The New Mexico Solar Energy Association (NMSEA) is a educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to promoting solar energy and related sustainable practices. NMSEA was one of the first organizations in the country to seek methods and ideas on how to use renewable energy, and how to empower people through education about these issues. Their membership includes a diverse group of citizens including interested advocates of solar energy, architects, building contractors, engineers, educators, and planners specializing in renewable energy and sustainability.

NMSEA’s Solar Energy component at The Art Ranch gives students an exciting and comprehensive overview of solar energy. Through projects like building solar ovens and remote control cars, students learn about photovoltaics (for obtaining electricity) and passive solar design (for heating, cooling, and hot water).

Their hands-on practice of small-scale photovoltaics and solar design are furthered by field trips to large-scale solar endeavors such as KTAOS, a radio station that is powered by 140 solar panels, Earthship homes in Taos, and the Rio Grande Botanic Garden Conservatory, which uses solar and thermal properties to maintain the garden’s environment.  

NMSEA Mobile Education Bus, SunChaser, allows students to see first-hand, the benefits and practicality of solar energy. The bus is outfitted with solar hot water/radiant floors and small solar appliances. 

 SunChaser Mobile Education Unit

 Light bulb comparator and display boards inside the SunChaser

Mobile Solar Power Demo

Solar Ovens

R/C Solar Toy Cars

What is Permaculture?

Permaculture comes from “permanent culture” and the word refers to a set of design principles developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. Permaculture is a design philosophy encompassing diverse but inter-related fields, including gardening/horticulture, architecture, ecology, community design, and systems theory.

Basically, the principles are about "finding the right way" to work with the local environment to create sustainable living. Permaculture does not eschew all technology. Permaculture is about arranging the right elements together in a system so that they sustain and support each other for long-term productive living.

According to renowned scientist and environmental activist David Suzuki, "What permaculturists are doing is the most important activity that any group is doing on the planet." And the good news is you can start right now - start at your nose, your room, your back doorstep...start observing and cooperating with nature.

Our courses are taught in fun, comprehensive hands-on workshops and are designed per age group. The students will learn the ethics, principles and practices of “permanent culture,” by exploring topics such as organic gardening, landscaping, mulching, natural building, forest farming, water retention and regeneration, erosion control, community processes, and much more.

This unique program incorporates and explores all sources of holistic nourishment for the body, mind, and spirit. By blending ancient American Indian earth wisdom with contemporary health and science this program helps realign our understanding of what creates true nutrition and wellbeing. The foundations of the program are: Traditional and Whole Food Education, Cooking Creations, Energy and Body Movement, Kitchen Gardens, Mindfulness and the Earth, Ongoing Mentoring Program.

Traditional and Whole Food Education

• Explore the history of the Western Diet of refined foods and the subsequent effect on health and wellbeing
• Study the traditional foods local to the area such as acorns, seaweed, wild turnips, choke cherries, etc, as well as herbs and medicines
• Learn the role of fasting and cleansing in the American Indian tradition
• Learn sustainable harvesting techniques
• Study raw and living whole foods and their health benefits
• Field trips for identifying and harvesting foods and herbs
• Educational films and Guest Speakers

Energy and Movement
Daily exercises blending Tai Chi, yoga and breath work to boost the body’s immunity, flexibility and strength.

Cooking Creations

• Cook and create traditional and non-traditional recipes
• Raw and living food recipes and preparation
• Food preparation and preserving; the use of VitaMix blender, dehydrators, canning methods and freezing
• Adult Camps included specifically designed Detox programs

Ongoing Energy Nutrition Program allows the students to bring home the healthy principles and practices that they learned at The Art Ranch and share it with their family and friends. This program is complete with recipe book and mentoring guide along with a permaculture guide for the kitchen.

"The Art Ranch begins to educate students in the joys of healthful eating by its nutritious menus and student created recipes that will be used to build “The Art Ranch Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Book.”