A reimagined Harwood Museum Store invites a connection to the mission

After 11 months, the Taos, New Mexico, cultural institution celebrates a grand reopening and recognizes its pivotal role in the guest experience.

The Harwood Museum Store represents the grand entrance to this Taos, New Mexico, institution and its legacy as one of the most diverse and extensive art exhibitions with works celebrating more than a century of art in this bona fide art colony that is also home to Taos Ski Valley, the World Heritage Site Taos Pueblo and one of the most photographed churches.

People travel to Taos from all over to immerse themselves in its cultural riches, and now they can take home a piece of this iconic southwest destination with the re-opening of the Harwood Museum Store. It celebrated the grand welcome to community members, guests and artists on August 23 to 25.

“We are not just the store,” says Katy Ballard, museum store and visitor experience manager. “We are the entrance to the museum, we set the tone with a feel that is natural, organic, clean and contemporary.”

Ballard half jokes about pining over a flooring cover after the hardwood was stripped from its former red and refinished. She and the assistant store manager painted it themselves in a linen color.

Shelving was reimagined and constructed from local pine. “We really wanted to create a welcoming space that is light and open,” says Ballard.

The 11-month comprehensive renovation included a new admissions space and guest seating for the updated infrastructure. The team worked closely with local artisan Chad Manley, who played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life.

The museum store reflects the creative spirit of the Harwood Museum and Toas and its vibrant artist community.

Ballard says the store expanded its inventory and collaborated with local artists to curate works that speak to the area. “People take a piece of Taos home with them,” she says. “We’re not just a retail space, we’re part of a greater mission.”

An artist herself, Ballard connected with jewelry makers, ceramic artist and painters whose prints could be offered in the store. (The store is billed high-end but does not carry original paintings.) From fiber art like batuque and woven scarves to inventive children’s items such as sustainable paints by Beam, puzzles, books and activity sets, Ballard says the new store made away for fresh and mindful offerings.

Along those lines and in keeping with a connection between the museum and store, Ballard works with exhibition artists to offer souvenirs from the store, whether notecards, prints or books that connect to visitors’ experiences in the museum.

“That develops an even deeper connection between the store and curatorial,” says Ballard.

Plus, there’s a warmth in the store, thanks to Ballard’s love of baking. “I must bake!” she says. “I bring cookies, brownies and muffins to the store and when people come to see us, there is a welcoming homemade treat right there.”

The grand re-opening offered a similar vibe with much more pomp.

The three-day celebration included music, munchies, artist demonstrations, double discounts for members and more. As with the museum itself, the store is a labor of artistic love.

Mission accomplished.

“We had locals visit who had never been to the museum until they heard about the store re-opening and now we can introduce them to the experience at Harwood Museum,” Ballard says.