New Mexico is the embodiment of the unique atmosphere and aesthetic that is the American Southwest. Everywhere you turn, there’s something inherently artistic about the state. From the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (the southernmost part of the Rockies) to the Carlsbad Caverns, to the Rio Grande Gorge and the iconic Shiprock peak, the mesmerizing geology is just one of the many reasons it’s named the Land of Enchantment. And cities like Santa Fe and Taos offer collectors seemingly endless opportunities to immerse themselves in the world of Western art.
Public artwork in Santa Fe. © Genevieve Russell 2015.
The historic capital city of Santa Fe is home to three popular arts districts each teeming with galleries showcasing art from some of the top contemporary and historic artists working with Western subject matter as well as Native art. Galleries near the historic Santa Fe Plaza in the heart of the city include King Galleries, Faust Gallery, Manitou Galleries and Sorrel Sky Gallery, while the Railyard Arts District brings such establishments as Blue Rain Gallery and LewAllen Galleries. And the magical half-mile stretch of Canyon Road is home to places like Nedra Matteucci Galleries, Gerald Peters Gallery and Lyn A. Fox Fine Pueblo Pottery, among dozens of others. In total, more than 100 galleries add culture and flavor to this vibrant city. A Santa Fe staple is the annual Brian Lebel’s Cody Old West Show & Auction, an exciting affair with a plethora of cowboy art and antiques, held this year from June 26 to 28.
To the north in Taos—tucked away in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains—is the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, home of renowned Russian-American artist Nicolai Fechin. Today, the historic piece of Southwestern architecture serves as a museum presenting numerous exhibitions. This past March, the museum hosted the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico’s invitational exhibition. A major part of what makes the city so special is the historic Taos Pueblo, a living representation of more than 1,000 years of tradition. Made entirely of adobe, the Pueblo was home to ancestors of the Taos people, who lived in the valley a millennia ago. Today, close to 150 people currently live in the Pueblo.
Undoubtedly there are many other cities and small towns throughout the Land of Enchantment that continuously enhance the spirit of art felt within the state. Some of those vibrant artists and institutions include Sally McDevitt, True West Gallery and Marin Feather Art Studio & Gallery.
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Gerald Peters Gallery
1005 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 954-5719, mhajic@gpgallery.com
“How current and upcoming events will affect the Santa Fe art market remains to be seen. Regardless, our focus continues to be the same: to nurture an appreciation and love of the American West and Western art. We will continue to educate and attract potential buyers through high-quality art exhibitions…and programs. Our Santa Fe Art Auction has experienced phenomenal growth this past year…[and] we expect this growth to only continue.” — Maria Hajic, director of naturalism, Gerald Peters Gallery
A view of Gerald Peters Gallery’s beautiful grounds in Santa Fe.
Established in Santa Fe in 1972, Gerald Peters Gallery relocated to the historic Bandelier House in 2015. With a focus on specially curated exhibitions in the areas of naturalism, Western realism, and classic to contemporary Western art, Gerald Peters Gallery is home to more than 40 artists working in a variety of disciplines. Committed to the work of artists who have enriched the cultural history of the American West, the gallery represents several estates from the Santa Fe Art Colony artists and continues to showcase an extensive collection of woodblock prints by legendary print maker Gustave Baumann. This past year the gallery has added Maine painter Scott Kelley and Wyoming sculptor Richard Greeves to its roster. 
Gerald Peters Gallery, Bison, watercolor on paper, by Scott Kelley.
Gerald Peters Gallery, Far West, oil on linen,70 x 52", by Michael Cassidy.
Among the many upcoming shows at the gallery are Contemporary Naturalism from June 5 to July 25 featuring the work of Penelope Gottlieb, Kelley, Steve Kestrel and Peregrine O’Gormley; Far West – The Artwork of Michael Cassidy from July 17 to September 26 and Anthony Martinez from July 24 to October 2, showcasing works from Santa Fe-born artist Anthony Martinez.
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King Galleries
130 Lincoln Avenue, Suite D, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(480) 440-3912, www.kinggalleries.com
“Western and Native paintings have moved to the fore among collectors over the past year. Landscapes and realism are among the most collected from the gallery, especially work by Kwani Povi Winder and Mateo Romero.”— Charles S. King, owner, King Galleries
King Galleries in Santa Fe features Native American pottery, bronzes by Tammy Garcia and Autumn Borts-Medlock and paintings by Native artists. Featured artists included Mateo Romero, George Alexander, Les Namingha, Marla Allison, Felix Vigil, Derek No-Sun Brown, Jon Wassom and Kwani Povi Winder. 
King Galleries, Abique, oil on canvas, 48 x 48”, by Mateo Romero.
King Galleries, Go Rin No Show, Sumi ink on canvas, 24 x 36”, by Derek No-Sun Brown.
King Galleries, Stillness, oil, 18 x 18”, by Kwani Povi Winder.
The gallery presents a variety of upcoming exhibitions including Susan Folwell: Taos Light: Pueblo Perspectives, a gallery installation opening May 23. Susan Folwell creates contemporary clay works inspired by the Taos Society of Artists. During May and June, the gallery has biweekly artist demonstrations from pottery to painting.
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Manitou Galleries
123 W. Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-0440
225 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-9833, info@manitougalleries.com
www.manitougalleries.com
“Manitou Galleries’ mission and vision has always been to highlight the Southwest’s regional identity and why we remain an exotic travel destination.”— Cyndi Hall, associate director, Manitou Galleries
Manitou Galleries, Light of the Desert, oil on canvas, 30 x 40",by Jeremy Winborg.
Manitou Galleries, Broken Ladders - Taos, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 48",by Alvin Gill-Tapia.
One of the top galleries in the Southwest, Manitou Galleries has locations on Palace Avenue just off the Santa Fe Plaza and on the famous Canyon Road in Santa Fe, as well as Palace Jewelers at Manitou Galleries. The galleries offer the finest collections of contemporary representational paintings, sculpture, Native American and fine jewelry. New artists whose work can be found at the galleries include Nocona Burgess, John DeMott, Sushe Felix, Jose Antonio Fuentes, Sally Maxwell, Erin Mercer, Jeremy Winborg and Ray Roberts. Several shows will be held in the coming months. At the Palace Avenue location are Jeremy Winborg & George Rivera opening June 5 and JD Challenger & Nicholas Coleman opening August 13, and at the Canyon Road location are Tails of Enchantment group show opening June 12, and Paul Rhymer & David Riley opening July 13.
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Nedra Matteucci Galleries
1075 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-4631, inquiry@matteucci.com
www.matteucci.com
“Santa Fe has a long history as an art destination, best known for our exceptional Southwestern paintings, Native American jewelry and pottery, and bronze sculpture. As one of the largest art markets in the United States, our town continues to evolve, attracting artists and collectors from around the world.”
— Dustin Belyeu, director, Nedra Matteucci Galleries
Nedra Matteucci Galleries, Taos Adobe, oil on linen, 32 x 44”, by Walt Gonske.
Nedra Matteucci Galleries, Expectations, 2003, pink Portuguese marble,91 x 32 x 27”, by Doug Hyde.
Nedra Matteucci Galleries, Crossing the Stream, oil on canvas on board, 12 x 14”,E. Martin Hennings (1886-1956).
Nedra Matteucci Galleries specializes in 19th- and 20th-century American art, including the Taos Society of Artists, artists of the American West and masters of American impressionism and modernism. Contemporary artists of note include Walt Gonske, Clark Hulings and Doug Hyde. Earlier this year the gallery welcomed award-winning sculptor Mardie Rees. Nedra Matteucci Galleries is also pleased to announce Wilson Hurley: The Richness of Reality, the gallery’s third exhibition of Wilson Hurley (1924-2008), one of America’s foremost landscape painters. The show opens on June 27, and the paintings will remain on display until July 25.
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Brian Lebel’s Cody
Old West Show & Auction, Santa Fe, NM
(480) 779-9378, www.oldwestevents.com
“I’m thrilled to see that three-dimensional objects and exquisite craft are finally getting the respect they deserve as desirable and collectible fine art pieces. I believe it is a trend that will continue.”— Brian Lebel, founder Brian Lebel’s Old West Events
Brian Lebel’s Cody Old West Show & Auction, John Wayne’s outfit from The Undefeated (shirt, pants, kerchief and hat). Estimate: $50/60,000
Brian Lebel’s Cody Old West Show & Auction, stagecoach carving, 27 x 55½ x 20", by John Kittelson. Estimate: $7/9,000
Brian Lebel’s Cody Old West Show & Auction, Kelly Bros. No. 90 Spurs, The Roger Wilmot Collection. Estimate: $15/20,000Brian Lebel’s Old West Events hosts two major exhibitions and sales each year: the Cody Old West Show & Auction in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Mesa Old West Show & Auction in Mesa, Arizona. This year’s 31st annual Cody Old West Show will host more than 125 national vendors and will feature more than 250 lots. Both events boast the finest authentic Western art, antiques and artifacts—including cowboy gear and historic Native American treasures—available for public sale. Thousands are expected to attend the weekend festivities.
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Marin Feather Art Studio & Gallery
618 Canyon Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(214) 766-9190, marin@marinfeatherart.com
www.marinfeatherart.com
Artist and owner Patricia Marin Mirandaoutside the studio and gallery.
Patricia Marin Miranda was introduced to feather art in her native country of Costa Rica. Her interest in Native American and Southwestern themes stems from her own part-Indigenous roots. Known as “arteplumaria,” this art medium’s roots dates back to the Aztec Empire. Inspired by those Indigenous artists, Miranda has developed her own unique technique for the use of feathers as a “canvas” for beautiful memorable scenes of the Southwest. All her pieces are acrylic painted on real feathers and displayed in collector quality framing. 
Marin Feather Art Studio & Gallery, Fire, acrylic on multiple wild turkey feathers, 17 x 7”, by Patricia Marin Miranda.
Marin Feather Art Studio & Gallery, Rio Pueblo de Taos, acrylic on multiple wild turkey feathers,16 x 13”, by Patricia Marin Miranda.
Her new studio gallery opened in March in the Canyon Road historic art district of Santa Fe, which exhibits her work exclusively. Upcoming shows include the 2020 Traditional Spanish Market on Lincoln Avenue in Santa Fe from July 25 to 26 and the Santa Fe Indian Market on August 14 to 16.
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Plein Air Painters of New Mexico
www.papnm.org
Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, Lamy Yard, oil, 12 x 16”, by Jane Chapin.
Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, Rim Lit, Abiquiu, oil,8 x 10”, by Lee MacLeod.
“Not only does PAPNM have internationally recognized artists in its membership, the diversity of style and eye for composition is rich and beautifully diverse. The resurgence of plein air painting is not only shown in the popularity of events, but is clear in the art market.”— Natasha Isenhour, president, Plein Air Painters of New Mexico
Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, Mario, oil, 11 x 14”, by Carolyn Lindsey.
The Plein Air Painters of New Mexico (PAPNM) is a professional association of artists dedicated to the business of preserving and promoting painting in plein air—in the open air or outdoors. In addition to advancing plein air painting in the tradition of New Mexico’s renowned early and mid-20th-century artists, PAPNM provides regular opportunities for members to paint together during monthly “paintouts” and hosts annual juried and open exhibitions of members’ work. The organization has 355 member painters, 27 of those being Signature Members, and 11 Master Signature Members. Upcoming PAPNM shows include the 2020 Taos Plein Air Historic Studios Paintout & Show opening July 17, the 2020 Taos Plein Air Juried Members Small Paintings Exhibition from July 18 to August 30, Los Alamos Members Non Juried Paintout and Show from September 25 to October 10, and the 12th Members Juried National Exhibition and Show from November 7 to 30.
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Taos Art Museum at Fechin House
227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571
(575) 758-2690, frontdesk@taosartmuseum.org
www.taosartmuseum.org
An interior view of Fechin House. Courtesy Taos Art Museum at Fechin House.
Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, Taos Landscape, oil on canvas, 11¼ x 17½”, by Nicolai Fechin(1881-1955). Courtesy of a Private Collection, Alexandria, VA.The Taos Art Museum at Fechin House announces a new exhibition, Through the Eyes of Fechin, on view from May 5, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Each artist approaches the canvas in an entirely unique manner; their individual interpretation is as unique as a fingerprint. Renowned artist Nicolai Fechin (1881-1955)—who built the magnificent Fechin House, a 4,000-square-foot architectural masterpiece and now home of the Taos Art Museum—was no exception. His exuberant yet precise use of line and color to define form has captivated viewers for more than a century. Set in the context of the exquisite home Fechin crafted by hand and primarily featuring works from private collections not previously exhibited in Taos, this exhibition will provide a unique opportunity to experience Fechin’s world through his keen eye.
Please check the museum’s website for any exhibition schedule changes due to Covid-19.
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Sally McDevitt
(505) 205-0093, mcdevittsally@gmail.com
www.sallymcdevitt.com
Sally McDevitt, Prickly Pear Cactus Blossoms, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 24”
Sally McDevitt has been painting New Mexico landscapes for the last 20 years. Her works are shown at Weems Gallery & Framing in Albuquerque, where she currently has a series of paintings of the Gila River winding through southwest New Mexico. “My inspiration is atmosphere and light. When it rains, the trails in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains explode with color. Early morning light transforms those trails into an enchanting atmosphere of joy,” says the artist. Her next series will focus on the prickly pear cactus from buds to the growth of flowers and prickly pear pads. This summer, five of her acrylics will be displayed at the new hospital located in the Fort Bliss Armory in Texas, most of which are serene scenes for hospital walls, as well as one bright and happy prickly pear painting.
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True West Gallery
130 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
www.truewestgallery.com
True West Gallery, Fiestas, mixed media, patina on cloth, 72 x 36", by Chris Turri.
True West Gallery, Fifth Dimension, mixed media, patina on metal, 53 x 12 x 2", by Chris Turri.
True West Gallery, The Return, mixed media, patina on cloth, 48 x 24", by Chris Turri.
After a decade on Canyon Road, artist Chris Turri is now represented at one of Santa Fe’s favorites, True West Gallery, a half block off the Santa Fe Plaza. For years, Turri has fabricated unique sculptures incorporating various reclaimed metals including the skins of old vehicles from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. From the shadows of his metal work he has recently released a new line of mixed media art he calls “patina on cloth.”
“The idea came to me organically as I was experimenting with textures and patinas on my sculptures and then it became intentional. Now, as I continue to create sculptures, the patina on cloth is curing, layer by layer. So, the new pieces really are the shadows of my original work,” says Turri. “I use reclaimed cloth, and the process is a little like painting with metal rather than on metal.” The imagery in Turri’s new two-dimensional series echoes the stories in his sculptural work with abstracted human figures, petroglyphs and animal symbols, carrying on his desire for viewers to observe the past through a contemporary lens. The artist says, “I have so many ideas that I’m playing with in this new medium, collectors may be surprised by the next phase—I often am.” –
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