Connie B. Burkhart Metal Design Artist & Abiquiú Dome Owner

Connie B. Burkhart, affectionately known as ‘The Dinosaur Lady,’ is a true Renaissance woman. A metal artist, singer-songwriter, mother, and educator in earth sciences, Connie has spent her life blending passions for art, music, and earth sciences. Her creative spark is fueled by the world around her – a piece of scrap metal waiting to be reborn, the Southwestern landscape, or a resilient sunflower blooming in desert sands. 

For decades, Connie dreamed of living in the canyon lands once walked by the ancients, a dream fulfilled when she moved from Lyons, CO, to Abiquiú, NM, in 2016. Her adobe gallery, Abiquiú Dome, and her home just behind it sit along HWY 84, surrounded by red rock mesas and striking geology at the edge of the Colorado Plateau. Just up the road at Ghost Ranch, Connie first discovered her love for metal arts, and it’s here that she has continued to teach art welding since 1995, inspiring others as she was once inspired.

In addition to metalwork, Connie leads geology and hiking workshops, sharing her love for the high desert with all who join her. A unique facet of her past includes her roots in Hollywood, even appearing on shows like American Bandstand. Her close friendship with Marie Osmond provided many unforgettable moments, but it was Connie’s first glimpse of the sun setting over canyon country during a college archaeology trip that set her life on a new path. This pivotal experience led her to receive her BA in archeology and study in the fields of geology and paleontology.

She shares her love of art and music with her four children, cherishing their best times together gathered around a campfire under the vast New Mexico stars.

For details on Connie’s workshops, reach out directly or visit our Events page.

Contact info: rdrckwmn@msn.com

During certain times of the year, Connie may offer immersive and educational guided hiking tours of the Abiquiú area. If you'd like to inquire about booking a private tour, please email info@abiquiudome.com