Classical Gas Museum -

G A S  .  A R T  .  H I S T O R Y

Three disparate words offering a unique cultural moment if you take the time

to stop at Johnnie Meier's CLASSICAL GAS  MUSEUM along highway 68

in Embudo, New Mexico. I've passed this colorful roadside wonder a million

 times on my way to and from Taos, but never stopped.

Photos by C. Whitney-Ward

 But, the other day I did. And, what a hoot. Johnnie was there, all smiles and quiet pride in his collection of vintage gas pumps, signs, oil cans, and other amazing stuff that graces the front, sides and back of his 1,000 sq. ft. building that houses even more wonderful stuff.

Johnnie clearly sees art where others see old, rusted gas pumps and by-gone cans of oil. He's enamored with their sculptural beauty, graphic design and explosive colors and he invites one and all to stop and enjoy his ever-growing collection. He began collecting more than 20 years ago and will 'introduce' you to his pumps as if they are old friends...

And taking pride of place is a an amazing vintage diner that Johnnie is refurbishing. He thinks it would make a dandy ice cream parlor....I'd love to live in it!

C L A S S I C A L   G A S   M U S E U M

Hway 68  Embudo, New Mexico

505.852.2995

johnniev@roadsideculture.com

And just down the road is  S U G A R S, a tin-sided trailer that has the best take-out BBQ you're likely to find anywhere. Written up in Gourmet Magazine.

A must!

Cicada Collection

C L A S I C   C O N T E M P O A R Y   W I T H   A N   E D G E

 

That's what you'll find when you drop by CICADA, a very chic boutique along Galisteo Street that showcases unique European and American designers. Owner,  Irina Ross, opened this trendy shop two-years ago and makes frequent buying trips to Europe  to discover, as she puts it - "under the radar talent". Recently she found wonderful designers in Amsterdam and L.A., and those collecitons will show up in her shop this  winter.

"These are small, independent labels," notes Irina. "Everything is cut to

order and has to be ordered six months in advance."

Photos by C. Whitney-Ward

But she does discover and showcase Santa Fe talent like Janice James'

luscious jewelry.

 

When you step into the shop you're immediately drawn to the fabrics

and the striking cut and flow of each garment.

 

And, the beautiful detailing...this top is the softest leather with wiring along the edge of the collar to give it  a bit of rippling...

 

Gorgeous bags too.

 

C I C A D A   C O L L E C T I O N

221 Galisteo St.

Santa Fe, NM

505.982.6260

Also in Dallas, TX. 214.265.3965

www.cicadacollection.com