Connie B. Burkhart - Metal Design Artist & Instructor

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 B. 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 B. 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 B. 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

As the Curator and Managing Co-Owner of Abiquiú Dome, I bring not only my creative vision but also my heart to both my role and my art. My deep-rooted connection to Abiquiú, a place I first visited long before it became home, weaves through every aspect of my art. The vast, rugged landscapes, painted by time and light, continue to be my greatest muse, infusing my acrylic paintings—often rendered on small canvases—with a sense of simplicity, vibrancy, and wonder. Each piece captures a moment of stillness, a reflection of the land’s quiet power.

Living here, I feel the spirit of the high desert coursing through my work, reminding me that art, much like the landscape, evolves with each season. Alongside my artistic practice, I proudly serve on the board of the Abiquiú Arts Council, where I help foster a thriving community of creatives, including the Abiquiú Studio Tour. Through my work, both in art and in the community, I strive to honor the timeless beauty of this place and the abundant talent it continues to inspire.

Beyond the Dome, I run High Desert Connection, where I help local artists, small businesses, and organizations strengthen their online presence through social media management, website content, and marketing support—all with a personalized, community-centered approach rooted in connection and authenticity.

Contact info: becca@abiquiudome.com

Find my art on our online shop & learn more about my High Desert Connection offerings at highdesertconnection.com