Ross J. Ward spent more than 40 years carving, collecting and lovingly transforming his Sandia Mountains property into a national folk art destination. Following his death in 2002, his wife, Carla, and a few dedicated family members and volunteers have continued to maintain Tinkertown for the more than 25,000 visitors who make the winding trek along the Turquoise Trail and Sandia Crest Rd. to experience it for themselves.
To ensure Tinkertown lives on, Ward and her family have transitioned Tinkertown from a family-run operation to a nonprofit organization to preserve and protect the destination and “translate his vision into a rousing call to live a more creative and colorful life.”
Ross Ward’s miniature wood-carved figures, first part of a traveling exhibit, were driven to county fairs and carnivals in the 1960s and ’70s. Today these dioramas are housed in a 22-room compound surrounded by rambling walls made from local rock, concrete, and over 50,000 glass bottles, according to data shared by the family with the Route 66 Independent.
“Tinkertown is a living testimonial to Ross Ward’s singular artistic vision and spirit of self-determination,” said Carla Ward. “But running it has always been a communal effort. We look forward to expanding our circle as we work to preserve and protect the museum. As Ross would say, ‘The show must go on!’”
The nonprofit, currently led by Tanya Ward Googman, will allow the Tinkertown Museum to remain open for visitors and open new avenues to explore more community outreach and exhibits.
Tinkertown Museum will mark its official non-profit status with a celebration of Ross Ward’s birthday on April 5, 2026. Admission to the museum will be by donation only. Cake will be served.