Visual Arts

From the region’s earliest Paleo-Indian inhabitants to early twentieth-century Modernists to contemporary artists, New Mexico has long inspired creators near and far. And Santa Fe has been a top art market for decades with 250 galleries, and an extensive array of museums and immersive art experiences.

As a part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, Santa Fe recognizes the significance of creative culture and the positive influence on its citizens and the local economy.

Canyon Road

With more than 100 galleries, Canyon Road boasts the densest concentration of art in the city. Charming and diverse, the galleries are ensconced in historic adobe homes emblematic of The City Different, along a pleasant half-mile-long stretch. Poke into shops or linger for matcha tea, tapas, a glass of wine, or lunch at one of Canyon Road’s eateries. Then continue on your way to experience some of the finest sculpture, paintings, photography, pottery, and textiles the Southwest has to offer.

The Plaza and Downtown

The heart of the historic downtown is the Plaza, surrounded by a trove of art spaces. Venture up a stairway or into a side galleria for even more. Under the blocklong portal of the Palace of the Governors, purchase authentic art and jewelry from New Mexico’s Pueblo artisans through the Native American Artisans Portal Program, operating for more than six decades. You can also buy beautiful handcrafted artwork from local New Mexican artists through the Santa Fe Plaza Park Artisan Program.

The Plaza area is also home to the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the New Mexico History Museum, and IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. Annual art markets transform downtown into a bustling labyrinth of pop-up tents, vendors, and patrons. Some larger markets, such as Traditional Spanish Market and Santa Fe Indian Market, draw thousands of local, national, and international visitors.

The Railyard and Baca Street District

With its modern aesthetic, the Railyard Arts District is home to many contemporary galleries that take advantage of the industrial warehouse-style spaces near the Santa Fe Depot, the end of the line for the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter rail service. Look out for the graffiti-art-inspired murals of a dragon and a wolf that have transformed two former Santa Fe Southern Railway train cars, now resurrected as Sky Railway. Renowned artist Joerael Numina pays homage to the works of Sky Railway co-owner and Creative Director George R.R. Martin. The contemporary art space SITE Santa Fe is a must-see. Enjoy lunch at a local brewery or eatery, and a visit to the Santa Fe Farmers' Market, open Tuesdays and Saturdays. Check out the Santa Fe Artists Market on Saturdays, and on Sundays, the Railyard Artisan Market. Baca Street District, the southern extension of the Railyard, is home to many artists’ studios, galleries, shops, and restaurants. Proximity to Santa Fe’s extensive Rail Trail makes this a great stop for bicyclists and walkers.

Siler Rufina Nexus

Describing itself as “a creative innovation district in central Santa Fe that celebrates and cultivates artists, performers, craftspeople, trades-people, makers, and innovators of all kinds and the organizations, businesses, and actions that promote a healthy, vibrant community,” the Siler Rufina Nexus is up and coming! It’s anchored by Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return, offering a unique dimension to the Santa Fe art scene, with a keen eye focused on the future.

Museum Hill

Off Old Santa Fe Trail and only a short drive from downtown Santa Fe is Museum Hill, which hosts the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. Enjoy lunch at the Museum Hill Cafe and take in the views. Build in time to stroll through the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. Through mid-June, see the exhibition “Capturing the Light: Glass Art Inspired by Nature.” There are several permanent sculptures on the property and art exhibitions cycle through.

DID YOU KNOW?

New Mexico is a growing hub for the film industry, particularly with the presence of Netflix nearby, and five Western sets. Plan your trip around a celebration of film: The Santa Fe Film Festival, the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival, and the Santa Fe Jewish Film Festival.

PLAN YOUR TRIP AROUND THESE POPULAR ART EVENTS

YEAR-ROUND

New Mexico Capitol Art Collection

nmcapitolart.com

MAY

Native Treasures Art Market

nmculture.org

El Rito Studio Tour

elritoartassociation.org

Canyon Road Spring Art Festival

visitcanyonroad.com

JUNE

CURRENTS New Media Festival

currentsnewmedia.org

JULY

International Folk Art Market

folkartmarket.org

Santa Fe Art Week

santafeartweek.com

Art Santa Fe

artsantafe.com

Traditional Spanish Market

spanishcolonial.org

Contemporary Hispanic Market

contemporaryhispanicmarketinc.com

AUGUST

Objects of Art Santa Fe

objectsofartsantafe.com

Whitehawk Antique Show

whitehawkshows.com

Antique American Indian Art Show

antiqueindianartshow.com

100th Santa Fe Indian Market

swaia.org

SEPTEMBER

Santa Fe Fiesta Fine Arts & Crafts Market

santafefiesta.org

Studio Tours in Taos, Pojoaque, on the High Road, and in Pecos

OCTOBER

Santa Fe Studio Tour

santafestudiotour.com

Studio Tours in Abiquiú, Galisteo, Eldorado Review Santa Fe Photo Festival

visitcenter.org

Canyon Road Paint & Sculpt Out

visitcanyonroad.com

NOVEMBER

Dixon Studio Tour

dixonarts.org

Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival

recyclesantafe.org

Santa Fe Winter Indian Market

swaia.org