The beauty of the East Mountains inspired Dame Brown to open a new art gallery in Cedar Crest that has already caught the attention of locals.
Brown, a New Mexico transplant who fell in love with the East Mountains community, opened Enchanted Soul Art Creatives’ Gallery & Shop earlier this month.
As founder and curator of Enchanted Soul, Brown said she is filling a need for East Mountains residents to return some of the beauty of the area back to the community.
“Within the first few months of arriving in this region, the spirit of the mountains was palpable through the artistic expression of the people in the area,” Brown said. “From the local pubs and eateries, to the apothecaries and healing centers, to the hiking trails and open roads, the ever-so-enchanting vistas, the museums, libraries, community centers, farmers markets, and even the local businesses, the locals of all backgrounds all share this commonality: their individual artful expression.”
Enchanted Soul opened to the public on Oct. 2, following a successful soft launch for local business leaders. Brown, a disabled U.S. Navy veteran, said the immediate feedback has been positive.
“This was such a grand display of support and solidarity and there is a bright future ahead for Enchanted Soul in the East Mountains,” Brown said. “The grand opening for the public was lovely. First week in business had a great mix of personal supporters and curious neighbors, all excited about the new business and the art gallery. Several visitors were shocked and excited to recognize the named artists and their artwork in the gallery, they are all New Mexico residents and all East Mountain locals. The gallery member artists so far either live, work, and/or play right here in the East Mountains. Most of all, people were elated at the affordable prices for the carefully crafted and quality wearable art, visual art, handicrafts, and sculptures produced locally.”
The opening of the gallery coincided with a Holiday Food Drive that encourages residents to have a direct impact on feeding fellow citizens this upcoming holiday. The Holiday Food Drive at Enchanted Soul features a mason jar of two cups of rice and one cup of beans being sold for $15 with part of each purchase being donated to La Planta, a local nonprofit organization that works to educate and foster inclusive and sustainable dietary transformations in the community.
All quantities purchased will be donated to local area food banks or food pantries to distribute to people in need in the East Mountains. The food drive runs until Nov. 20 with a goal of selling 72 jars and helping 72 families.
As Brown works to feed people in the East Mountains, she also said she was called to the area to help residents to reconnect with their community.
“All who come through these doors will gaze with wonder then leave with pleasure and delight,” Brown said. “The personal sharing of the locals and witnessing their livelihood, the life force of the mountains and the fortune it provides to the community, these were partly influential in opening the art gallery.”
Enchanted Soul is located at 12220 Highway 14 North in Cedar Crest and is open Wednesday through Sunday. Weekday hours are 1-6 p.m. and weekend hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.