I was born with ego, but I am losing it gradually. From a guy who was an optimist, I am becoming cynical. Living out here in New Mexico, I can see the political manipulations in the art world back East, and I know that if I chose to, I could have more success with my work if I wanted to play their game. If I lived in a big city, I could clean-up on portraits. But I prefer to live here and paint for myself, and get along with teaching, now and then a portrait commission, and what little comes in from raising chickens. I am almost willing to get along on the chickens. I would rather take two days off a week and make an honest living. That way I can feel free.  Randall Davey, from an interview in the Santa Fe New Mexican on the Society-Clubs page, Monday July 17, 1944

A vanguard of modern art, Randall Davey was an important part of the Santa Fe Art Colony, and was a skilled painter, printmaker and sculptor. Davey successfully practiced his art here in his studio until his death in 1964. Davey’s works, along with antique furnishings and personal memorabilia are exhibited in house, art studio and administrative offices.

This historic property is on the National Register of Historic Places and the history of this site is long and distinguished. In 1050 AD, Santa Fe was first settled by Pueblo Indians, then, in 1540, Coronado claimed the “Kingdom of New Mexico” for Spain.  After almost 200 years of conquests and revolts, Spain awarded Manuel Trujillo the Talaya Grant, which included the area that is now the Randall Davey Audubon Center. 

In 1847, the US Army began construction of a sawmill to cut timbers for Ft. Marcy.  This sawmill was later converted to a gristmill in 1852 and, after a few more land transfers, Randall Davey bought the property in 1920 from the Martinez family, converting the mill into his home and studio. Gifted in 1983 to the National Audubon Society by the heirs of Randall Davey – and now operated by Audubon Southwest – it is Audubon’s leading education facility and wildlife sanctuary in New Mexico, seeing over 10,000 visitors annually. 

Docent-lead tours are available every Friday afternoon at 2:00 pm for $5 per person. Please reserve a spot by emailing newmexico@audubon.org. Include a phone number and the number of people in your party. Tours are limited to 12 people. First come first served. Please come to our Visitor Center a few minutes before 2:00 once you've registered to meet with the docent and pay entry fee.

Special arrangements can be made for tours of two or more people for an extra charge.  Availability of requested dates will depend on docent schedules. Please email our office to arrange a date and time for your specialty tour: newmexico@audubon.org.  Please note that the upstairs of the house is only accessible by a narrow staircase. If you or anyone in your party has mobility issues, let us know when booking your tour.