Couse-Sharp Historic Site cordially invites you to participate in ¡Que Viva!, a Taos-focused celebration and related exhibitions, kicking off Saturday, June 7, 2025.

The biennial ¡Que Viva! is a celebration of the past, present, and future of the Taos community. Through programs and “Taos-centric” exhibitions, we will share and explore its history while preserving and celebrating traditions, customs and artforms. “¡Que Viva!” is a grito (a Spanish celebratory exclamation) meaning “Long Live,” proclaiming that the traditions of New Mexico are here to stay.

Please plan to join us at our inaugural ¡Que Viva! celebration on June 7, 1–4 p.m., at Couse-Sharp Historic Site in the heart of the Taos historic district. The event is free to all.

Activities include the opening of the ¡Que Viva Artes! exhibition in the Dean Porter Gallery; the exhibition Timeless Turns: The Legacy of Tio Vivo in the 1830s Luna Chapel featuring the historic northern New Mexico carousel; Tio Vivo rides behind the 1915 J. H. Sharp Studio; open house tours of the historic site; children’s activities; local performers; food ... and a few surprises!

An integral part of ¡Que Viva! is a twelve-day invitational art exhibition continuing Taos’ important artistic legacy and multicultural history. ¡Que Viva Artes! brings together leading artists working in a variety of media, collectively telling a holistic story of Taos. A selection of Taos and Taos County artists have been invited to submit work for the exhibition and sale in our Dean Porter Gallery and online to national collectors. This will be a fundraising aspect of the event.

In addition to spotlighting our local Taos artists, ¡Que Viva! is a tremendous opportunity to get the word out that Taos was and is a vital, vibrant artists’ community. Our community event committee, chaired by Lenore Macdonald, is helping organize and publicize the event throughout Taos County and beyond, bringing the legacy of Taos art to life!