Brewing Community with Pilar Westell

At the heart of Albuquerque’s creative scene is Pilar Westell, owner of Zendo Coffee, a downtown staple since 2013. Pilar envisioned Zendo as more than a coffee shop—it’s a gathering space where community and creativity thrive. By hosting monthly art shows featuring local talent and creating a welcoming environment for collaboration and connection, she’s made Zendo a hub for Albuquerque’s creatives.

In this Creative Sip interview, Pilar shares her passion for supporting artists, fostering relationships, and building a space where everyone feels at home. Discover how she’s brewing more than coffee—she’s brewing community.

Find upcoming events at Zendo on ABQToDo.

Discover More Artists

Artistry in Focus: Thomas Christopher Haag

Step inside the creative world of Albuquerque artist Thomas Christopher Haag as he reflects on meditation, travel, spirituality, and the unconventional path that led him to painting. In this conversation, Thomas shares how intuition, community, found materials, and the New Mexico landscape continue to shape his work, murals, and creative practice.

May 22, 2026
Contemporary, Meditation, Muralist, Painter

Artistry in Focus: Jesse Littlebird

Meet Albuquerque artist Jesse Littlebird. His paintings reflect Indigenous history, land connection, and contemporary storytelling, while supporting a thriving local art community.

November 7, 2025
Contemporary, Indigenous, Painter, Painting

Artistry in Focus: Julianna Kirwin

Discover the story of Albuquerque printmaker Julianna Kirwin, whose art blends Polish heritage, New Mexican landscapes, and collaborative community printmaking. Explore her creative journey, artistic process, and the cultural influences that shape her work.

October 6, 2025
Contemporary, Multigenerational, Printmaker, Printmaking

Artistry in Focus: Akilah Martinez

Akilah Martinez, known as Glittering World Girl, is a Navajo artist and creative technologist using XR, storytelling, and innovation to preserve Diné language and culture. Her immersive projects connect tradition with technology, inspiring community and imagining Indigenous futures.

September 4, 2025
Augmented Reality, Indigenous, New Media, Technology, XR

Artistry in Focus: Rob Vanderslice

Discover the story of Rob Vanderslice, an award-winning lowrider artist from Albuquerque, New Mexico. From custom paintwork and youth mentorship to a family-run business and national teaching tours, Rob is redefining lowrider culture and inspiring the next generation of artists.

July 7, 2025
Chicano, Community, Lowrider, Paint

Artistry in Focus: Allen Aragon

Discover the vibrant jewelry and fine art of Allen Aragon, a Native American artist based in New Mexico. Known for his intricate inlay work and bold, contemporary interpretations of traditional designs, Aragon creates one-of-a-kind pieces that honor his Diné heritage. Explore his handcrafted concho belts, bolo ties, and mixed-media works that blend silver, turquoise, and colorful geometric patterns. Visit the Allen Aragon Gallery in Albuquerque or shop select pieces online.

June 2, 2025
Contemporary, Digital Artwork, Jewelry, Native Art, Pottery

Art Every Day Of The Week

When you start to look, you’ll see art everywhere in Albuquerque. Use this calendar to find an arts and culture event near you. Take a friend, bring your kids, or go on your own. Become a part of the arts and culture community in Albuquerque. You’ll be glad you did.

Tagged Entrepreneur