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Artists

Arthur López

Wood Sculptor

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Photo of Arthur López.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

Arthur López, born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is proud to be working in the long tradition of New Mexican Santero artists. His high attention to detail has garnered him many awards and he is highly esteemed as one of New Mexico’s most popular Santero wood sculptures. In 2015, he was awarded the City of Santa Fe’s Mayor’s Award for excellence in the Arts and, in 2017, he received The Folk Art Society of Americas Award of Distinction for offering a leading contemporary style, in both design and concept, to the Santero Tradition.


López’s work is inspired by his faith and although the majority of his work depicts Saints, he believes in the power of using traditional methods and a contemporary lens to connect to audiences of all beliefs. He strives to transcend the bounds of the traditional Santero and use his art to highlight and embody his culture and community. López has exhibited in numerous shows throughout the Southwest and is in many prominent museum collections throughout the country. His work has recently been exhibited internationally at the 2nd International Triennial of Kogei, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan, Song of the West at Kohi Kulturraum in Karlsruhe, Germany and The Saints From a Land So Remote at LAProjects in Landshut, Germany.

Donor -This award was generously supported by The Fred and Eve Simon Charitable Foundation.

This artist page was last updated on: 12.29.2024

Artwork by Arthur López.

Giddy-Up! by Arthur López, 2018. Wood, natural and water color pigments, varnish, beeswax, 16 x 13 x 9.5 inches.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork by Arthur López.

Santa Lucia by Arthur López, 2017. Wood, natural and water color pigments, varnish, beeswax, 21 x 13 x 8 inches.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork by Arthur López.

Murder Witnesses by Arthur López, 2017. Wood, natural and water color pigments, varnish, beeswax, 17.5 × 17.5 × 13 inches.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork by Arthur López.

Mater Dolorosa by Arthur López, 2017. Wood, natural and water color pigments, varnish, beeswax, 57 x 14.5 x 14.5 inches.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork by Arthur López.

Cowboy Hat Trick by Arthur López, 2018. Wood, natural and water color pigments, varnish, beeswax, 14 x 13 x 11 inches.

Photo courtesy of the artist.