History and art are combined in the setting of the Gold Avenue Methodist-Episcopal Church, known locally as the "Hearst Church". The adobe church is home to the Grant County Art Guild (GCAG). During the summer months, the church is transformed into an art gallery, featuring arts and crafts created by 50 local artists. The gallery is open from Thursday through Sunday each week from May through early October. Members of the Art Guild are present from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist visitors and provide information about the historic building.

Featured in many "ghost town" books, the Hearst Church is a popular stopping place for tourists. It was dedicated on May 18, 1898. The building construction was financed by contributions from Pinos Altos residents, along with a sizable donation from Mrs. Phoebe Hearst. Mrs. Hearst was the widow of U. S. Senator George Hearst of California. Her son was newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst. Prior to going to California, Senator George Hearst was successful in the mining industry in Pinos Altos. Out of gratitude for the wealth which the Hearsts derived from the Pinos Altos mines, Mrs. Hearst contributed generously to the church building, with the stipulation that the church contain a reading room for use by the miners. This was accomplished by using curtains to separate the reading room from the sanctuary. Of particular interest are the stained glass windows, the high wooden ceiling and the beam construction. On exhibit is an antique glass-sided hearse, used in Las Cruces from 1902 to 1912. It is said to have been used at the funeral of Pat Garrett, the sheriff who shot Billy the Kid.

The Purchase Prize Show is an annual event open to artists who are residents of New Mexico. $1,500 is awarded to the painting judged "Best of Show". To receive a prospectus, contact Barbara Kejr via Email Grant County Art Guild or phone 505-538-8216 or write to the Grant County Art Guild at P.O. Box 456, Silver City, NM 88061.

For more information about the Hearst Church or the Grant County Art Guild, Email Grant County Art Guild or phone 505-538-8216.