NAVIGATING Santa Fe’s Winter Art Scene By Kelly Skeen
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here is no denying the magic of the winter season in New Mexico. Farolitos light up the silhouettes of adobe buildings, the smell of piñon fires waft through the streets, and the first snowfall gracefully blankets gallery sculptures and nearby mountains. Crisp air and sunny blue skies make Santa Fe an enjoyable place to spend the next few months, which call for a quiet respite from bustling tourist times. However, as much as we can appreciate this slowing down and peaceful atmosphere, the local art community knows all too well that the winter season can mean hard months ahead with slower traffic, less buyers and fewer community events. Art lovers know that opportunities to see new work from their favorite artists are fewer and far between, and there’s usually less activity at their regularly attended galleries. How can we overcome this slow season slump? For starters, there are more events happening than you think—so keep an eye on local event listings such as the Pasatiempo Friday newspaper insert and the Santa Fe Gallery Association online calendar. For Native art lovers, don’t miss the Winter Indian Market in December that features a holiday art show, artist demos and performances, a silent auction, and a fashion show featuring the work of Native designers. The Santa Fe Artists Market in the Railyard also continues to exhibit the work of juried local artists through the winter months. Let the holiday lights on Museum Hill supplement your art viewing experience with the annual Glow event at the Botanical Gardens, and maybe explore a different art form by attending a performance of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s The Nutcracker. When it comes to the gallery world, local venues are catching on to the idea that as one of 250+ art spaces in our community, winter exhibitions mean less competition for opening nights and more opportunities for press coverage. Extensive marketing for
a top artist in the slow season might just spike your sales in an otherwise quiet time. Plus, there are several new galleries popping up on Canyon Road, some with big opening shows or community events planned for later this winter, so stay active on the street to be in the know. Many Railyard art galleries also continue their exhibition schedule through winter, so check out the Railyard Arts District’s website to stay up to date. Looking for something different? Young artist collectives continue to break open the emerging art scene in Santa Fe, and they don’t slow with the seasons. These progressive art groups make their way into the public sphere through pop up shows and community collaborations, so pick up publications and weekly newspapers to see what they’re up to. You just might discover your new favorite artist this winter. Kelly Skeen is a freelance arts marketer and writer in the Santa Fe area. To learn more about her work for artists and galleries, visit her website at www.KSartsmarketing.com.