Our Story

Dawn Butterfly is a family-owned, community-driven gallery, café, and restaurant, rooted in heritage, artistry, and connection. Located in Taos Pueblo, the space brings together culinary tradition and creative expression. It honors the land and people by sourcing fresh ingredients from regional farmers, while sharing the legacy of Taos Pueblo artistry through curated works in the gallery.

Originally opened in the early 1990s as the House of Water Crow & Red Coral Flower gallery by Carpio T. Bernal and Rose Bernal, the space was created to showcase the creativity of the Bernal family and the rich artistic traditions of Taos Pueblo. In 2022, their son CJ Bernal introduced the café within the gallery, offering guests lavender white chocolate mochas, red chile–infused espresso, and fresh-pressed juices, served amidst artwork that reflects the spirit of this land.

Artistic expression is woven into every detail, honoring the heritage of Native American art with a focus on the talent and traditions of Taos Pueblo. Dawn Butterfly is now expanding along Veterans Highway with the opening of a full-service restaurant led by CJ, where tradition and modernity come together at the table. Named in honor of Coral Dawn Bernal, whose spirit echoes in each space, Dawn Butterfly reflects a deep love for poetry, art, and place. Opening soon, the Coral Dawn and Paul J. Bernal Center for Arts and Literature will offer a space for healing, learning, and creative expression, honoring the lives and contributions of its namesakes. Our gallery, café, and restaurant offer a place to gather, share stories, and celebrate identity — a reflection of land, people, and the art of gathering.