Artfully Inspired Adventure: An activity or experience providing an exhilarating journey into the world of inspiration and creativity.
Tinkertown Museum: An eccentric collection of magical creativity, western memorabilia, and wondrous handcrafted design by the late Ross Ward. It is located in Sandia Park, New Mexico.
It’s been a gorgeous summer in Santa Fe and on this day the sky was the perfect blue for a historic and scenic road trip along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway to the Tinkertown Museum.
The drive up Highway 14 provides breathtaking views as you travel through the art town of Madrid and up the mountain to Cedar Crest which is about fifty five miles.
My longtime friend, Cindy and I arranged to each drive about the same distance from our homes in different directions for our art date. We chose to meet up in Cedar Crest and ride together the few miles to Sandia Crest in search of the renowned Tinkertown Museum.
This was her second visit after many years and she was curious about any changes that were made in the past twenty years. Since this was my first visit, my mind was fully open to experience this artfully inspired adventure at this unique, outrageously creative and entertaining art installation.
When we arrived at Tinkertown, we were graciously welcomed by Ross’s wife, Carla Ward and his daughter author, Tanya Ward Goodman at the entrance.
After our self guided tour we stopped by the gift shop for a few souvenirs and chatted with the two ladies as they warmly recounted stories of Ross’s art life and of his brother-in-law, Fritz who sailed the world in the Theodora R for ten years before bringing it to join the adventures at Tinkertown Museum.
Inside this museum you will find magical miniature hand carved collections of Americana displayed along with circus decor, western memorabilia, Esmeralda the fortune teller, a wishing well, and the giant antique wooden boat, Theodora R prominently displayed.
Every surface is hand painted, embellished or adorned with creative signage, collectables, glass bottles and eclectic art pieces including an art car belonging to the creator of this imaginative, magical world.
This museum was a 40 year art project to construct and design by the late Ross Ward, a carnival show painter and artist. It’s exterior features welcoming sculptures and artistic style to admire and explore.
As a spiritual medium I observed the gentle presence of this artistic and talented soul guiding over this impressive folk art attraction he so lovingly imagined and created before and after being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease at age fifty seven.
In perfect circus form “The Show Must Go On” and his family carries on his legacy and passion by sharing this imaginative environment with the world.
The charming gift shop is a treasure trove of memorabilia, books, art and decor from Tinkertown and New Mexico and is an enjoyable part of the tour.
I invite you to visit this delightful museum on your visit to New Mexico.
Soulful Inspired Adventures uplift, inspire and reclaim joy to body, mind and soul.
What adventures or experiences are you enjoying?
Happy Soulful Adventuring!
Nancy Yuskaitis
#reclaimjoybeyondloss #soulfulinspiredadventures
