New Mexico colcha embroidery

The tradition of colcha embroidery developed in northern New Mexico as early as the late 1500s. Although it's applications was practical in the early days, such as embellishment on bed covers (colcha is Spanish for blanket), the revival of colcha in the 1930s has resulted in its practice as an art form. Frances Varos Graves, from Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, and later Carson (NM), is considered a pioneer in the revival of colcha art.

The pieces by Graves pictured here are examples of one of her favorite subjects, the Catholic Saints: St. Joseph tending sheep. Mary, traditionally referred to as “Our Lady of the Roses,” is depicted, along with animals, birds, morning glories and other flowers.