Farmington Museum, New Mexico | © Benkrut | Dreamstime.com
Traveling to Northwest New Mexico? The Farmington Museum has opened a vibrant new exhibition titled Technicolor Dreaming: Psychedelic Posters from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Featuring iconic concert posters from the 1960s, the show highlights artwork inspired by the psychedelic music scene and comes from the collection of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.
The exhibition includes striking examples from the San Francisco concert poster tradition, showcasing designs tied to artists such as Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin. These posters capture the era’s bold colors, swirling patterns and inventive typography, offering visitors a visual sense of the cultural and musical energy of the time.
To mark the exhibition, the Farmington Convention & Visitors Bureau is promoting special weekend getaways in February. Packages typically include a hotel stay, a themed meal from a local brewery and a hands-on creative session where participants can design their own psychedelic artwork on a vinyl-record “canvas.” The art sessions are led by local artist Karen Ellsbury of Studio 116, giving visitors an opportunity to learn techniques and experiment with the vivid styles seen in the exhibit.
The museum offers free admission to the exhibition, which runs through March 25. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, making it easy for travelers and locals to stop by and explore the collection. Whether you’re interested in music history, graphic design or 1960s culture, the show provides an engaging, colorful experience that ties together visual art and rock heritage.
Farmington itself provides a convenient base for exploring the exhibit and local attractions. Visitors can combine a museum visit with dining at nearby breweries and restaurants, strolls through Gateway Park and additional cultural stops in downtown Farmington. The exhibition is a chance to see rare, original poster art up close and to participate in creative events that extend the museum experience beyond display cases.
If you plan to attend, consider booking one of the museum’s partner getaway packages in February to enjoy lodging and curated activities. The hands-on record-art workshops are suitable for a range of skill levels and are a memorable way to take home a personalized memento inspired by the psychedelic poster tradition. The show’s mix of historic artifacts and participatory programming makes it a compelling stop for anyone visiting northwest New Mexico this season.