The Mission Art Center

Welcome to the Mission at Riverwalk in Grants, NM.  We are a Fine Art Gallery and Guesthouse located in one of New Mexico's important historic buildings.  The Mission was built in the 1920's as part of a Presbyterian outreach program and was the first protestant church in this area.  The church is constructed of handmade adobes and is in the classic southwestern architectural style.  It is now the oldest building on Historic Rt. 66, (Santa Fe Ave).

When the "dustbowl" and the depression hit in the 30's, the church aided thousands of people who were moving west to try to find work.  Route 66 passed directly in front of the church so during World War Two the church again became a haven for many soldiers moving back and forth across the country.

Many people have come into the church and told stories of baptisims, sunday school, attending school in the church because the grade school wasn't finished, funerals, attending a boy's club, receiving free meals and one woman said, pointing down at the floor "I stood right there 50 years ago and got married"

In 1999 Michael and Peggy Lewis purchased the property and began a renovation which included all new roofing, plumbing, heating, electrical, refinishing 80 year old oak floors and a complete make-over of the interior and exterior.

In 2000 The Mission was awarded by the New Mexico Mainstreet Program "Building of the Year", and in 2001 received the New Mexico Governor's Award for Historic Preservation.  

Michael is recognized as one of the Southwest's leading landscape painters and his work is represented in The Mission, Durango CO, and LA, CA.   He is also a videographer and filmmaker.  He and Peggy offer painting workshops year-round that include painting some of America's most scenic regions.  Click here to see Michael's paintings.  

Map to The Mission