Santa Fe

(Santa Fe NM)
Went to Santa Fe for some gallery hopping, and sightseeing (eeek). Lots of old stuff, and newly made to look old. There were tons of things to see and do, many with a fee.

Sculpture of eagle with faces beneath its wings

Indian Museum Sculpture

I started at Museum Hill where there was a series of five museums. Visited the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian that had an exhibit of photographs, and Museum of Indian Art & Culture with displays explaining the history of natives in the southwest. Skipped others for another time.

Indian woman wrapped in cloak

Allan Houser Sculpture

Sculpture patio with adobe building

Courtyard at Indian Museum of Art & Culture

Then went for a stroll along Canyon Road which had boutiques, cafés and a slew of art galleries. Lots of individual artists, and a wide variety of styles. When finished, I was a bit warn out; so I headed to a camp for the night.

Sculpture in front of trees and shops

Canyon Road Gallerie

Street view with sculptures in front of gallery

View of Canyon Road

The next morning, I went down to the Plaza to browse galleries and shops, and walk around. Way too much to see in a short time; would require many days. Missed lots of things like the Georgia O’Keefe Museum which I’ll have to see the next time.

Trees and monument in park

Santa Fe Plaz

Native craftsman hawking their creations

Artesans at Palace of Governors

On one side of the Plaza was the Palace of Governors which had native artisans hawking their creations. Seems to be a long established tradition. It was early, and there were still venders setting up. There were parking fee meters everywhere.

Paintings hanging in museum

New Mexico Museum of Art

Patio with several sculptures

Sculpture Garden at Museum

Visited the New Mexico Museum of Art which had a nice variety of past and present. From a Thomas Moran landscape to Chicano photographs, sculpture gardens, and a Judy Chicago show of works done in New Mexico. Also, peeked into the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. And, walked by the Cathedral Basilica of St.Francis, built in the late 1800s in a French-Baroque style.

Large church with stone wall

Saint Francis Cathedral

Water tower by tracks

Santa Fe Railyard

Across town at the Railyard included the train depot and more art galleries. The artwork there was what I call industrial contemporary; large pieces and mostly non-objective or abstract. There were also antiques, performance theatre, micro-brewery, REI sporting goods, an Artisan Market, restaurants, shops, etc.

Golden aspen trees in forest

Fall Colors at Campsite

Camped at the state park in the mountains a few miles north of town for a couple nights. Fall colors were on display. Thanks to the Annual Camping Pass, my stay was free and included a picnic table, grill and fire ring.

Camp: Hyde Memorial SP
Scene: Museums, galleries, historic buildings, forest

6 Responses to Santa Fe

  1. J. RICHARD SECOR October 27, 2014 at 9:05 pm #

    Santa Fe requires many days to see all that is there – I say this after living there for 5 years. Lots of history and tons of art. Some very fine restaurants as well.

    • Pleinguy October 27, 2014 at 9:16 pm #

      That is for sure and true. I expect to return again to experience more of what it has to offer.

  2. Dragonfly October 31, 2014 at 3:04 pm #

    Love Santa Fe but have not spent enough time there. Maybe in 2015.

    • Pleinguy October 31, 2014 at 3:15 pm #

      Lots to see and do there; and a pretty town too.

  3. J. RICHARD SECOR October 31, 2014 at 6:07 pm #

    It appears JD may no longer have his gallery – the economy I’m sure – link to his web site http://www.jdchallenger.com/artJD.html

    • Pleinguy October 31, 2014 at 8:11 pm #

      That would explain it. The economy has been really hard on artists.

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