A Community Celebration of Art, Creativity, and Legacy
Saturday, July 18, 2026
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation Campus | Taos, New Mexico
The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico is pleased to announce the Wurlitzer Summer Arts Fest: Alumni Auction & Showcase, a special community fundraising event taking place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the Foundation’s historic campus in Taos.
Conceived, organized, and presented by Foundation alumni, the event will bring together artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, supporters, and community members for a day-long celebration of the creative legacy that has flourished at the Foundation for more than seventy years.
The Summer Arts Fest comes during a pivotal year for the Foundation. While the artist residency program is temporarily paused in 2026 to accommodate significant campus rehabilitation projects, alumni have stepped forward in extraordinary ways to help sustain and strengthen the organization. This event represents both a celebration of that enduring community and an investment in the Foundation’s future.
The centerpiece of the fundraiser will be the Wurlitzer Alumni Art Auction, featuring works donated exclusively by Foundation alumni. Organizers anticipate as many as seventy pieces to be offered through a combination of live, silent, and online auctions.
Participating artists represent decades of residency alumni and a wide range of artistic disciplines, offering attendees a rare opportunity to acquire original works while directly supporting the Foundation’s mission.
The festival will take place outdoors beneath large event tents situated in the field between the Main House and Los Pandos. A 40' x 60' main tent will serve as the center of activity, featuring a performance stage for live music, dance, theatrical presentations, announcements, and a live auction.
The surrounding festival area will include artist tables, demonstrations, workshops, community gathering spaces, and opportunities to purchase alumni-created works.
A separate enclosed 20' x 30' screening and literary tent will host film presentations, readings, discussions, and other intimate artistic programming throughout the day.
Visitors can expect a vibrant and diverse schedule featuring:
Schedule subject to change. Please check back for updates as the event approaches.
We're putting the finishing touches on an exciting lineup of artists, performers, workshops, vendors, and auction items. Check back often as new details are announced in the weeks leading up to the event.
Browse featured works from the Wurlitzer Alumni Art Auction before the event. Paintings, photography, sculpture, books, music, and other original works will be available through our live, silent, and online auctions.
Learn more about artist-led workshops, demonstrations, and interactive activities taking place throughout the day.
Discover the local food, beverage, and artisan vendors who will help make the festival a vibrant community gathering.
Admission to the Wurlitzer Summer Arts Fest is available by donation in any amount.
For those wishing to further support the Foundation, a limited number of VIP Tickets are available for $125. VIP admission includes early access to the Alumni Art Auction with Buy Now option, Meet & Greet with artists, early access to first performance, Wurlitzer Summer Arts Fest merchandise, front-row seating, complimentary champagne & pastries.
Proceeds from the Wurlitzer Summer Arts Fest will support ongoing campus rehabilitation efforts and help ensure that future generations of artists can continue to benefit from the Foundation’s internationally recognized residency program.