Tinkertown Museum Near Albuquerque Celebrates 40+ Years as Nonprofit

The whimsical, artist-built museum founded by the late Ross Ward will host a grand opening celebration for its 2026 season.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:22pm

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Tinkertown, an eclectic art museum nestled in the mountains near Albuquerque, New Mexico, is celebrating its transition to nonprofit status after over 40 years as a family-owned attraction. The museum, founded by the late artist Ross Ward, features his collection of wood carvings, glass bottles, and other quirky creations. Ward's daughter, Tanya Ward Goodman, is now leading the museum's mission to preserve her father's artistic legacy and inspire visitors to embrace their own creativity.

Why it matters

Tinkertown's conversion to a nonprofit model will allow the museum to expand its programming, including art and writing workshops, while also providing a path for the current director, Carla Ward, to eventually retire after running the museum since her husband's passing in 2002. The change comes at a pivotal time, as Tinkertown prepares to open its 2026 season and celebrate what would have been founder Ross Ward's birthday.

The details

Tinkertown first opened its doors in 1983 as an artist-built environment showcasing Ross Ward's whimsical creations, including animated miniature figures and thousands of glass bottles. After Ward's death in 2002 from early-onset Alzheimer's, his wife Carla has continued operating the museum. Now, Tinkertown has transitioned to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a mission to preserve Ward's artistic legacy and inspire visitors to live more creative lives. The museum plans to ramp up art and writing workshops, as well as collaborate with other New Mexico artists.

  • Tinkertown first opened in 1983.
  • Ross Ward passed away in 2002 at the age of 62 after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at 57.
  • Tinkertown will open its 2026 season on Friday, April 3.
  • The museum will host a grand opening celebration on Sunday, April 5, which would have been Ross Ward's birthday.

The players

Ross Ward

The late founder of Tinkertown, an artist known for his whimsical wood carvings, glass bottle creations, and other quirky artworks that make up the museum's collection.

Tanya Ward Goodman

The daughter of Ross Ward, who is now leading Tinkertown's transition to nonprofit status and overseeing the museum's mission to preserve her father's artistic legacy.

Carla Ward

The wife of the late Ross Ward, who has been running Tinkertown since her husband's passing in 2002 and is now looking to take a step back as the museum becomes a nonprofit.

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What they’re saying

“I often describe a walk through the museum as kind of walking through the head and the heart of my dad… You begin to understand that this person was very passionate, very curious, very excited, and just incredibly creative.”

— Tanya Ward Goodman, Daughter of Tinkertown founder Ross Ward

“We have turned the entire museum into a 501(c)(3), and our mission is to preserve and protect the work and the artistic legacy of Ross Ward and translate his vision into a rousing call to live a more creative and colorful life.”

— Tanya Ward Goodman, Daughter of Tinkertown founder Ross Ward

What’s next

Tinkertown will host a grand opening celebration on Sunday, April 5, 2026, which would have been founder Ross Ward's birthday. The event will feature live music, cake, book signings, and more.

The takeaway

Tinkertown's transition to a nonprofit model will help ensure the preservation of Ross Ward's unique artistic vision and inspire visitors to embrace their own creativity, even as the museum navigates a change in leadership. The museum's enduring appeal, drawing visitors from around the world, demonstrates the power of following one's passions and curiosities.