This Year's Top Events on the Long Beach Peninsula of Washington

I just returned from a writing trip to Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula. I checked out the newly renovated Shelburne Hotel. There’s always something going on and many reasons to pack your getaway bag for the beach.

Community organized events on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula, a 28-mile-long beach destination bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River and Willapa Bay, offer the opportunity to experience an array of local pastimes and passions. Among them are razor clam digging, coastal gardening, beach running and cultural events.

Top events include the following:

·      Long Beach Razor ClamFestival (April 20-21) resurrects a popular community event of the 1940s as well as a subsistence tradition. Participants can learn from longtime residents how to find, dig and clean razor clams, taste and vote for the best clam chowder, visit with mermaids, enjoy musical entertainment, relax at a beer garden, enter contests, and more.

·      Beach to Chowder (June 16) run/walk, with a start and finish at the “World’s Long Beach Arch” on Bolstad Avenue, Long Beach, is an ideal way to engage the entire family (dogs permitted on leash) in a fun event over Father’s Day weekend. Local and visiting competitors in 5K and 10K distances run or walk for fun and prizes along a flat stretch of hard-pack sand. Steaming bowls of chowder are enjoyed afterwards during the awards ceremony.

·      Music in the Gardens (July 21) showcases a variety of lovingly tended, magnificent, coastal gardens up and down the peninsula. Hosts welcome ticketed tour goers with garden insights, plant identification and light refreshments, while regional musicians entertain. 

·      Water Music Festival (Oct. 12-14) brings classical musicians to perform at intimate and interesting venues on the Long Beach Peninsula. Many of the attendees are local residents who appreciate world-class chamber music performances brought by the Water Music Society to their remote locale.

·      6x6 Art Show and Auction (Nov. 3) offers a glimpse into the thriving local art scene. Fantastic art objects produced by the region’s most talented artists are auctioned off as a benefit for the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum’s exhibition programs. 

The Long Beach Peninsula is host to more than 50 annual events. For event details, destination information and trip planning, please call the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau at 360.642.2400 or access www.visitlongbeachpeninsula.com to download the 2018 event calendar directly.

Information Courtesy: Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau

-->

Art Glass: Antidote for the Winter Doldrums

It's dark and rainy this morning. I was looking through my travel photos and realized that visiting a place where art glass brightens even the dullest day would be a great idea for this weekend. So how about Tacoma?

Glass art graces the walls at the Hotel Murano

The brilliance of Tacoma’s art glass scene brings light and life to the winter. Start your experience of color and light with a stay at the chic boutique Hotel Murano featuring a museum-worthy collection of glass art from around the world.  Take an elevator ride and stop to see the glass art on every floor.

 

The amazing Bridge of Glass is lighted at dusk.

This is just one section of hand blown art.

Exit through the wall of shimmering aqua glass for a quick walk to encounter world-class art glass, much of it created by Tacoma native, Dale Chihuly. You’ll be entranced by the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a 500-foot-long pedestrian overpass that leads to the Museum of Glass. The bridge is a museum in itself housing 2,364 Chihuly blown glass objects forming a brilliant ceiling that is a magical draw after dark.

October is Arts Month in Tacoma, Washington. You have a few days left to enjoy the creativity and the color.

More Information
Visit Tacoma

San Juan Islands Sculpture Park: Art Integrated into Nature

On a recent getaway to San Juan Island, Washington, I drove off the ferry, picked up The Discovery Map of San Juan Island and Friday Harbor (free) and planned my two-day stay.

In the back of my mind I remembered a friend saying… “don’t forget the sculpture garden… it’s amazing!” So I made sure I found it on the map. It was next to Roche Harbor, another must-do. I plotted out my first day and decided to head right for Roche Harbor at the northern tip of the island. The route was mapped out as part of the San Juan Island Scenic Byway North.

It looked like a 20-minute or so drive. What I found out is that there was so much to see, it could have easily taken my entire day. Fortunately I was greeted by a warm and sunny October morning and most of my plans were outdoor ones.  This was partially because of the weather and partially because I had my hound dog with me.

It was a beautiful drive along Roche Harbor Road. I passed the winery up on the hill, an interesting lake resort and even saw a camel grazing along with cows! No wonder people enjoy biking the road.

I spent some time at beautiful Roche Harbor exploring the history and walking the docks lined with shiny white yachts. Roche Harbor Resort is a picturesque, full-service resort with historic and contemporary accommodations, formal gardens, restaurants, stores, as well as a marina and spa.

Renovations are being done on this late 1880's historic hotel.

The Hotel de Haro is the state's oldest continually operating hotel, and its 20 rooms have hosted visitors since 1886. There is a fascinating display of resort history in the lobby.

After exploring Roche Harbor I headed back up the hill and found the entrance to the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. We entered through a small building where we picked up a trail map and made a donation. The park is free but wants you to consider a donation ($5 is suggested).  Most of the art in the park is for sale. You’ll have twenty acres to explore and over 150 pieces to see so plan to spend some time there, especially in beautiful weather like I encountered on that October day.

Dogs are allowed at the park.
Cinnamon loved exploring the meadow, woods and bay.

The art you’ll see during your visit may not be the same from month to month. Art is rotated as new pieces become available, as existing pieces are sold and as pieces rotate out of the park after a two-year display. Each year new pieces and new artists are given the opportunity to take their place adding a dynamic to subsequent visits. So my photos may not be the same as your photos when you visit.

I noticed a realistic young girl seated in a garden and then moved to an abstract sculpture. There is quite a variety offered. But it’s not like going to a gallery. The trails take you through the area…. from rolling meadow, to woods to the shore of the bay. There is a pond to explore where I found frog and bird sculptures looking quite at home.

There are places to relax and reflect. I sat by the bay and noticed that the tide was going out. In the distance I could see other islands of the San Juans.

That sunny day, it was easy to sit in the shade and just relax. As I walked back to the entrance I chose another route and saw even more sculptures. Figures were dancing in the meadow and a massive metal work sun loomed over us.

My friends were right. It’s a lovely place to relax and stroll. Who knows, you may find a sculpture for your garden to take home!

When You Go
The sculpture park is open dawn to dusk every day. Dogs are permitted. There is free parking.

Address: 9083 Roche Harbor Road, San Juan Island, WA 98250

Website

Santa Fe goes Horsey: Equestrian events, art, music and more

HIPICO Santa Fe debuted in 2015 and is New Mexico’s premier venue for equestrian events—a new shining star in the Southwest’s horse show circuit that hosts the Santa Fe Summer & Fall Series including the Art Of The Horse fine art show. HIPICO Santa Fe is just six miles from downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Athletes from across the United States, Europe, Canada and Mexico will travel to Santa Fe to for the magnificent three-week Summer Series July 27 to August 14 that showcases hunter and jumper competitions including weekly Welcome Stakes, a $10,000 International Hunter Derby, weekly National Hunter Derbies and multiple Grands Prix with up to $50,000 in prize monies. There are also special classes including the Sandia BMW/MINI Cooper Ride-and-Drive and a Wild Horses Music Concert featuring Nosotros on August 7.

The $50,000 Grand Prix de Santa Fe will be the grand finale of the Summer Series on August 14 2016, benefiting local and regional charities. For those who want more, the Fall Series runs for four weeks: August 24 - September 25.

All events are free to the public Wednesday through Sunday—with top competitions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons—but you can also reserve a table in the HIPICO VIP Lounge for a distinctive luxury hospitality experience and concierge services. VIP tables and tickets are available for purchase at: www.hipicosantafe.com/vip.

The Art of the Horse exhibition tent, in partnership with Santa Fe Exports, will feature 34 fine art photographers, painters, and sculptors and showcase works by artists such as equine photographer Bri Cimino, fine art painter Kiki Martinez, native sculptors Doug Coffin and Upton Greyshoes Ethelbah, and a monumental installation of world-renown sculptor, Allan Houser.

For detailed information on all the activities and opportunities for this year’s expanded summer and fall series as well as HIPICO Santa Fe’s year round therapeutic and other programs, please visit www.hipicosantafe.com.

Canyon Road: One of the Top Three Things to See in Santa Fe

Canyon Road Christmas Eve

People come to Santa Fe for the big events such as SWAIA Indian Market and Christmas Eve on Canyon Road. But Canyon Road is a draw year 'round with gallery openings and both natural and historic beauty. The old adobes are picturesque and always are camera-worthy. Canyon Road is a must-do when visiting Santa Fe. In fact, I tell people to spend time around the Plaza, go to Museum Hill and enjoy the beauty of Canyon Road. Once you have done those three things, you have had a wonderful taste of what Santa Fe is all about.

The Art of Canyon Road

Nowhere else in the world can one find such incredible diversity of art and fine art galleries than on Canyon Road. In less than one mile, there are one hundred galleries featuring art that ranges from contemporary, abstract and modern to multicultural, expressionistic and figurative. Galleries showcase paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and encaustic; along with sculptures in stone, bronze, marble, clay, and wood. And all can be found in the century-old buildings and historic gardens of this magical old road. 

Art Walks and Gallery Openings

Artist during Paint Out on Canyon Road

On any given Friday of the year, it’s likely that openings and shows are scheduled after 5:00 PM on Canyon Road during weekly gallery crawls. However, treasures await discovery every day of the year behind Canyon Road’s adobe walls, carved, wooden gates, in open studios and in wonderful old buildings from the early 1900’s.

Explore History

The Historic Santa Fe Foundation located at El Zaguán, a historic property and garden at 545 Canyon Road, is open weekdays and features an incredible collection of photos and information on Santa Fe and Canyon Road’s early days.

In addition to its architectural preservation efforts, the foundation supports the art community with its Artists’ Residency Program – an artist’s community of 5 working artists who live at El Zaguán. 

The foundation’s annual Sunday afternoon tour on Mother’s Day is often held during the same weekend as Passport to the Arts. More information is available at www.historicsantafe.org.

This sculpture of a dog looks perfect in the
gallery garden on a sunny day.

Canyon Road Merchants Association

The Canyon Road Merchants Association is an organization run by volunteers and fueled by the support of 100 Canyon Road businesses, industry, community, and government partners. The association members host numerous individual and group events throughout the year for Santa Fe visitors and the community. Canyon Road is located in a historically protected, carefully preserved neighborhood and is home to 100 fine art galleries and active artist studios, restaurants, boutiques, and shops.

Visit www.santafe.org  and visitcanyonroad.com  for more information.

Liz’s News and Views from the Portland Area: Food, Churro Collabo, and Recyled Arts

There's so much going on in the Portland/Vancouver area. Some events are happening this weekend and others are coming up soon.

Portland’s newest Indian restaurant, Open Tandoor, will debut in The Wilmore Apartments on North Williams Avenue in mid-August 2016. Located at 4311 N. Williams on the corner of North Skidmore, the new restaurant will feature healthy Indian cuisine inspired by the food mecca of Chef Kinder Gill’s native Punjab and her family’s traditional recipes. The restaurant will feature dishes such as Garbanzo Bean Curry, Red Lentil Curry, Saag, Ground Lamb Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, Kebabs, Naan Bites with Housemade Dipping Sauce and Naan Wraps. 

All dishes will feature hand selected, freshly ground spices and be prepared without corn, soy, food coloring or MSG. There will be vegan, gluten free and vegetarian options.

For more opening details, please follow her on Facebook at @opentandoorpdx and Twitter and Instagram at @opentandoor.

Huge Recycled Art Fair: Clark County will hold the 11th annual Recycled Arts Festival in Esther Short Park downtown. The event showcases artwork made of recycled materials. The free festival runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 25; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 26. Attendees who show reusable mugs or water bottles at the Information Tent will be entered in a special drawing.

More than 145 artists will display and sell items such as metal and glass garden art, sculptures, mosaics, jewelry, clothing, furniture, bird feeders and wall art made with 70 percent or more recycled material. Additional highlights include music on the main stage, a sculpture garden with large pieces of recycled art, environmental education activities, tours of a tiny house, food vendors, free tours on Couve Cycle, and much more. For more information, visit RecycledArtsFestival.com

Churro Collabo - 180, Portland’s first Spanish xurreria, launched the Chef Xurro Collaboration series in April, welcoming local chefs each month to create their own xurro creations, inspired by their favorite sweets and memories from childhood.

180 continues the popular series this July with Sarah Marshall, owner of Marshall’s Haute Sauce.  Her Strawberry, Cucumber and Thai-Chili Jam-Stuffed Xurro Relleno is made with Marshall’s Strawberry, Cucumber and Thai-Chili Jam which is prepared with local strawberries, cucumbers and a touch of heat from the Thai chiles.

This collaboration will be available beginning Friday, July 1st through Sunday, July 31^st. 180 is open daily weekdays 12 to 8 p.m., and weekends 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information visit http://www.180pdx.com/

Portland Flea and Food - It's time for the first summer weekend block party at #pdxflea. Hunt for finds and chill with a Bunk cocktail in the lounge styled by Something Borrowed PDX this Sunday, June 26^th, 11-4pm at the intersection of SE 6th + Salmon. 50+ vendors of vintage + well-designed goods, local food purveyors + trucks, pints, and live sets.

Summer in Santa Fe: Arts Calendar - Don't miss an art market or show this year

Here we go again! It’s summer and Santa Fe has an excellent line up of art exhibits and markets. Mark your calendars!

Santa Fe is poised for yet another one-of-a-kind summer season of the city’s centuries-old dedication to the arts. Local art collective Meow Wolf’s exceptionally successful opening of the “House of Eternal Return”—a project backed by best-selling author and resident George R.R. Martin—is just one of many special new opportunities for travelers of all backgrounds.

This summer, Santa Fe hosts dozens of new and traditional markets that showcase a spectrum of artwork to thrill all tastes. Mainstay events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market celebrating a 95^th anniversary and younger but rapidly-expanding and socially-impactful events such as the International Folk Art Market, voted #1 Best Art Festival in the U.S., provide visitors with unrivaled cultural immersion. 

Find a full calendar of events on www.santafe.org including:

Santa Fe Art Trifecta (July 7-17)

This magical ten-day summer stretch is known as the “Santa Fe Art Trifecta” and consists of ART Santa Fe, the International Folk Art Market and SITE Santa Fe. Two of three were voted #1 and #4 in a 2015 USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice poll for Best U.S. Art Festival and all three provide visitors with a glimpse into why the city is universally renowned as both a traditional and contemporary mecca for the arts.

ART Santa Fe (July 7-10)

ART Santa Fe brings collectors together with artists and representatives from dozens of galleries around the world. This event—a four-day juried contemporary art show featuring extraordinary global art, specially curated programming, special events, and entertainment—showcases a variety of modern and contemporary work by both acclaimed masters as well as emerging artists. 

The International Folk Art Market (July 8-10)

The International Folk Art Market, ranked as the “Best Art Festival in America,” is a colorful festival at which hundreds of master folk artists from dozens of countries in addition to tens of thousands of visitors and volunteers congregate on the city’s Museum Hill in what has blossomed into the largest event of its kind. 

As the goal of the Market is to preserve living folk art traditions while creating economic opportunities for folk artists, approximately 90 percent of the sales are allocated to return home with the artists to their native countries. This year, the Market is estimated to generate $3 million in sales, in addition to an $11 million impact for the local economy.

SITE Santa Fe (July 7-17)

This celebrated gallery established the country’s first global contemporary art biennial and in 2016 will open “Much Wider Than a Line,” the second installment in its biennial series “SITElines: New Perspectives on Art of the Americas.” The exhibition will feature 35 artists from 16 countries and 11 new commissions brought together by a team of five international curators. “Much Wider Than a Line” is an articulation of the interconnectedness of the Americas and various shared experiences such as the recognition of colonial legacies, expressions of the vernacular, the influence of indigenous understandings and our relationship to the land.

Traditional Spanish Market (July 30-31)

The Traditional Spanish Market is celebrating its 65^th year and features a wide variety of stunning artwork all handmade in traditional Spanish Colonial style by hundreds of local Hispanic artists. The Market also showcases live music, dance, art demonstrations and delectable regional cuisine.  

Contemporary Hispanic Market (July 30-31)

The Contemporary Hispanic Market showcases original work and individual expression in the mediums of painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, weaving and more. Both the Traditional Spanish Market and Contemporary Hispanic Market are held in the area surrounding Santa Fe’s historic downtown plaza and draw many thousands of visitors to the city formerly known as “New Spain.”

Objects of Art Santa Fe (August 11-14)

Objects of Art Santa Fe is held in Santa Fe’s Railyard district at El Museo Cultural to showcase a wide variety of work including furniture, jewelry, textiles and more courtesy of more than 70 prestigious galleries and exhibitors. 

Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Shows (August 12-15)

These annual shows celebrate their 38^th anniversaries and feature the finest in ethnographic art and historic antique Indian art. Each boasts more than 100 dealers and features a collection of merchandise not found anywhere else in the world.  

The Antique American Indian Art Show (August 16-19)

The Antique American Indian Art Show Santa Fe is the most anticipated show and sale of historic Indian art of the summer art season and brings together nearly 70 of the world’s most knowledgeable experts in American Indian art and thousands of select historic art objects from indigenous cultures throughout North America. The show is in its third year and is the largest of its kind in the world.

Indigenous Fine Art Market (August 18-20)

The Indigenous Fine Art Movement is the Native-owned nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for Native artists by building and promoting market places so artists can sell directly to their clients in beautiful outdoor and indoor settings. IFAM is about sharing the Native narrative with the world through the connections and relationships made with those who experience the art. IFAM’s events and youth, music and literary programs create a greater understanding of the complexity and beauty of Native American culture and people as they evolve and exist today.

Santa Fe Indian Market (August 20-21)

Santa Fe Indian Market, organized by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), celebrates its 95^th anniversary in 2016 and is the largest event of its kind. The market draws more than 100,000 collectors and gallery owners to Santa Fe’s historic downtown plaza as they meet with thousands of artists representing dozens of tribes. Artwork includes a wide selection of jewelry, textiles, baskets, beadwork, quillwork, pueblo wooden carvings, sculptures, drums, hides, leather goods and more. The Market also includes an awards ceremony and a Live Auction Gala, as well as a Native American fashion show, Native Cinema Showcase and performances of indigenous music, dance, storytelling and comedy. An absolute Bucket List event for any traveler.

Spray Can Art - Mesa Arizona

The city of Mesa, Arizona actually commissions aerosol artists to paint murals on downtown walls. There are murals, like this one that relates to the cultures of Arizona. This young woman is wearing her hair in the traditional Navajo bun.

On another street artists depicted some vintage neon signs familiar to locals who have been around awhile. Both nearby Tempe and Phoenix are supporting mural art. There's no need to have a blank wall! Learn more about public art in Mesa.

Santa Fe's World of Art: What's new in 2016?

Santa Fe is known for art and culture, both ancient and contemporary. There is always something new going on in the performing and visual arts. Here are some of the new things you can look forward to in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

  

Opening: Meow Wolf – House of Eternal Return

Renowned Santa Fe art collective Meow Wolf recently announced the opening of the highly-anticipated House of Eternal Return installation. The House of Eternal Return is Meow Wolf's first permanent exhibition and the follow-up to their wildly successful The Due Return. Game of Thrones creator, longtime Santa Fe-resident and supporter of the project George R.R. Martin says, “House of Eternal Return is going to be like nothing you’ve ever seen before.” 135 artists are involved in creating 70 different individual immersive spaces, a 300-person music venue, an arcade with 14 games, four tree houses, an interactive cave system and more. The exhibition takes audiences of all ages into a fantastic world of exploratory imagination by way of a radical new form of storytelling where audiences are immersed within a multi-media art experience that unfolds through an interactive and magical narrative. 

New Performance: Santa Fe Opera - UnShakeable

In commemoration of 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, the world-renowned Santa Fe Opera presents “UnShakeable,” a new opera composed by Joe Illick with libretto by Andrea Fellows Walters. Set in an abandoned New Mexico theater 25 years in the future, UnShakeable tells the story of Wyatt and Meridian, Shakespearean actors and former lovers who have fallen victim to Erasure, a viral pandemic resulting in memory loss. Exploring themes of memory, connection, and the power of song, UnShakeable incorporates language from some of Shakespeare’s iconic works to create a modern romantic comedy. UnShakeable is entirely suited for audiences of all ages and premieres at the Scottish Rite Temple in Santa Fe with a full chamber orchestra before hitting the road for the 22nd annual Spring Tour, presenting ten free performances throughout the region. 

New Exhibit: Museum of International Folk Art - Sacred Realm: Blessings and Good Fortune Across Asia

Santa Fe has historically been home to a diverse religious and ethnic population, so it’s only fitting that the new “Sacred Realm” exhibit is currently featured at the city’s Museum of International Folk Art. “Sacred Realm” highlights the museum’s wide-ranging Asian collection exploring such beliefs as magical protection, blessings, and good fortune. This exhibition presents interesting similarities within the many countries and regions making up Asia and its more than 50 countries, thousands of ethnic groups, more than ten language families—encompassing more than 2,000 spoken languages—and is the birthplace to such world religions as Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam as well as many local faiths.

New Exhibit: SITE Santa Fe WorkSHoP and SITE 20 Years / 20 Shows Spring 2016

SITE opened two new exhibitions on March 19, WorkSHoP, a new exhibition exploring the work of the New York-based architecture and design firm SHoP Architects. 

Photo: Quiet Time in a Taos Gallery

A local takes a break in a quiet corner of a Taos art gallery.
The tourists come and go but in the off season, the locals resume their lives
in beautiful Taos, New Mexico

Express Your Creative Side in Santa Fe: March 2014 Classes, Specials, DIY Vacations

Explore your creative side in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is known for art and artists. But did you know that you, too, can express your artistic side during a Santa Fe vacation? In association with the City of Santa Fe Arts Commission, Santa Fe Creative Tourism is proud to announce DIY Santa Fe: A Creative Tourism Journey, coming in March 2014 to historic Santa Fe, New Mexico, a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network.

DIY Santa Fe is a month-long celebration of the great arts tradition that provides this region with such unique character. This showcase of the Santa Fe community’s creative workshops and events, which includes a series of contests and giveaways, is a great opportunity for visitors to spend a vacation learning from some of the nation’s finest, most experienced artists and artisans, all while enjoying the bounty of Santa Fe’s world-class restaurants and accommodations. Visitors are encouraged to kick off their spring by taking part in this one-of-a-kind, immersive cultural arts experience.

Those interested in self-discovery or uncovering their creative side would love individual intuitive painting sessions with creativity coach Julie Claire. Open to all, from amateurs to formally trained artists, this class is specifically geared toward helping students “find freedom from the inner critic.” Or, for those looking for casual, family friendly activities, there’s always Family Clay Play with potter and sculptor Ginny Zipperer, who will tailor a clay-sculpture workshop specifically to her students’ abilities and interests. And tinsmith Sharon Candelario, who creates beautiful works using her own unique black-etching process, offers traditional tinsmithing classes from her studio, gallery, and family-owned café in the heart of historic Chimayo, home of the sacred shrine of El Santuario.

Family Clay Play looks like fun.

There’s much more — Japanese paper making, intricate egg decorating in Southwestern motifs, spinning wool, bead making, silk painting, hand-building and wheel-throwing pottery techniques, photography, and printmaking are just a few of hundreds of possibilities. DIY Santa Fe is perfect for groups of friends, multi-generational families, couples, and the lone traveler. The workshops are engaging and life-expanding, and scheduling is flexible enough to accommodate even the most rigorous vacationers. Visitors can book the hotel, inn, or bed-and-breakfast of their choice for as long as they wish, including the Santa Fe Creative Tourism partners listed below that are offering special incentives and discounts for Santa Fe Creative Tourism and DIY Santa Fe participants.

·         Inn of the Governors

·         Casa Cuma Bed & Breakfast

·         Lodge at Santa Fe

·         Hotel St. Francis

·         Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe

Santa Fe Creative Tourism and Heritage Hotels are partnering up for an ongoing series of contests and giveaways, with winners receiving a free Santa Fe workshop and one night’s stay at the Heritage Hotel of their choosing. Contests include the Pinterest New Mexico Contest, starting January 15. The winner receives a workshop with the artist, as well as one night’s stay with Heritage Hotels. More opportunities to win are forthcoming – for updates and more information, visit santafecreativetourism.org.

To book a DIY vacation in March, visit the website santafecreativetourism.org and choose from the complete list of workshops offerings. Each listing contains links to exclusive DIY Santa Fe booking information. Accommodations ranging from private vacation rentals to the area’s finest hotels are available as well – see listings for details.

Visit www.santafe.org for more information.

Information courtesy: Santa Fe CVB

October in Santa Fe: Art, Art Studio Tours and Art Festivals Galore (Event Listing)

One of the world’s largest art hubs, Santa Fe, New Mexico is elevating the art experience through the Santa Fe Arts Festival, which features a series of interactive events that not only celebrate art, but are designed to educate and engage. Two of the festival’s staple events are the Canyon Road Paint Out and Art Matters | Santa Fe, which both focus on artist and visitor interactions. Additional details are below:

Canyon Road Paint Out, October 18-19

A Santa Fe tradition, the public is invited to mingle as 100 artists take their work outdoors and paint along historic Canyon Road. The event celebrates and honors a tradition of painting “en plein air” that began over a century ago on this narrow trail leading to Santa Fe from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. More than just painting, artists will be working in a variety of forms including sculpting, weaving, carving and jewelry making. The event is free to the public and takes place Friday, 5:00 through 8:00 p.m. with gallery openings, artist receptions and interactive art exhibits. Festivities continue Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.visitcanyonroad.com. Photos of the Paint Out.

Art Matters | Santa Fe, October 18-20 and 25-27

During the first annual Art Matters | Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Gallery Association will sponsor over 25 artist panel discussions and lectures in more than 16 galleries and museums over the course of two weekends. The in-gallery events will spotlight the diversity of the art scene in Santa Fe and give an inside look to the masterminds behind the art. Collectors and art enthusiasts will get the chance to go behind the scenes and hear where the inspiration for the work comes from. For more information and a full listing of events, visit www.SantaFeGalleryAssociation.org.

Additional events taking place during the Santa Fe Arts Festival month include:

Show House Santa Fe, October 5-6, 11-12

Established by Santa Fe Interior Designers David Naylor and Jennifer Ashton, this event examines the roll fashion plays in interior design with the exhibit, At Home With Fashion. All ticket sales proceeds benefit the community organization Dollars4Schools. For more information, visit www.ShowHouseSantaFe.com.

The 20th Annual Abiquiu Studio Tour, October 12–14

Experience the unique artistry of the region and explore the local color at this annual event featuring more than 80 artists. For more information, visit www.AbiquiuStudioTour.org.

The 2013 Santa Fe Independent Film Festival (SFIFF), October 16–20

SFIFF presents five days of independent film screenings, community events, and educational workshops. As part of the festival, famed independent film director John Waters will perform his one-man show “This Filthy World” Oct. 19 at the Lensic Performing Arts Center. Venues include the Lensic Performance Arts Center, CCA, The Screen, and Warehouse 21 at the Santa Fe Railyard. For more information, visit www.SantaFeIndependentFilmFestival.com.

The 26th Annual Galisteo Studio Tour, October 19-20

Tour the private studios and meet the artists who call this classic New Mexican village home. Visitors can explore the area by foot while taking in the photography, paintings, pottery, bronze sculpture and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.GalisteoStudioTour.com.

Fashion Heat 2013: Native Fashion as Art Show, October 19

Pablita Velarde Museum of Indian Women in the Arts (PVMIWA) in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) and the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival (SFIFF) showcase a local fashion show highlighting Native American designers who push the creative exploration of fashion. For more information, visit www.PVMIWA.org.

Santa Fe Fashion Week, October 23–26

Fashionistas can shop and stroll the trunk shows on Canyon Road and then head to Buffalo Thunder for a two-day runway show featuring local and celebrity fashion design talent and live performances. For more information, visit www.SantaFeFashionWeek.com. 

Book your Santa Fe Stay Online and Save  Find a Hotel in Santa Fe
Fall Studio Tours 

Photography copyright: Elizabeth Rose Photography