El Nicho is open for business and presently serving up happiness at our shop on Don Gaspar Avenue! Here are some of our most recent items!. For over 30 years El Nicho Folk Art Gift Shop has been one of Santa Fe's most beloved gift shops.
Specializing in hand-crafted Hispanic Colonial and Native American folk art, we feature folk art wood carvings from the legendary Ortega family, Southwestern jewelry at off-the-plaza prices, and highly collectible New Mexican and Native American crafts.We buy directly from our artists, ensuring that all of our art is authentic and made available at excellent prices.
Specializing in hand-crafted Hispanic Colonial and Native American folk art, we feature folk art wood carvings from the legendary Ortega family, Southwestern jewelry at off-the-plaza prices, and highly collectible New Mexican and Native American crafts.We buy directly from our artists, ensuring that all of our art is authentic and made available at excellent prices.
Services
El Nicho was founded in 1986 by Madeline Dunn, a Massachusetts native who relocated to Santa Fe to start a new life. Tired of the hectic pace of an ER nurse, Madelyn envisioned creating a unique shop that carried all local works of art. That concept has continued throughout the years. Along with that vision, the shop has also become a place where many family members have worked together to create something very special.
Reviews (21)
Mikeela S.
Jul 25, 2021
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Best place to find authentic, local art and gifts in all price ranges. Debi is the SWEETEST and most helpful lady in town. I detoured on my way home to Dallas from a two week road trip, three kids in town, and looking every bit the part. Normally when you walk into stores looking like this, you don't get the best treatment. Debi treated me as if I walked in with a million dollars to spend, which i appreciated greatly.
I came in for a specific family of artist and she let me know (BEFORE I purchased from her) that they were actually in the square at the Spanish Market! Again, she did not
I came in for a specific family of artist and she let me know (BEFORE I purchased from her) that they were actually in the square at the Spanish Market! Again, she did not
Ashley Vigil
Jul 17, 2021
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Sher M.
Jun 20, 2021
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Fio L.
Dec 30, 2020
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This place was such a gem! Even in these pandemic times, this shop was welcoming and owner was so above and beyond helpful and knowledgeable. There are many beautiful art pieces from many local artists, I wish I could buy one of everything. If you're in town and need a souvenir for yourself unique gift for anyone, this is your place.
Sandra Felch
Aug 16, 2020
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Marlene Delaguardia
Jun 06, 2020
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Robin Grubitz
Feb 02, 2020
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Sally White
Nov 07, 2019
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Heather H.
Aug 22, 2019
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This was one of our stops during a 5000 mile roadtrip last year and oddly enough - this little shop and the owner are one of the stand outs in our memories. Great items, amazingly friendly and knowledgeable assistance. Loved hearing details about the artists for the items we bought and the items we drooled over. Loved this shop and wish we lived closer.
Melodie Fais
Aug 16, 2019
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WLouie Woodbury
Jul 16, 2019
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Rachel T.
May 18, 2019
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Kimberly T.
Mar 07, 2018
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Many thanks to Debi for sharing her joy and passion for the incredible carvings and treasures of El Nicho! She was incredibly generous with her time and spirit. I made several purchases and appreciate the fair prices and genuine service. Something for every budget. Debi also went out of her way to carefully wrap and package my gifts for safe travel. Thank you! What a wonderful experience!
Tanya A.
Mar 03, 2018
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John K.
Nov 24, 2017
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El Nicho was a great surprise! My wife and I had a great time in this store. Debi knew the artists and her inventory incredibly well. Talking with her was like spending time with a good friend. The wood carvings at El Nicho are charming and have a great New Mexican handmade character. Some pieces are serious and others whimsical -- from Santos to animated jackrabbits. There are several good shops in the area, so it's worth your time to go there. Parking was fairly easy. El Nicho is a cool little place. Make sure you go in and walk around. Fun stuff pops up everywhere.
Bob S.
Sep 18, 2017
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Debi was absolutely amazing and nothing short of extraordinary in her knowledge of the beautiful carvings by the Ortega Family. Her warmth and willingness in welcoming me to the store made me feel very much a part of the spirit and splendor of the Native American culture. The intimate discussion surrounding the local sights and highlights were very much appreciated and welcomed. This place is definitely a "hidden gem." If you are in the neighborhood, do not hesitate to put this store on your "to do list"...you will not have one ounce of regret. Take care and keep safe
Andrea Morrison
Jul 17, 2017
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Great little folk art shop in Santa Fe with very friendly staff. Not packed full of stuff like many stores. If you want to take home a piece of original art without paying hundreds of dollars this is the place to go. My sister and I both purchased beautiful pieces by a local artist that I didn't see in other stores. Highly recommend searching out this place since it's off the plaza on a quiet street.
Satya L.
Jun 28, 2017
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My friend and I are traveling across the country and happened on El Nicho. We had already been into a few stores around that area and were a little wary of how touristy they felt. We hadn't done our research on Santa Fe, but felt compelled to stop there and I'm the kind of person who hates feeling pressured or suckered into buying something, especially when I'm out of my element.
I cannot recommend this store more highly. It's as if the owner knows each and every piece, as well as the story of the artist who made it. She clearly knows the artists and has a personal relationship
I cannot recommend this store more highly. It's as if the owner knows each and every piece, as well as the story of the artist who made it. She clearly knows the artists and has a personal relationship
Ellie Korn
Dec 07, 2014
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This is an absolutely wonderful store. Mrs. Madeline Dunn is the proprietor and her shop is full of the Ortega family art works (including two sculptures by Ben Senior!) as well as other New Mexican artists. I had a really great experience there, made a new friend for life, and learned many things about the local scene and artists. HIGHLY recommended!
Debra M.
Jan 05, 2013
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Jamie W.
Mar 20, 2011
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Old town Santa Fe could come off much more touristy but for the most part, the area is fairly subdued. Out of all the little art shops we visited, this one was my favorite. The first thing that strikes you is how rustic it is. Located in a building over a hundred years old (young by old town standards), El Nicho's storefront apparently used to be part of a horse stable.
What makes this store great? Local artisan wood carvings and plenty of them. Each piece is unique due to the natural source of the carving. I picked out these pretty sweet little carved birds on a "log" (see my
What makes this store great? Local artisan wood carvings and plenty of them. Each piece is unique due to the natural source of the carving. I picked out these pretty sweet little carved birds on a "log" (see my