A Plein Air Affair

Artists take to the street for the 15th Annual Historic Canyon Road Paint and Sculpt Out.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, October 15, approximately 75 artists will convene along iconic Canyon Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a day of painting outside the dozens of galleries that populate this thriving art district.

The public is invited to take a walking tour of the galleries, stopping along the way to watch artists work, request live commissions, ask questions or simply enjoy this colorful, festive event during one of the most beautiful times of year in Santa Fe. Taos artist Ed Sandoval paints at last year’s event. Artists will be demonstrating their creative process and mingling with the public outside the many galleries that line Santa Fe’s Canyon Road on Saturday, October 15.

The origins of this highly localized special event stretch back to a time when artists plein air painting along Canyon Road was a common sight. Today, the event has expanded to include the entire spectrum of mediums and genres, including sculpture.

“This tour actually celebrates the history and flavor of Canyon Road through the last century,” says Canyon Road Contemporary Gallery owner Nancy Ouimet. “Set in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, Canyon Road’s…quality of light, natural beauty and sense of deep culture has attracted creatives since its humblest beginnings. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, and the rare opportunity to watch top-tier artists create. Every conceivable medium will be represented—and possibly one or two not known before—the event has even seen tea bag paintings!—for the wonderment of all passersby.” Renowned painter of scenes of the Southwest Natasha Isenhour paints during the annual Historic Canyon Road Paint and Sculpt Out.

Entirely walkable, the public is invited to stroll down Canyon Road, stopping to talk with participating artists and browsing the local galleries along the way.Don’t miss out on the plentiful celebrations along Canyon Road the night prior to the paint out when some 25 participating galleries will host individual receptions with many featuring selected artists. “Sure to be festive, galleries often do something a little different at their event as they have the opportunity to host several local and out-of-town artists who have traveled in for the reunion!,” Ouimet adds.An easel with paint and painting during a previous event. More than 75 artists are expected to participate in 2022.

At Susan Eddings Perez Gallery, visitors will find Perez’s large-scaled abstracts as well as her realism series of cows, bulls and horses; as well as works by other Santa Fe artists including talented surrealist Alison Hixon, ceramicist Bob Brady who specializes in the art of Raku, and photographer Rob Lang. Perez and Hixon will do live painting during the event in the gallery courtyard.

This is but a small snapshot of the tremendous amount of creativity on display and at work during The 15th Annual Historic Canyon Road Paint and Sculpt Out. Visit www.visitcanyonroad.com for participating gallery information and a detailed schedule of events and locations. —

15th Annual Historic Canyon Road Paint and Sculpt Out
October 14-15, 2022
Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM, 87501
www.visitcanyonroad.com