About Us

The mountains in Cloudcroft inspire the talents in many of us, but none so much as the Artists.  The majority of our Artists live and work in   New Mexico because of the beauty and relaxing atmosphere…the creative juices just start flowing!  Visitors to Cloudcroft just want to take back a piece of the unique atmosphere and southwestern culture when they leave.

The Copper Butterfly was started in 1981 to help promote the work these artists produced.  The original owners, Gary and Gloria Wood, opened a store which displayed Gary’s talents of photography and preserving butterflies, and Gloria’s talent in intricate copper etchings.  Put the two together, and you’ve got “The Copper Butterfly.”

Today, The Copper Butterfly’s main focus is the Artists and the one-of-a-kind artwork they produce.  Ken and Barbara Rice promote the Pottery, Original Paintings, Beadwork, and Jewelry, to name a few.  They attend art and gem shows to find the most unusual and unique items around.  But they have also added new items and “Cloudcroft Only” items that you can purchase in the store and online.  Since the Mexican Canyon Trestle is unique to our area, we have created products that help promote the trestle, and the restoration of the trestle.  That’s what makes the Copper Butterfly “a must” to visit when you are in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. 
 
For those of you who are not able to visit us, we have created this website to give you a glimpse of our store and our one-of-a-kind items.  Items are available on line for your immediate purchase, so take a look!  Since many items are truly “one-of-a-kind” there may only be one item in a category to purchase.  If you have a question or need more information, please give us a call.

Every time you visit the Copper Butterfly, you will find a “One of a Kind” and a “Rare Find” in works of art, fine gifts, and fabulous jewelry!  Come take a stroll down the Boardwalk and visit the Copper Butterfly!