New Mexico
Passing on the tradition of tin art in New Mexico
Tin art has been a long tradition throughout New Mexico. In fact, it’s existed since the 15th century when the Spanish brought it over.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Tin art has been a long tradition throughout New Mexico. In fact, it’s existed since the 15th century when the Spanish brought it over.
KOB 4 introduces you to an artist who wants to make sure that tradition carries on for generations to come.
“You can make anything out of it, just a piece of metal, bend it and put it together,” said Tom Lujan, a tin artist.
For many families, the beloved tradition has been passed down from parents to children and beyond.
“I’m second generation, and my grandson is learning it now, and he’s third generation,” said Lujan.
Lujan has been creating tin art his whole life, but for the past 15 years, he’s dedicated his retirement to his hobby.
Lujan came out to Albuquerque’s third annual Ageless Artisan Craft Fair to sell his work, but he doesn’t necessarily keep the profit.
“Really, the only thing I use the money for, to buy more supplies,” Lujan said.
He also shared the event gives him a space to meet new people. Something, Esperanza Molina with the city strives for.
“The reason we created it is so that all of our seniors had a place for them to sell their artwork that they make at our centers,” said Esperanza Molina, a center supervisor for the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center. “And it’s a great opportunity for them to be able to share their stories or share their talents that they have.”
Lujan has made it his goal to teach not only his grandson, but his community how to create tin art with weekly classes at the Barelas Senior Center and South Valley Multigenerational Center.
“Really the only thing you need right to start off with, is a nail, a hammer, shears,” said Lujan. “I really enjoy helping people learn it. And I like to make big pieces. I usually make big crosses or big mirrors.”
He especially loves teaching younger generations to make sure the tradition carries on.
“They can keep up the tradition, I don’t want it fading away. Just like a lot of things that do fade away as you get older,” Lujan said.
According to Lujan, tin art can come from anywhere.
“After you finish your soup, you can cut it up and make something out of an ornament or whatever,” said Lujan. “Make it into a piece of art.”
Arizona State baseball will host a four-game homestand, beginning with New Mexico State on Wednesday, April 22.
The Sun Devils and Aggies faced each other in late March, with ASU winning 10-4. The two teams will meet for the final time at 6:35 p.m. at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
ASU will then welcome Baylor on Friday, April 24, for a three-game series. The Sun Devils have yet to face the Bears this season, but ASU has been doing well so far and has been in the top 25 for four weeks.
Sophomore center fielder Landon Hairston earned Big 12 player of the week honors on April 13, after delivering five home runs in five games. His 10 runs in that stretch were tied for the second-most nationally and his 14 runs batted in were tied for third-most nationally. All nine of his hits went for extra bases, three more than any other player.
ASU’s series against Baylor will start at 6:35 p.m. for the first two games, followed by a 1:05 p.m. start on Sunday, April 26.
April 19
Softball at Houston, Cougar Softball Stadium, noon.
April 22
Baseball vs New Mexico State, Phoenix Municipal Stadium, 6:35 p.m.
April 23
Women’s golf at Big 12 Championship, Dallas Athletic Club, TBA.
Track and field at Penn Relays, Franklin Field, 1:22 p.m.
Beach volleyball at Big 12 Championship, Bear Down Beach, all day.
April 24
Baseball vs Baylor, Phoenix Municipal Stadium, 6:35 p.m.
Softball vs Texas Tech, Farrington Stadium, 7 p.m.
April 25
Lacrosse at Colorado, Prentup Field, 11 a.m.
Softball vs Texas Tech, Farrington Stadium, 3 p.m.
Baseball vs Baylor, Phoenix Municipal Stadium, 6:35 p.m.
Reach the reporter or send tips for stories at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com, as well as @jennarortiz on X.
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Josh’s Saturday Night Forecast
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Calmer weather has moved back into the state this afternoon. Temperatures are slightly warmer across northwestern New Mexico, while southeastern areas are cooler thanks to the backdoor cold fronts that moved in on Friday. Breezier winds will return Sunday and will help kick off a warming trend across the state, along with an elevated fire threat in eastern New Mexico.
Warmer weather will continue building in across the state throughout the upcoming week. A few isolated rain chances will return Monday in parts of New Mexico, but some of that rain may evaporate before reaching the ground.
Good morning!
Heading out the door this morning? Bundle up! Cold air has settled into the Land of Enchantment after two cold fronts passed through New Mexico within the last 24 hours. Temperatures have fallen to the teens, 20s and 30s throughout northern New Mexico. The metro area is just as cold with Moriarty falling to the teens and several other cities bottoming out near the freezing point. The National Weather Service (NWS) has Freeze Warnings in place until 9 a.m. for several locations in northern and central New Mexico. However, one of the aforementioned cold fronts is still moving through eastern New Mexico this morning. That back door cold front has brought 30-45 mph wind gusts, or more, in southeastern New Mexico. The front will push west further west this morning bringing breezy winds to far south and southwestern New Mexico this afternoon. Otherwise, much calmer weather will be on tap for the state compared to the majority of this week.
The colder air this morning will bring cooler and seasonable weather to the Land of Enchantment later on Saturday. Afternoon highs will range from the high 50s, in sections of the northern mountains, to the 70s in southern New Mexico. Throughout the weekend into early next week a warming trend is expected as a ridge of high pressure builds on Sunday, which is forecasted to last through at least Tuesday. By next Tuesday, high temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees above normal, and even warmer for some locations by next Wednesday with breezy conditions returning to the state.
Moisture does stream back into the state early next week across New Mexico. Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to have cloud coverage increase with warmer weather. On Monday sufficient moisture in the mid to upper levels of the atmosphere will bring the chance for showers; however, moisture levels toward the surface will be lower. That will also bring the chance for dry showers and thunderstorms throughout the state. Have a great weekend and stay warm this morning!
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