Celebrating eight years of the ABQ Artwalk

The ABQ Artwalk celebrated its eighth anniversary April 3 with live painting demonstrations, fashion and flamenco.

Since 2018, the ABQ Artwalk has showcased local artists, performers and small businesses in a vibrant and walkable display.

A community of local artists created the event as a vehicle for networking and connection with other artists, as well as an economic driver for Downtown. Partnering with the Downtown ABQ MainStreet Arts and Cultural District gave them more funding as well as help organizing and promoting of the monthly event, which now involves more than 20 locations and a continuous rotation of vendors.

“I always love bringing home a new painting at the end of each night,” said Lady Wolf, who has been demonstrating her art at the ArtWalk for seven years. The other fun part? “Being able to connect with people and see all my homies,” she said.

She paints with a combination of techniques, including spray paint and brushes.

Lady Wolf spent the eighth anniversary ArtWalk stationed outside of the 505 Central Food Hall, where attendees can see more art and pop in to stalls serving sushi, hamburgers, pizza and more.

Art displayed outside 505 Central Food Hall.

Many art galleries also take part in the Artwalk, including The Mothership Alumni, a creative hub at Fourth and Central that features a variety of artists on the walls and in rented stalls.

Art curator and UNM alumn Samuel Sisneros recently moved into a rented studio at The Mothership where he sells a curated selection by artists he works with in Mexico.

Sisneros poses with a piece of art he brought from Mexico in his new studio.

Being a part of the ABQ Artwalk has been crucial to Sisneros’ journey as an artist and a curator.

“I think it really shows our commitment to art,” said Sisneros. “Albuquerque and New Mexico have a huge art community and this is an opportunity for artists to show their work and it helps out the local economy.”

Albuquerque’s creative economy has increased in recent years. A 2026 study from UNM’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research found that creative businesses in the metro area employ over 17,000 workers, with a $1.75 billion economic impact.

The ABQ Artwalk takes place on the first Friday of each month, from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Visit the website for a map of host venues and events, applications to be a vendor or to donate.