Artist François Miglio is transforming his home in historic Chimayó into a 2,000-square-foot Education & Art Space that will serve as a sustainable cultural hub and working base for the Miglio Foundation's exhibitions and educational programs. Using pumice and adobe, Miglio is personally building the space from the ground up, dedicating eight hours a day to his lifelong vision of creating a place where imagination and learning meet in real life. The new facility will feature a permanent gallery, rotating exhibitions, and a video room for immersive art and science experiences while providing opportunities for students and the community to learn and collaborate.
To support the project, Miglio has launched a crowdfunding campaign at https://gofund.me/5b42430e9 seeking $80,000 to complete construction, with funds going toward materials, infrastructure, and equipment for the space. Miglio has already invested $40,000 of his own savings into the project and has personally committed an additional $30,000. His journey to this point reflects extraordinary determination. Born in France, he moved to the United States at age forty speaking little English and spent 15 years living in a basement without windows or running water while promoting his art. His persistence eventually led to exhibitions and lectures at prestigious institutions including UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and the University of Toulouse.
During my exhibitions and talks at universities and cultural institutions, Miglio says, I realized that my art could be understood and appreciated by some of the most erudite scholars—whose vast knowledge often lies beyond my own reach. Yet I also discovered that it speaks just as naturally to the innocence of young children, and to anyone who still possesses a sense of wonder and curiosity. That realization inspired me to build, with my own hands, a space where people can experience art directly. Once completed, the building will serve as the future home of the Miglio Foundation, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and programs that explore the intersections of art, science, and philosophy.
This foundation isn't just about art—it's about possibility, Miglio emphasizes. It's about showing that creativity and education have the power to transform lives, no matter where you begin. Situated along the scenic route between Santa Fe and Taos, the Chimayó space will stand as both a cultural destination and a testament to Miglio's decades-long commitment to art, education, and sustainability. The project represents a unique model of community-driven cultural development, combining traditional building techniques with contemporary educational vision to create a lasting resource for northern New Mexico.
