Georgia O'Keeffe
Georgia O’Keefe’s Ghost Ranch Still Inspires
There is nothing like opening your house to everyone, especially one that has inspired people over the years. Although modernist painter Georgia O’Keefe was reclusive during her life, her beloved Ghost Ranch is now opened to visitors.
A Little Bit of History…
The King of Spain granted 21,000 acres of land to Pedro Martin
Serrano in 1766, which later came to be known as Ghost Ranch. The name
Ghost Ranch, or Rancho de los Brujos, comes from the many tales of hangings
and legends of ghosts associated with the territory’s history.
Ghost Ranch is located 120 miles north of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Georgia O’Keefe visited it for the first time in 1917, but it was not until 1934 that she was able to use it as her summer home. Every year from then on, she spent her summers there, exploring and painting.
Walks through the desert would generate collections of dry white animal bones which she would take home and study. Some of her most famous paintings include such bones against the backdrop of the land’s arid scenery. One of her neighbours, a Navaho Indian called Juan de Dios, gave her an animal skull, which had once been his favourite steer. O’Keefe painted the skull in one of her pieces and gave it to Arthur Pack, owner of the land. The steer’s head was adopted as Ghost Ranch’s logo.
Georgia was relentless in her search for a spot that would take her away from people. Arthur Pack and his wife Phoebe finally offered to rent her their own little place called Rancho de los Burros. However, in 1955 the Packs decided to donate the house and property to the Presbyterian Church. This presented a challenge for Georgia who found it difficult to have to interact with the Presbyterians. Nevertheless, through many years of gentle persuasion, she was won over and made friends with the staff.
Georgia O’Keefe’s Legacy
Georgia O’Keefe’s distinguished legacy has continually
kept people interested in Ghost Ranch and the surrounding area. Over the
years, the Presbyterian Church and the National Ghost Ranch Foundation,
together with independent contributors, have turned Ghost Ranch into a
study and conference center that offers various programs with regard to
all aspects of personal development. The Presbyterian Church runs a retreat
and education facility where individuals can be guided into a spiritual
journey. If you prefer a creative atmosphere, classes in writing, photography
and silversmithing are offered. Another option at your disposal is to
simply relax and enjoy a massage at the hands of a nationally-certified,
massage therapist.
Artist Georgia O’Keefe had a passion for her work and was in love with Ghost Ranch. Her ardour continues to inspire those who visit Ghost Ranch for artistic, spiritual and personal motivation.
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- Gallery 291
- Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
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- Georgia O’Keefe’s Ghost Ranch Still Inspires