Raymond Jonson (1891-1982), Arroyo #4, 1922, oil on canvas board, 15 x 24¼ in.

The Armory Show, officially the International Exhibition of Modern Art, shocked the country when it opened in New York in 1913. It showed the works of European modernists for the first time in this country along with the more avant-garde of American artists. Mabel Dodge Luhan (1879-1962) wrote to the board of the Armory Show, “I’ll be delighted to help in any way with the exhibition, because I think it is the most important thing that ever happened in America, of its kind. Anything that will extend the unawakened consciousness here (or elsewhere) will have my support…The majorities are content to browse upon past achievements. What is needed is more, more and always more consciousness, both in art and in life.”

Peter Moran (1841-1914), Santa Fe, 1883, etching in black on wove paper, 4½ x 67⁄8 in. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Reba and Dave Williams Collection. Gift of Reba and Dave Williams.

Jonson had visited Santa Fe on a sketching trip and returned permanently in 1925, determined to make his paintings “an expression of sensation, rather than as a reflection of environmental appearances.” In 1938, he and a group of other artists formed the Transcendental Painting Group “to carry painting beyond the appearance of the physical world, through new concepts of space, color, light, and design.”

Mabel Dodge Luhan’s home in Taos. Courtesy New Mexico Tourism Department.

Artists who have mastered their craft and have expressed their ideas through innovation have always been at the top of the market in Santa Fe. Native American and Hispanic art maintains traditions but there have always been innovators. Painters and sculptors of the American West complement the older traditions. All are represented in over 250 galleries across the city in areas such as Canyon Road, the Santa Fe Plaza and the Railyard. Most galleries are in converted homes or shops and galleries in the Railyard have been purpose-built.

Emil Bisttram (1895-1976), New Mexico Compound with Poplar, ca. 1950, watercolor on paper, 17¾ x 23³⁄8 in. Courtesy The Owings Gallery, Santa Fe, NM.

Leroy Garcia began selling art in the second floor of his family’s home in Taos. At that time, he sold primarily art made by his cousins and other family members. Thirty-one years later Blue Rain Gallery in the Railyard (with a branch in Durango, Colorado) is a world-class gallery. A fortuitous acquisition of a collection of high-quality Native pots, and his recognizing the future of art glass when he first saw the work of Preston Singletary in 1998, have complemented his own eclectic interests. He also recognized the importance of the pottery of Tammy Garcia who “used the entire surface of the pot, unlike many people before her,” he notes. “Nancy and Nathan were doing that but with different designs and imagery.”

With the arrival of the Internet and social media, the gallery world began to change. It found new ways “to invest in the artists, to help them grow and to protect their prices,” according to Garcia. The arrival of Covid spurred another major adjustment when galleries closed to foot traffic and had to find other ways to promote their artists to collectors and to the general public.

FourElements BeadWorks, Way Out West II, one of a kind three-strand turquoise necklace with a sterling silver toggle clasp, by Suzy Johnson.

Johnson is driven to make affordable, beautiful jewelry from natural stones, shells, corals and pearls from across the planet. “I love being able to both blend into fashion trends and personal taste,” she adds. “I also respect and appreciate the natural vibrations of each and every bead that I use. The energies within semi-precious stones are well documented, and certainly have been utilized by hundreds of cultures over the ages.”

Carlos Acosta and his dog Buster, with a Sonya Fe painting in the background.

“Acosta Strong gallery is thrilled to announce our commitment to the long-term growth and legacy of the artists we represent,” says co-owner Carlos Acosta. “With the recent purchase of our building in Santa Fe, we are dedicated to providing a permanent showcase for our talented roster of artists, as well as a place for our friends and collectors to call home. We take pride in curating one of the finest collections of historic and important contemporary artwork, showcased through our consignment program. Our gallery serves as a platform for both renowned and up-and-coming artists to exhibit their exceptional talents.”

Acosta Strong Fine Art, New Mexico Fall, oil on canvas, 48 x 60 in., by Evelyne Boren. Acosta Strong Fine Art, Luna Nueva, oil on canvas, 36 x 30 in., by Sean Michael Chavez.

 “Visit our gallery in Santa Fe and experience the beauty, talent and creativity that Acosta Strong Fine Art has to offer,” says Acosta. “We look forward to welcoming you soon!”

Experience Barbara Meikle’s captivating artistry—an homage to New Mexico’s tranquil beauty. A lifelong artist, Meikle’s journey from sketching beloved horses, to earning a bachelors in painting and printmaking, led her back to New Mexico in 1990.

Barbara Meikle Fine Art, Blue Sky Bound, oil on canvas, 24 x 24 in., by Barbara Meikle. Barbara Meikle Fine Art, Fledgling at High Tide, limited edition bronze with unique color patina, 15 x 15 x 10 in., by Barbara Meikle.

Her style, “expressive impressionism,” infuses emotion into vivid colors, capturing subjects and places with a unique depth. Her limited-edition bronze sculptures feature unique hot-color patinas that similarly incorporate her emotional response to color and her subjects. Meikle’s success empowers her to support local equine rescues and animal shelters, like the Equine Spirit Sanctuary, Santa Fe Raptor Center, the New Mexico Wildlife Center and the Horse Shelter.

“Join us at the gallery for one of our annual animal fundraising events,” says Meikle. Ambassador birds from the Santa Fe Raptor Center will visit the gallery on Saturday, June 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Therapy burros from Equine Spirit Sanctuary of Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, pose for portraits on Saturday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meikle paints portraits of live animal models as she offers a limited-edition print release. A portion of all proceeds from the day are donated to the featured organization to continue their rescue and therapy programs.

Barbara Meikle Fine Art, A Spring in His Step, oil on canvas, 24 x 8 in., by Barbara Meikle.

A variety of colorful artwork is also available in the gallery, including work by local glass artist David Shanfeld, pottery by ceramist Randy O’Brien and oil paintings by local painter Simone B. Silva.

Front exterior view of Blue Rain Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

With a prime location in the Santa Fe Railyard, Blue Rain Gallery represents established contemporary artists working in a variety of mediums that include paintings, glass and bronze sculptures, pottery and jewelry. The gallery is eclectic in its approach, yet maintains a special focus on regional, Western, Native American and studio glass art, and features celebrated artists like Preston Singletary, Kathryn Stedham, Jim Vogel, Billy Schenck, Roseta Santiago, Dennis Ziemienski, Deladier Almeida, Starr Hardridge, Hyrum Joe, Brad Overton, Doug West and many others.

Blue Rain Gallery, Neon Martini, oil on canvas, 25 x 30 in., by Dennis Ziemienski. Blue Rain Gallery, Indian Scout, acrylic on canvas board, 19¼ x 15¼ in., by Tony de Luz.

Blue Rain Gallery is now in its third decade of providing important art to Southwest collectors. With a gallery now in Durango, Colorado, Blue Rain has two locations where visitors can enjoy a thoughtful curation of artworks that embody the essence and aesthetic of Blue Rain’s flagship gallery in Santa Fe.

The gallery also hosts regular shows, including Helen K. Tindel from May 17 to 31, Z.Z. Wei from May 31 to June 14, new glass works from Rik Allen and Shelley Muzylowski Allen from June 14 to 28, and Erin Currier from June 28 to July 13. Check the website for additional show information.

Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Gathering Light III, oil, 48 x 60 in., by Ken Elliott.

Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art is a contemporary gallery and sculpture garden featuring a group of artists working in a range of media, predominantly based in New Mexico and the broader Southwest. The gallery is thrilled to announce its move to a larger space on historic Canyon Road in May, which will coincide with an expansion of its roster of talent.

Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Nefertiti, repurposed metal, 51 x 8 x 2 in., by Chris Turri.

Joining Dominique Boisjoli’s large scale impressionistic florals and mountainscapes in acrylic, are Phyllis Kapp’s iconic watercolors depicting the New Mexico landscape in vibrant and saturated color. Collectors of Chris Turri’s striking reclaimed automotive steel sculptures will be thrilled to encounter larger works and an expanded inventory. Austin native Terrell Powell, renowned throughout the Southwest for his sculptural wall pieces inspired by Native American blankets, will also present larger works. Colorado-based landscape artist Ken Elliott rejoins the gallery with new works as well.

Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Many Layers of Blue Sky, acrylic, 24 x 24 in., by Dominique Boisjoli.

Other featured artists working in media ranging from oil, acrylic, assemblage and collage, as well as bronze and ceramic sculpture, include: Tim Weldon, Estella Fransbergen and Sandra Preston, Barbara Burzillo, Michael O’Brien, Tony Oviedo, Gina Rossi, Kari Rives, Karen Pierce and Mark Jenesel, Sharon Grimes, Sheri Meldrum, Craig Mitchell Smith and Jacob Barfield.

Located at the entrance of historic Canyon Road in Santa Fe, Gallery Wild showcases a variety of contemporary fine art inspired by wildlife, wild spaces and the Wild West.

Top: Interior view of Gallery Wild in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Bottom: Gallery Wild, Desert Alchemy, oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in., by Silas Thompson. Gallery Wild, Upward Journey, oil on panel, 48 x 36 in., by Jenna Von Benedikt.

The gallery’s collection features more than 25 established and emerging artists in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, mixed media and photography.

Owned and operated by painter Carrie Wild and wildlife photographer Jason Williams, Gallery Wild’s works and philosophy are inspired and directly influenced by thousands of hours in the field observing, studying and falling in love with all things wild.

In addition to artists and owners Carrie Wild and Jason Williams, Gallery Wild’s collection of artists include Jenna Von Benedikt, Silas Thompson, Jeremy Bradshaw, Rocky Hawkins, Patricia A. Griffin, Rip Caswell and many more.

King Galleries, World Within, oil on canvas, 36 x 24 in., by Marcia Molnar.

King Galleries is a premier gallery of Native American and Western art, featuring the works of prominent artists like Marcia Molnar, Mary Calengor, Tammy Garcia, Andrea Vargas, Kwani Povi Winder, Ken Ferguson, Arthur Lopez, among many others. “More than 30 years of experience brings a unique perspective for collectors,” says gallery owner Charles King.

King Galleries, Harvest Time, bronze, ed. of 35, by Tammy Garcia.

In addition to paintings, the gallery has Native American pottery and bronzes. Since its inception, King Galleries has been committed to representing work by potters who create the highest quality and have the greatest innovation.

King Galleries, Huckleberry Baskets, oil on linen, 48 x 48 in., by Mary Calengor.

Today, King’s hosts both in-gallery and online events, including an annual, noteworthy show in during Santa Fe Indian Market. The King Galleries website also has become the ‘go-to’ site for museums, appraisers and collectors seeking out accurate information about artists and their art.

Artist Jan Marie DeLipsey is known for creating gorgeous Western landscape scenes—bringing the viewer a “feeling of intimate reverence of nature’s quiet beauty.” Recently, DeLipsey received the Art of the West Publishers Award for Excellence for her work Vermillion Escarpment, at the 2024 Phippen Museum’s Women Artists of the West National Show.

Glenna Goodacre in her Santa Fe studio in 1999 with the final design for the Sacagawea U.S. Dollar. Photo courtesy Glenna Goodacre Estate.

Glenna Goodacre was a much-heralded sculptor who worked out of her studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In her 50-year career, Goodacre sculpted more than 600 works, the most well-known of which is the Vietnam Women’s Memorial installed in Washington, D.C., on the National Mall in 1993. She also created the obverse for the Sacagawea U.S. Dollar, first minted in 2000, as well as the Irish Memorial at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. Goodacre was also an academician of the National Academy of Design and a fellow of the National Sculpture Society. 

Glenna Goodacre (1939-2020), Waterbearers, 1985, bronze, ed. of 12, 84 x 6 in. New Mexico State Capitol Collection, Santa Fe. Courtesy Glenna Goodacre Estate.

Sadly, Goodacre passed away in 2020 after a long illness at her home in Santa Fe, the city where she lived and worked since 1983. Dan Anthony, a longtime presence in the art scene in Santa Fe as well as her studio director for the 33 years, has managed her estate ever since. There are currently more than 100 pieces left in her estate, with many consigned to Nedra Matteucci Galleries also in Santa Fe.

La Fonda on the Plaza, the only Santa Fe hotel situated on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, offers vibrant décor, authentic New Mexican architecture and a central location that provides guests with unsurpassed access to original artwork, entertainment and attractions, among many other amenities. 

Left: Exterior view of La Fonda on the Plaza. Top right The lobby of La Fonda on the Plaza. Bottom right: : An oil on canvas by Tony Abeyta, titled Stormy Canyon, graces the walls of the hotel.

In addition, La Fonda is known for its rich art collection, with original artwork hanging in every guest room—connecting the people who designed, built and owned the hotel. Paintings by the best pueblo artists were acquired in the early years, and Sam and Ethel Ballen carried on that tradition, followed by Jenny Kimball—all supporting Santa Fe’s famed Indian Market and acquiring work by Native Americans and other artists for the hotel. 

Upcoming events include a VIP Fashion Week Party hosted by Native American Art magazine, taking place in the La Fonda Lupkin Ballroom on Friday, May 3. The party will include a live DJ, food by La Fonda master chefs, drinks, and, of course, fashion. Visit www.nativeamericanartmagazine.com for more information about the party and other events at La Fonda.

Legacy Gallery Santa Fe, Autumn Skies, oil, 28 x 52 in., by G. Russell Case.

Legacy Gallery stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, showcasing a captivating array of paintings and sculptures that span a diverse spectrum of subject matter, including Western, figurative, wildlife, still life and landscape.

With a commitment to celebrating the past while embracing the vibrancy of the present, Legacy Gallery continues to enrich its repertoire with new additions that fortify its reputation as a sanctuary for fine art. “Art lovers are invited to traverse the halls of Legacy Gallery, where the dialogue between the old and new cultivates a profound appreciation for artistic heritage and innovation,” says Cyndi Hall, general manager.

Last year’s auction in full swing.

Old West Events will host the 34th annual Brian Lebel Old West Show & Auction in historic Santa Fe from June 21 to 23. The annual event consists of a weekend vendor sale including more than 100 national dealers exhibiting some of the finest Western collectibles in the country, as well as an exciting live auction on Saturday night. The show and auction is held annually in both Santa Fe and Las Vegas, and is regarded as the premier vendor show in the Western collecting community.

Old West Events, The Famous Edward H. Bohlin “Mickey Mouse” Saddle, 16 in. seat, 4 in. back housing, 54 in. horn to stirrup.

The auction holds several records for Western artist Edward Borein, and frequently features work from both contemporary and deceased fine artists such as Will James, Maynard Dixon, Charles M. Russell, Olaf Wieghorst, Nick Eggenhofer, John and Terri Kelly Moyers, Michael Coleman, Eric Michaels, William Moyers, Joe Beeler, Edward S. Curtis, Edward H. Bohlin, Marjorie Reed and many others. In addition to Western artwork, the auction will feature authentic Western antiques, cowboy memorabilia and Native American artifacts.

Old West Events, Untitled (Native on Horseback), acrylic on canvas, 11 x 13½ in., by Mark Maggiori.

In early 2023, Old West Events joined forces with Morphy Auctions, creating a partnership that will foster the growth of the Western art and collectibles community in both the quality and availability of materials offered, as well as the expanding the audience for these unique and historic pieces.

Interior view of Manitou Galleries based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Nestled in the heart of the Southwest, Manitou Galleries stands as a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich artistic traditions infused with contemporary visions. “With a proud focus on featuring the finest contemporary Southwestern painters and sculptors, our gallery offers visitors an evocative experience marked by a blend of modern aesthetics and timeless Southwestern motifs,” says Cyndi Hall, gallery general manager.

Manitou Galleries, Offering, oil, 60 x 48 in., by Aaron Hazel.

Notable masters like Mateo Romero and Nocona Burgess anchor the gallery’s prestige, along with artists like Jim Eppler, BC Nowlin and Aaron Hazel. “Meanwhile, our commitment to cultivating new talent continues with the arrival of emerging artists Taylor Crisp, James Randle and George Hill, whose works infuse fresh perspectives and invigorating energy,” Hall notes. “Their contributions are a promise of the gallery’s dynamic future, resonating with both seasoned collectors and first-time visitors.”

Interior view of Meyer Gallery based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Located in a prime location on Canyon Road in Santa Fe, Meyer Gallery holds a distinguished status among art enthusiasts and collectors, with a history spanning more than 50 years. “Our roots trace back to the original gallery in Park City, Utah, and since its establishment in 1987, our Santa Fe location has become a significant player in the city’s dynamic art scene,” says John Manzari, gallery owner.

Meyer Gallery, Twilight Companions, oil on canvas, 20 x 24 in., by Tony Pro.

Meyer Gallery boasts an extensive collection of more than 70 artists, both emerging and established, presenting a curated array of representational art across various mediums. Visitors are treated to a wide range of artistic expressions, from the serene beauty of Southwest landscapes to the emotive depth of figurative works. “Each year, we eagerly anticipate hosting a series of exhibitions, drawing not only local patrons but also discerning collectors from around the world, owing to our esteemed reputation in the art community,” says Manzari.

Meyer Gallery, Wild Horses, oil on panel, 31 x 31 in., by Michael Workman.

One of the gallery’s distinguishing features lies in the diverse range of painterly styles represented within its collection. Whether drawn to traditional realism or contemporary interpretations, patrons find many options to enjoy for the rest of their lives. As a cornerstone of Santa Fe’s vibrant art scene, Meyer Gallery continues to uphold its legacy of artistic excellence, providing a platform for art lovers to experience the beauty and cultural significance of fine art firsthand.

Front view of Nedra Matteucci Galleries

Santa Fe’s landmark gallery for more than 50 years, Nedra Matteucci Galleries, specializes in historic works by the Taos Society of Artists, the early Santa Fe Arts Colony, and important American artists such as Alice Schille and Eric Sloane. The gallery also represents many of the best in Southwestern contemporary art, including master artists Gary Niblett, William Acheff, Curt Walters, Dan Ostermiller and Doug Hyde.

With more than 15,000 square feet of gallery space, a one-acre sculpture garden and koi pond to explore, Nedra Matteucci Galleries is a must-see destination for every art lover and visitor to Santa Fe. All are welcome, including furry companions.

A look inside of Parsons Gallery of the West on Kit Carson Road in Taos, New Mexico.

Parsons Galleries are located in historic downtown Taos in Northern New Mexico. It has been a family-owned and family-operated business for more than 30 years. There are two galleries: Parsons Fine Art, which focuses on historic Taos art, with many works by the Taos Society of Artists, and Parsons Gallery of the West, a contemporary gallery showcasing works by modern artists who are influenced by those early Taos masters.

The gallery is appropriately housed in a colonial hacienda built around 1800, which was once the home and studio of Victor Higgins, a prominent member of the Taos Society of Artist.

Judging takes place for a basket by Jeremy Frey (Passamaquoddy). Photo © Kitty Leaken for SWAIA.

SWAIA’s Santa Fe Indian Market is the oldest and most prestigious Native North American art show in the world. This juried event includes multiple categories of art in the competitive show including pottery, diverse arts, two-dimensional art, jewelry, basketry, youth, textiles, bead and quillwork, pueblo wood carving and sculpture.

Jewelry by SWAIA artist Wanesia Spry Misquadace (Ojibway). Photo © Gabriella Marks Photography for SWAIA.

The 2024 show, now in its 102nd edition, will be held in downtown Santa Fe from August 17 to 18. This year’s event will welcome back SWAIA’s marquee events like the Best of Show Ceremony and award-winning art previews, along with visitor favorites like the Native American Clothing Contest. The weekend’s events include Native American food vendors, multiple dance and musical performances, panel discussions and the new Get Indigenous Film Festival.

SWAIA artist Peter Boome (Upper Skagit Tribe) Photo © Gabriella Marks Photography for SWAIA.

All ticketed events will be made public on SWAIA’s website, so be sure to look for updates.

A showroom view at Santa Fe Art Auction.

 Santa Fe Art Auction has long been the pre-eminent auction house in the Southwest and a nationwide leader in classic Southwestern, Western and Native American arts, as well as in global and American contemporary art. The auction house, founded in 1994, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and is today renowned for its state-of-the-art operation based in an ultra-modern, 13,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Santa Fe’s Baca Railyard Arts District.

Santa Fe Art Auction, Vanishing American Cowboy, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 42 in., by Stephen Rosser. Estimate: $4/8,000; Santa Fe Art Auction, Changing Woman with Hero Twins/“Walking Beauties”, 1940, oil on board, 10¾ x 14¼ in., by Dorothy Brett (1883-1977). Estimate: $8/12,000

A celebrated leader in the Western art circuit, Santa Fe Art Auction presents approximately 10 auctions each year, with each collection displayed within multiple showrooms, and curated to showcase the diverse movements and specialties within each sale. The auction house has routinely set record hammer prices for prominent classic and contemporary artists, including RC Gorman, Charles Loloma, Tony Abeyta, Gustave Baumann, Luis Jimenez and Edward S. Curtis.

Left: Couse-Sharp Historic Site, Jicarilla Future, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30 in., by Nocona Burgess. Top right: Couse-Sharp Historic Site, Above the River, oil on canvas board, 12 x 16 in., by Brett Allen Johnson. Bottom right: Couse-Sharp Historic Site, Double Down, oil on canvas, 24 x 24 in., by Sean Michael Chavez.

The organization’s premier fundraiser, La Luz de Taos 2024, is set for this June. The 50-plus artists participating in the exhibition include Tony Abeyta, Angela Babby, Autumn Borts-Medlock, John Coleman, Nicholas Coleman, Glenn Dean, Josh Elliott, Logan Maxwell Hagege, Mark Maggiori and Kevin Red Star. The exhibition is dedicated to artist Ed Mell, a good friend of the site who  recently passed away.

Top: A couple shops for Navajo textiles at Shiprock Santa Fe. A docent shows a piece of art at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. Bottom: An art lover browses for contemporary Native American paintings at a Santa Fe gallery.

These local artists, others from the region and around the world are represented in Santa Fe’s 250-plus world-class galleries. To fully experience the scene, begin along Canyon Road, one of four classified art districts in the city. It’s a half-mile stretch featuring 100-plus galleries ensconced in charming adobe homes. Open a dialogue with a gallery owner to learn about an artist’s process of working with oils, watercolors, clay or glass. Other hotspots include the downtown area, where a visitor can engage directly with the Native American artisans under the portal of the Palace of the Governors nearly every day of the week, rain or shine, and learn about their techniques of working with turquoise and silver.