SantaFe.com

Zoraida and Eulogio Ortega spent nearly 60 combined years in the education field. Zoraida taught at Velarde Elementary School, and Eulogio served as Dixon Elementary's principal. They retired in 1975, but for the couple, retirement merely signified the beginning of a new chapter in life.

Their love and talent for art flourished during this time. In the early 1980s, Zoraida became ill and promised Our Lady of Guadalupe that if she got well she would build a chapel in her honor. Her wish was granted, and soon after that, the chapel became a reality.

Today, people come from all over to...

Saturday, May 1, 1999
by Erika Davila • Santa Fe Living Treasures and Santa Fe New Mexican

Al Wadle has been the owner of Santa Fe's Wadle Gallery since 1981. According to Mary Lou Cook, he is probably known best among artists for his kind manner and open-mindedness. Wadle, the son of immigrants, grew up in poverty and today lives by the philosophy that the more you give, the more you will receive. He applies this philosophy when dealing with his artists, he said.

“We have a deep respect for our artists, and we appreciate the contributions they make,” Wadle said.

Wadle, a native of New Jersey, said being named a “treasure” made him realize that there is much more that needs...

Saturday, May 1, 1999
by Erika Davila • Santa Fe Living Treasures and Santa Fe New Mexican