Santa Fe, New Mexico is a city that has a rich history of architecture and art, and is known for its unique blend of traditional and modern styles.
In terms of architecture, Santa Fe is home to a style known as Santa Fe Modernism, which emerged in the 1930s and 1940s as a response to the city’s traditional adobe architecture. Santa Fe Modernism is characterized by its use of modern materials, such as steel and glass, and its incorporation of the natural landscape into the design of buildings. Some of the most well-known Santa Fe Modernist architects include John Gaw Meem, who designed many of the city’s most famous buildings, including the New Mexico State Capitol and the University of New Mexico campus, and William Lumpkins, who designed many private homes and public buildings.
In terms of art, Santa Fe is known for its vibrant art scene, which has roots in the city’s long history as a cultural crossroads. Santa Fe is home to many galleries and museums, including the Museum of International Folk Art, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and the SITE Santa Fe contemporary art space. The city is also known for its annual Santa Fe Indian Market, which showcases the work of Native American artists from around the country.
In addition to the city’s architecture and art, Santa Fe is known for its unique blend of cultures and traditions, which have been shaped by the city’s long history as a trading center and cultural crossroads. Today, Santa Fe remains a vibrant and eclectic city that is beloved by artists, architects, and visitors from around the world. Continue reading “Santa Fe Modern”
Georgia O’Keeffe’s Santa Fe Home, Visited by the Dalai Lama and Later Owned by Paul Allen, Is for Sale for $15 Million. The property houses a Bodhi tree grown from a seed given by the Dalai Lama.
Santa Fe New Mexico is world renowned for its art museums. Many of the Santa Fe museums have package prices if you are visiting more than one so be sure to ask. The locals all enjoy friday evenings at many of the museums like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts which are free after 5pm.
Center for Contemporary Arts This newly revitalized arts organization offers regional art exhibits plus film, video, music, theater, and dance programs. 1050 Old Pecos Trail Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-982-1338 www.ccasantafe.org
El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe Changing exhibitions explore the Hispanic heritage of New Mexico as well as the art and culture of the region’s present-day Hispanic residents. 1615-B Paseo de Peralta Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-992-0591
El Rancho de las Golondrinas Comprising 33 historic structures on 200 acres, this living history museum portrays the daily lives of northern New Mexico ranch families in the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition to daily demonstrations, check for special weekend events, spring through fall. 334 Los Pinos Road Santa Fe, NM 87505 (5 miles southwest of Santa Fe near the village of La Cienega) 505-471-2261 www.golondrinas.org
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum This modern facility, located just off the Plaza, contains the world’s largest collection of O’Keeffe’s art and is the only museum dedicated to the work of a single woman artist of international stature. 217 Johnson St. Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-946-1000 www.okeeffemuseum.org
The Indian Arts Research Center at the School of American Research The School of American research houses one of the world’s finest collections of Southwest Native pottery, weaving, and painting. Public tours are offered each Friday at 2:00 PM. Reservations required. 660 Garcia Street Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-954-7205 www.sarweb.org
Institute of American Indian Arts Museum The IAIA Museum features temporary exhibitions of artwork by faculty and students of the Institute of American Indian Art. IAIA is a two-year college whose purpose is to create a living legacy of artistic expression built on traditional cultures but reflecting contemporary Native life. 108 Cathedral Place Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-983-8900 www.iaiancad.org
Museum of Fine Arts This masterpiece of Pueblo Revival architecture is the state’s oldest art museum and home to more than 20,000 artworks. With an emphasis on artists working in the Southwest, the collection spans the historic art colonies of Taos and Santa Fe through cutting-edge contemporary art from around the region and the world. 107 West Palace Avenue Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-476-5072 www.mfasantafe.org
Museum of New Mexico The state museum system of New Mexico owns and operates four museum facilities in Santa Fe: Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Museum of International Folk Art, and Palace of the Governors. (Please see individual listings.)www.museumofnewmexico.org
Museum of Indian Arts and Culture A premier repository of Native art and material culture, MIAC tells the stories of the people of the Southwest from pre-history through contemporary times. The museum serves a diverse, multicultural audience through changing exhibitions, public lectures, field trips, and other educational programs. Museum Hill 710 Camino Lejo Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-476-1250 www.miaclab.org
Museum of International Folk Art MOIFA houses the world’s largest collection of traditional folk art from dolls, puppets and masks to textiles and ceramics. Experience the culture of more than 100 countries as presented in life-size interactive exhibits, cultural festivals and hands-on activities for families and children. Museum Hill Camino Lejo Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-476-1200 www.moifa.org
Museum of Spanish Colonial Arts The SMCA collection represents the artistic history and ongoing evolution of Hispano culture in New Mexico, while firmly establishing its place within the global arts landscape. Dating from the Middle Ages to the present, the collection is the most comprehensive compilation of Spanish Colonial arts in the southwest. Museum Hill 750 Camino Lejo Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-982-2226 www.spanishcolonial.org
New Mexico State Capitol Governor’s Gallery Tne New Mexico state capitol building houses an excellent collection of traditional and contemporary work by New Mexico artists. Painting, sculpture, weaving, pottery, furniture and other art forms are represented. The Governor’s Gallery on the 4th floor houses changing exhibits organized by the Museum of Fine Arts. Tour are available; call for times. Old Santa Fe Trail at Paseo de Peralta 505-986-4589
Palace of the Governors Built on Santa Fe’s Plaza in 1610, The Palace of the Governors is the oldest public building in continuous use in the United States. Its permanent and temporary exhibitions chronicle the history of Santa Fe and New Mexico, highlighting the Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and Territorial periods in the American southwest. 105 West Palace Avenue Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-475-5100 www.palaceofthegovernors.org
Poeh Museum Located on the Pojoaque Pueblo Reservation just north of Santa Fe, the Poeh Museum exhibits the art and culture of the Pueblo peoples with an emphasis on the Tewa-speaking pueblos of Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, San Juan, Santa Clara, and Tesuque. Poeh Cultural Center 78 Cities of Gold Road Santa Fe, NM 87506 505-455-3334 www.poehcenter.com
Randall Davey Audubon Center Now a 135 acre nature preserve, this property was the home of artist Randall Davey, a nationally known modernist painter and member of the Taos Society of Artists. His house and studio, converted from an old stone sawimill, are now preserved as a museum with the Daveys’ original furnishings as well as many paintings by the artist. Call for tour times. 1800 Upper Canyon Road Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-983-4609
Santa Fe Art Institute This innovative museum/teaching space brings nationally know contemporary artists to Santa Fe through exhibitions, workshops, publications, and outreach programs. Call for current programs and hours. 1600 St. Michaels Drive, on the College of Santa Fe campus 505-424-5050 www.sfai.org
Santa Fe Children’s Museum Engaging hands-on exhibits, outdoor gardens, and special programs change throughout the year. 1050 Old Pecos Trail Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-989-8359
SITE Santa Fe SITE Santa Fe is the city’s premiere contemporary art space featuring regional, national and international exhibitions and programs. 1606 Paseo de Peralta Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-989-1199 www.sitesantafe.org
The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian The Wheelwright hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary and historic Native American art with an emphasis on the Southwest. The Museum and the Case Trading Post museum shop also sponsor talks, seminars, meet-the-artist receptions, and many other events. Museum Hill 704 Camino Lejo Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-982-4636 800-607-4636 www.wheelwright.org
Santa Fe is one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful cities with some of the most dramatic sunsets in the world, so it’s only natural to find a diverse and dynamic performing arts scene here. Audiences are wowed just about every night of the week.With everything from theatrical productions and ballet performances to classical concerts, global music jams and slam poetry competitions, Santa Fe’s performing arts hold center stage. Our year-round calendar spotlights international and local stars. You’ll enjoy famous actors, opera singers, classical musicians, jazz quartets, bands playing blues, folk, country and rock, modern dancers, native storytellers and other gifted performers.
The Santa Fe Opera continues to bring opera stars and audiences from around the world each summer for one of the country’s most cherished opera seasons. The city also hosts annual music festivals throughout the year that feature established and emerging musicians and singers from around the world. Santa Fe’s own gifted groups of community musicians and choral groups perform year-round as well.
On any given night in Santa Fe, you might see an elite group of Chinese acrobats, a whimsical troupe of Santa Fe circus performers or a beloved Broadway musical. Enjoy a stirring concert put on by the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the New Mexico Jazz Festival or a festival devoted to the traditional music of New Mexico’s Rio Grande region. Watch the heated artistry of flamenco dancers accompanied by Spanish guitar music, performed by the Juan Siddi Flamenco Theatre Company. Take in a stellar production of a well-known play or a world premiere of a work by an emerging playwright. Actors travel from around the world to perform here and we also have vibrant community theater groups featuring talented Santa Fe actors.
With more than a dozen venues, from historic theaters to outdoor stages, glorious churches and museum spaces, Santa Fe truly is a performing arts center.
The mission of the Armory for the Arts Theatre is to provide the community with an affordable performing arts facility, to develop office space for other non-profit performing arts organizations and to create a center for collaboration.
Mission: By upholding the highest standards of artistic excellence in performance, education and outreach, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet cultivates and enhances an understanding and appreciation of dance. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is committed to serve as an artistic ambassador for our communities and nation at home and abroad. The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s activities encompass an 11 member professional company, a summer
Located on the campus of New Mexico School for the Deaf, this theater hosts a diversity of programming from musical concerts and lectures to theatrical performances.
Located inside the Museum of Fine Arts, this historic auditorium hosts classical music concerts, author readings, lectures and many other entertaining and educational events.
This is the oldest musical group in Santa Fe, tracing its roots back 125 years. The name has changed several times since the beginning, but not the tradition: The band still performs free public concerts throughout the year. Its repertoire includes patriotic songs, marches, a variety of classical, popular and Broadway tunes adapted for concert band, as well as number of wonderful songs of Mexican, Spanish, and New Mexican
This fully professional 20 member chamber chorus has been noted for its variety in programming and virtuosity of performance. Critics and audience members alike have consistently praised the Chorale for presenting some of the world’s most significant and engaging repertoire, from the ancient to the modern in performances of the highest artistry. Performing in some of Santa Fe’s finest venues including the Lensic
Santa Fe Performing Arts (SFPA) devoted to educational and professional theatre in New Mexico, utilizing performing arts as a powerful tool for educating the youth in our community, developing a professional Adult Resident Company dedicated to innovation and excellence, and providing the community with a performing arts center that is affordable and fosters professionalism. Santa Fe Performing Arts school delivers
The Playhouse offers never-produced playwrights the chance to see their work on stage and first-time performers the opportunity to be on stage with seasoned actors. The Playhouse welcomes everyone who wants to participate in live theater.
This organization brings some of the finest musicians and performers in the U.S. and from around the world to perform chamber works in ensembles of various sizes from September through May. Guest performers often are featured.
Santa Fe’s professional full-sized orchestra with chorus… We focus on orchestra masterpieces that thrill your senses and feed your soul. Our 2012—2013 season features outstanding gold medalists, first prize winning soloists, and beloved masterworks
Teatro Paraguas produces two or more plays and one or more performed poetry productions each year. Since 2004 TP has produced 16 shows. including 9 original works and 2 world premieres. The productions are proposed and selected by our 28 members, who include actors, artists, and musicians of various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities, ranging in age from 10 to 80. TP works with its community by inviting all interested
This world renowned venue is an amphitheater in the rolling hills just outside of Santa Fe with views of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains. Not only is the setting spectacular but the performers, musicians, set design and productions are of the highest caliber. The season runs from late June through the end of August every year.
The popularity and repertoire continue to grow for this wonderful community orchestra and chorus. The season is made up of subscription concerts, special event concerts and regularly scheduled performances plus concerts with other regional symphonies.
To watch Santa Fe Gallery Association members’ videos, visit www.santafeart.tv.
One of the world’s major art centers, Santa Fe is a place where artists are equally at home working with the traditions of their ancestors and experimenting with contemporary techniques.
But it’s not just the visual artists who find their muse in this capital city. Musicians, dancers, actors, writers and chefs tap into endless ways to express their creativity, too, contributing to a rich blend of artistic activity.
With more than 200 galleries and over a dozen museums, including the treasured collections on Museum Hill, Santa Fe is also home to annual world-famous art markets. The prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market, held every August, is Santa Fe’s largest event, with more than 1,200 artists from 100 tribes.
The July Spanish Market celebrates traditional handcrafted works by 250 Hispanic artists. The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market brings more than 100 folk artists from 40 countries to the world’s largest market of its kind, also in July.
ART Santa Fe is another standout, annual summer art market that brings the work of hundreds of contemporary artists to the city. International galleries, cutting-edge art installations, and emerging artists combine to create a distinctive art and cultural experience.
Santa Fe is best known for its exciting array of visual arts, but it’s also a thriving center for performing arts, with a steady offering of dance, music and theater events. Literary arts flourish here, too, with a large community of local and visiting writers as well as regional publishers who gather for readings, booksignings and inspirational support.
The city’s culinary arts scene is sizzling. We’re known for great restaurants, but we also have annual food and wine festivals and acclaimed chefs who share their enthusiasm for foods of the Southwest and of the world in cooking classes.
There’s no better place to appreciate Hispanic arts, rooted in New Mexico’s rich Spanish Colonial heritage but also flourishing as a contemporary scene. Native American arts are also deeply rooted in the region’s history. Artists from the pueblos and tribes of New Mexico produce highly prized works that reflect their ancestor’s traditions and also represent contemporary innovations.
Santa Fe is, without a doubt, one of the most artistic places on the planet.
Abstract art persists strongly today in New Mexico. As a premier international art hub, the state is renowned for its artistic diversity, creative excitement, and cosmopolitan ambiance. The most sophisticated art lovers and collectors come from all over the world to experience the galleries and museums that exhibit abstract art.
Santa Fe Art Studio Curated Staff picks of New Mexico Abstract Artists:
