4 Artists and Writers Who Put Placitas, NM on the Creative Map
Placitas, a small village nestled at the base of the Sandia Mountains, has long attracted artists, poets, and historians drawn to its sweeping views and peaceful energy. Far from just a scenic retreat, Placitas has been home to creative minds whose work continues to shape regional and national culture.
Today, we’ll introduce you to four amazing artists and writers whose work still inspires people in Placitas and beyond.
1. Larry Goodell: The Poet of Placitas
Larry Goodell
, born in 1935 in Roswell, New Mexico, became an important voice in poetry, especially in the Southwestern U.S.
When he moved to Placitas in 1963, he quickly became part of the town’s growing art community. In 1964, he started Duende Press, a small publishing company that gave local poets a chance to share their work when big publishers didn’t pay attention to them.
Goodell didn’t just write poems—he performed them. He created “event poems” that mixed words with art and performance, making poetry fun and exciting to watch. He held readings in local bars and even traveled around the country performing his work.
He also worked hard to give other poets a place to share their voices by organizing events like the Duende Poetry Series and readings at the Anasazi Fields Winery in Placitas.
Goodell helped make poetry a part of everyday life in New Mexico. He showed that poetry could bring people together and that small publishers and performances were just as important as big books. His work still inspires poets and artists today.
2. Ron Franscell: Chronicler of Crime and Mystery
Ron Franscell
, born in 1957, is a journalist and author who tells true crime stories in a way that grabs your attention. He grew up in Wyoming but later made Placitas his home, where he kept writing and reporting.
Franscell is best known for his true crime book The Darkest Night, which tells a scary but important story. He uses his skills as a reporter and a storyteller to make real-life crime stories both interesting and easy to understand.
He doesn’t just write about crime—he also writes fiction and history books, like ShadowMan, which talks about how the FBI started studying criminals to solve cases.
Franscell’s writing helps people understand not only crime but also the stories of survival and human strength. His books have been read all over the world, showing how powerful good storytelling can be in helping us learn about both people and history.
3. Francelle E. Alexander: Preserver of New Mexican History
New Mexico has Francelle E. Alexander to thank for saving many important stories from the past. She is a historian who is passionate about exploring the people and places of the Rio Abajo region.
Alexander has spent her career writing about New Mexico’s rich culture and history. Her research on places like Albuquerque’s North Valley and the Rio Grande area is now used by many people who want to learn about Southwestern history.
Living in Placitas, Alexander focused on sharing the stories of New Mexico’s early settlers. She carefully ensured every detail in her work was accurate, preserving the state’s rich history for future generations.
Her work shows how important historians are in keeping memories of the past. Thanks to Alexander, towns like Placitas are remembered not just for what they are today, but for the long and interesting history behind them.
4. Edward Gonzales: Celebrating Chicano Culture Through Art
Edward Gonzales
is a well-known artist from Placitas who celebrates Chicano culture and New Mexico traditions through his colorful paintings. His art tells stories about history, family, and everyday life in the region. Each piece he creates helps people see and appreciate the beauty of Chicano culture.
But Gonzales doesn’t just paint—he also works to make sure that cultures like his are seen and respected in the art world. His efforts have helped more people learn about and value the traditions of New Mexico.
Whether he’s showing scenes from the past or moments with family, Gonzales’ artwork keeps important stories alive. His paintings connect people to their roots and make sure that New Mexico’s culture is remembered and celebrated for years to come.
The Lasting Influence of Placitas’ Creative Minds
The work of Goodell, Franscell, Alexander, and Gonzales has become a big part of Placitas’ story. They helped make this small town known for art, writing, and history. Their creativity keeps important stories alive, helps people learn about the past, and shows pride in New Mexico’s culture.
Things like the Duende Poetry Series, art galleries with Gonzales’s paintings, and books about New Mexico’s history continue to share their work with others. These artists and writers are known not just in Placitas, but across the country, for their amazing contributions.
They remind us that art and stories have the power to change communities—and even the world.
Why Their Stories Matter Today
Placitas may be a small town, but it has made a big difference in the world of art and culture. The stories of these four artists and writers remind us to look closer—sometimes the most creative places are the ones you don’t expect.
Want to see more? You can read their books, check out art galleries in New Mexico, or visit Placitas to feel the creativity for yourself.
Who knows what other hidden art and stories are out there? Creativity is everywhere—you just have to take the time to notice it.
