Preview Gallery
Hello Old Church
by Barb Clark, Painter
Old San Ysidro Church
966 Old Church Road
Preview Gallery Open to Public
Thursday May 2th, 6-9 pm
Saturday – Sunday, May 4-5, 10a.m. – 5 pm.
CAST Dates
- Reception: Thursday,
May 2 at 6:00 p.m. - Studio Tour: May 4-5
- Times: 10am – 5pm
Your First Stop: The Preview Gallery
Work representing each participating artist be on display in the Preview Gallery, where you can peruse the wide range of fine art and crafts, from representational to abstract, oil to pastels, bronze, stone and wood sculptures, metal and glass objects, fiber art, unique on-of-a- kind clothing, jewelry and so much more. There’s something for every taste and every budget, Grab a map and a catalog and head out into the Village of Corrales.
A Preview Reception will be held on Thursday, May 4th starting at 6:00 p.m. at the historic Old San Ysidro Church, located in the heart of Corrales, 966 Old Church Road.
Historic Old San Ysidro Church now serves as the premier setting for cultural events in the Village of Corrales. The outstanding acoustics in the Old Church enhance any musical or theatrical performance. The soft, filtered light, mellow adobe walls and open space provide the perfect venue for art shows, craft displays or photography exhibits. The Old Church is an attractive location for special occasions. Its enchanting charm and quiet grace make all events memorable. The historic atmosphere of the Old Church provides a especially distinctive background for fine art shows.
The Old Church History
In 1868 a raging flood demolished the original village church built circa 1750 near ancient Pueblo Indian ruins. A new church, named for San Ysidro, the patron saint of farmers, was constructed on higher ground farther from the river. This building, designed in the form of a cross in classic Spanish Colonial style, is noted for its three-foot-thick adobe block walls. These walls are protected, inside and outside, by multiple layers of clay mixed with straw, hand-troweled to a smooth finish, which must be reapplied periodically to offset normal wear and weathering.
The ceiling is supported by vigas, some recovered from the original church, which sit upon hand-carved corbels. Small wooden lintels help frame the tall, deeply recessed windows and the east-facing wooden front doors. A sacristy was attached in 1905 on the north side to accommodate visiting priests. In the 1930s, twin bell towers were added to buttress the walls, and a pitched tin roof was placed over the original flat, dirt-covered roof. Electric lights were installed along with a narrow- planked floor, which welcomed the tread of thousands of feet.
In 1963, a third, modern church was built on Corrales Road. The Old Church, as it was popularly called, was then deconsecrated, and used as a theatre for 24 years. Over time, the adobe building fell into disrepair and was purchased from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. In 1973, Corrales Historical Society was formed, its mission to restore and preserve the Old Church.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties.
The Old Church is available for public or private events. All rental revenues are used to preserve the Old Church for future generations. Please visit our website, www.CorralesHistory.org, for more detailed information.