"The Essence
of Old Taos"
Nina
Christine Meyers, one of Taos' creative talents, passed away
peacefully in her home after an extended  battle
with cancer on July 6th, 2007. She was 71. Nina was preceded
in death by her father, Ralph Meyers, mother, Rowena Matteson
Meyers Martinez, and brother, Michael "Cinco" Stephen
Martinez. She is survived by her brother Ouray Meyers of Taos,
her children, Miguel Castillo of Santa Fe, Paul Castillo and
Estevan Castillo of Taos, grandchildren, Jenina Castillo, Alina
Castillo, Gabriella Castillo and Cruz Castillo of Santa Fe, Christopher
Castillo, Jeremy Castillo, Jessica Greenfield, Michael Castillo
and Amanda Castillo, all of Taos, Lara Via of Albuquerque, Gregory
Freidholm of Denver, great-grandchildren, Jayden and Calvin Via
of Albuquerque.
Nina was born in the family home on Kit Carson Street, January
6th, 1936, on Epiphany while the Buffalo Dance was taking place
at the Pueblo. As a child she grew up knowing many of the early
artists and colorful characters of Taos. People like Mabel Dodge
Luhan, Frank Waters, Lady Brett and Long John Dunn filled her
young mind with images and ideas of "old Taos" and
the big world of possibilities.
At six months old, she was the youngest person to attend the
memorial service for D.H. Lawrence. She lived overseas in England,
Spain, Germany and Saudi Arabia, where she gave birth to two
of her sons, studied art and traveled extensively. Upon returning
stateside, the family settled in Santa Fe, where her youngest
son was born. Here, she raised her boys and designed and built
her beautiful adobe home on the Old Taos Highway. The latter
half of her life was spent in her childhood home next door to
the old family trading post in Taos.
A prolific folk artist, she was greatly influenced by the well-known
Taos artist, Gisella Loeffler. Her work is enjoyed by collectors
and adorns La Doña Luz Bed & Breakfast, where she
shared her talent with visitors to Taos. Nary a kitchen cabinet
or trash can escaped Nina's colorful palette and brushes! She
brought history to life for locals and visitors with historic
pageants she produced, depicting figures from Taos' vibrant past.
She often used local models, who in many cases were descendents
of those they portrayed. Through her work and dedication to Alcoholics
Anonymous, she helped many in their sobriety. She also continued
the operation of the family trading post, El Rincón, after
her mother passed away. |
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