A Journey Through Time and Art

The sun hung low in the sky as I arrived in the Village of Cerrillos, a place that seemed to exist in a different era. The adobe structures, weathered by time, whispered stories of the past. I was here for the Cerrillos Art Experience, a private tea party and art exploration hosted by the enigmatic artist Paul Seftel. As I stepped into the 150-year-old adobe compound, I felt a familiar thrill, akin to wandering through the forgotten Soviet-era cities I often explore. The air was thick with history, and I was eager to uncover its secrets.

Paul greeted me with a warm smile, his presence as captivating as the art that surrounded us. The gallery was a sanctuary of light and color, each piece a portal to another world. As the lights dimmed, the paintings transformed, glowing with an ethereal phosphorescence. It was as if the walls themselves were alive, breathing stories of the past and present. I donned a pair of 3D glasses, and the art took on a new dimension, a kaleidoscope of hues and textures that danced before my eyes. It was a sensory experience unlike any other, a testament to the power of art to transcend time and space.

The Secret Garden

Beyond the gallery lay the Secret Garden, a hidden oasis of tranquility and wonder. The Great Elm tree stood sentinel, its branches casting dappled shadows on the ground. Here, amidst the art installations, I found a sense of peace that eludes me in the bustling cities I often traverse. The garden was a living canvas, each corner revealing a new story, a new perspective. I wandered through the installations, each one a reflection of the artist’s vision, a dialogue between nature and creativity.

Paul shared tales of the Cerrillos Hills, of the turquoise that once flowed from its veins, and the films that had captured its rugged beauty. His words painted vivid pictures in my mind, a tapestry of history and culture that enriched the experience. As I sipped tea beneath the elm, I felt a connection to this place, a kinship with its past and present. It was a reminder that even in the most remote corners of the world, there are stories waiting to be told, waiting to be discovered.

A Dance of Light and Shadow

The final act of this artistic journey was the Camera Obscura, a device that turned the world upside down. As I stepped inside, the familiar landscape of Cerrillos was transformed, a surreal inversion that challenged my perception of reality. It was a fitting conclusion to a day of exploration and discovery, a reminder that art, like life, is a dance of light and shadow.

As I left the compound, the sun dipping below the horizon, I carried with me the echoes of the day. The Cerrillos Art Experience was more than just a tour; it was a journey through time, a celebration of creativity and history. It was a reminder of the beauty that lies in the forgotten corners of the world, waiting to be uncovered by those willing to look beyond the surface. For those who seek the extraordinary, Cerrillos is a destination not to be missed.