CASA NOVA Where Craft and Art Meet Photos Linda Carfagno
Fitz-Gerald’s co-conspirator is the ever-effervescent Nelly-Joy Irakoze, a Burundi native who previously ran a Santa Fe bed and breakfast. “The best thing about Casa Nova is the joy I feel when I walk in the door,” she says. “I am very fortunate to be part of this amazing gallery, and am happy to be surrounded every day by the unique art and craft Casa Nova offers. It brings me back home each time I enter Casa Nova. What else to ask? Casa Nova has become my home!”
Fitz-Gerald admits her goal is not only to bring out the best of Africa’s artistic talent, but also to support and nurture the artists, craftspeople and designers in the interest of poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihood creation. “Your purchase helps give them a sustainable income toward financial independence,” she says. She notes how her customers love the stories behind the products, as well as the fact they can make purchases with a social conscience.
Currently showcased in the gallery are the Kuba textiles, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Woven from the raffia palm, the elaborate and complex geometric designs are generally sewn onto a main woven panel of fabric, which is then embellished with repetitive patchwork, applique and embroidery to form a textured surface. These richly tactile fabrics influenced, among others, the famous French artist Henri Matisse; he combined the African aesthetic with his own vivid color palate.
Fitz-Gerald also leads tours to Africa once a year, an insider’s tour for those interested in exploring the continent in depth. She infuses the experience with cultural and culinary forays, as well as with a hearty dose of adventure, safari, flora, fauna and, of course, art.
While traditionally used as ceremonial skirts, the Kuba’s intriguing designs also make great interior décor; through unique shops like Casa Nova, anyone can now admire and find inspiration in the Kuba textiles, using them as pillow or bed covers or hanging them as art in their own right.
N
atalie Fitz-Gerald likes to refer to her shop as a “visual feast,” which accounts for how often she produces that special “wow” factor among her customers. The Santa Fe resident owns Casa Nova, an up-market gallery located in the city’s historic Railyard district. Creating a medley of cultural fusion, Fitz-Gerald personally sources her stock from primarily African countries, though other regions of the world are also represented. “I was born in South
Africa,” she notes, “and for many years I admired all the wonderful art being created in rural cooperatives. I knew I wanted to open a store one day and sell those exceptional products.”
“The Kuba are used both functionally, ritually, and for barter and exchange,” Fitz-Gerald explains. “The middle color is woven by the men, and the women complete the applique. From an artistic and design standpoint, they are absolutely brilliant.”
“I work with anywhere from 25 to 30 cooperatives at any given time,” says Fitz-Gerald. “It’s a collaborative effort with regards to design, product development and marketing, and I always strive to be very sensitive to issues of heritage and tradition.”
These Kuba textiles are part of an extensive textile collection available at Casa Nova Gallery including, but not limited to, Indigo, Mudcloth, Kente Cloth, felted fabric, Oaxacan, Chinese and South East Asia textiles.
Casa Nova by Natalie 530 S. Guadalupe St. 505.983.8558 CasaNovaGallery.com