The Acequia Feeds Us All

Located in the historic arts district of Canyon Road, Acequia Jewelry Workshop sits between the Santa Fe River and the Acequia Madre, both waters that feed and nourish the vibrant city of Santa Fe.

The history of the Acequias is one of community involvement, nourishing the land, and cementing the interconnected flourishing of everyone who uses and benefits from the flowing waters. This technology was brought from the arid regions of Spain, where acequias had been extensively dug and maintained prior to the Spanish coming to the American continent. The system of acequias throughout New Mexico help irrigate fields and garden beds all over the arid desert lands- a simple but highly effective way to take the yearly snow melt and minimal rains, and support flourishing and well-fed communities. All members who benefit from the acequias also help keep them flowing. In yearly rituals of cleaning and digging, as well as daily rituals of opening and closing the gates to distribute the water, the whole community builds bonds and shares burdens for the benefit of all.

Clearing the acequia in Truchas, NM- From the New Mexico Acequia Association

Acequia Jewelry Workshop is inspired by the bonds of community and the rituals of nourishing the creative spirit, the way the acequia waters nourish the land and people of New Mexico. Whether you are a visitor to our fine city, or a resident for many years, you help make this place a flourishing and vibrant space for all to thrive and grow. When you take a workshop with us you are helping keep alive the history of art-making and studios along Canyon Road.

Acequias are still an important tool for farms and households all throughout the state, including the ditch that runs along the road parallel to Canyon Road, Acequia Madre (The Mother Ditch). This water in the desert is considered precious, even sacred, in a place where moisture is scarce.

An acequia flows full of water between fields and trees.