our own, allowing ghosts to return to Earth. Starting at 6:30 PM, visit the High Desert Rose Garden, the Sasebo Japanese Garden, and the Heritage Farmhouse for dance performances, a tea ceremony, Ikebana displays, haiku-writing stations, and more. Honor your ancestors or someone you love who has passed away by lighting a toro nagashi, or floating paper lantern, and releasing it onto the Japanese Garden’s pond. Tickets range from $18 to $25; children under 2 are free.
Feel the Heat
Summer’s high temps have nothing on the heat you’ll feel at the Bosque Chile Fest, happening this year at Expo New Mexico. From 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Saturday, Aug. 23, sample food, learn about chile, make a ristra, shop local crafts, dance to live music, and meet fellow green, red, or Christmas lovers. Tickets are $5 (not including parking); children under 12 are free.
