In 2005, Santa Fe, New Mexico, was honored as one of UNESCO’s Creative Cities, the only North American city to be so designated and the only one in this prestigious international network to be recognized in two fields: folk art and design. Santa Fe is chalk full of museums and galleries. During the summer months, there are art openings and receptions held throughout the city every Friday night from 5PM to 7PM. There are three different art districts in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Railyard, which is a five minute walk from The Santa Fe Motel and Inn This is where the bulk of the city’s contemporary galleries reside. When you visit The Santa Fe Railyard be sure to stop by SITE Santa Fe, LewAllen Galleries, TAI Gallery, David Richard Contemporary Art, Charlotte Jackson Fine Art, Gebert Contemporary, James Kelly Contemporary, Santa Fe Clay, William Siegal Gallery and Zane Bennett Contemporary Art.
Canyon Road accommodates over 100 art galleries, locally owned shops, and artist’s studios. It runs adjacent to the Santa Fe River on the East side of the city.
There are several incredible galleries, artist’s studios, and museums located in the vicinity of Santa Fe’s historic downtown plaza. Please be sure to stop by Yares Art Projects, LewAllen Galleries, and The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum which is located just west of the plaza on Johnson Street. You can find the most beautiful and authentic Native American jewelry and art under the portal of The Palace of the Governors- located just North of Santa Fe’s historic downtown plaza.
Writers, Authors, and Poets…OH MY!
Many well-known writers like D.H. Lawrence, Cormac McCarthy, Kate Braverman, Douglas Adams, Roger Zelazny, Alice Corbin Henderson, Mary Austin, Witter Bynner, Dan Flores, Paul Horgan, Rudolfo Anaya, George R. R. Martin, Mitch Cullin, Evan S. Connell, Richard Bradford, John Masters, Jack Schaefer, Michael Tobias, Susan Gardner, Hampton Sides and Michael McGarrity have all made Santa Fe their home.
Music+Dance+Opera
The Santa Fe Opera season begins in late June and ends in late August each year. The city also hosts the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival which happens every summer at The St. Francis Auditorium and The Lensic Performing Arts Center. The Santa Fe Desert Chorale performs at the The Loretto Chapel and Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis during the months of July and August.
The Santa Fe Ballet Company partnered up with Aspen Ballet Company a few years ago to form ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET. They perform in both Santa Fe and Aspen and tour nationally and internationally. Santa Fe is also home to internationally acclaimed Flamenco dancer’s Maria Benitez Institute for Spanish Arts which offers programs and performance in Flamenco, Spanish Guitar year round.
In addition, The Thirsty Ear Festival of Roots Music, The New Mexico Jazz Festival, The Santa Fe Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival should are all happening during the summer months. Notable local musicians and bands are The Alex Mayoral Band, Robert Mirabal, Gary Farmer and The Troublemakers, Bill Hearne, NACHA MENDEZ, The Santa Fe Chiles, Trisha Parish, and Joe West and The Santa Fe Revue. The Santa Fe Band Stand, located on the historic Santa Fe Plaza is a fun venue to experience live music on summer nights.