Time to put on the walking shoes and clean your glasses for gallery-going! It’s lucky year number 13 for the annual Santa Fe ArtFeast, a benefit event for ARTSmart, the local organization whose mission includes the placement of art supplies in the Santa Fe public schools. ARTSmart was founded by the Santa Fe Gallery Association in 1993 to address the unfortunate lack of funding for art programs and supplies in Santa Fe public schools. As a town that has historically prided itself on being nourished by the arts, Santa Fe has also faced the unfortunate lack of state funding that has plagued many cities and states. Fortunately for the City Different, ARTSmart is committed to ensuring a future of creative thinkers!
Each year ARTsmart organizes the ArtFeast as its major fundraiser. Contributions are made through ticket sales, event and program underwriters, donors, and the volunteerism of hundreds of businesses and educators. Over the last twelve years, ARTSmart has distributed almost 3/4 of a million dollars to various projects, public school programs, art related organizations and endowment funds.
The feast begins with a Style for All Seasons fashion luncheon, on Friday, Feb. 26 at 11:30 a.m. at the Inn at Loretto, underwritten by The Collector’s Guide. Over lunch and wine pairing, four of Santa Fe’s established boutiques and clothiers, Lily of the West, Sense Clothing, Handwoven Originals and Alpine Sports, come together to place color, texture, versatility, and originality on display in a chic and artful runway presentation. A live auction includes jewelry, a travel-spa package, unique fashions, and an “I Made It!” Plate Set on the theme of Central American molas. In keeping with ARTSmart’s mission to the Santa Fe schools, Capital High School students created stained-glass jewelry for the auction. Lunch is from the deft hands of chef Brian Cooper, with contemporary American cuisine accented by bold Southwest and Santa Fe influences.
ArtFeast adventure: The Edible Art Tour
On Friday night, Feb. 26, the Edible Art Tour, E.A.T., takes place from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., underwritten by the Santa Fean. You can gaze and graze, and you won’t leave hungry in body or soul after visiting 44 galleries in Santa Fe’s three art districts: Downtown, Canyon Road, and for the first time, the newly developed Railyard. On the menu? Great art paired with fine fare, as more than 40 local restaurants and caterers and their tempting delights. You can enjoy the stroll or hop a shuttle bus runing throughout the districts from 5-9 PM. If you are coming fromAlbuquerque or further south, take the Rail Runner (nmrailrunner.com/schedule.asp) into the Railyard Depot and graze on from there!
The eats at E.A.T.
After E.A.T.ing, move on to the Coyote Cafe from 8:00 p.m. until last call for a party underwritten by Inside Santa Fe. An adult party features HipHop, House, and Old Skool music by DJs Ché, Dynamite Sol, Joe Ray Sandoval, and King George, with complimentary munchies from chef Eric DiStefano’s Coyote Cantina menu. Just remember that the last Rail Runner train leaves the Santa Fe Depot at 11:30 PM!
On Saturday and Sunday, February 27 and 28, take a walking tour of some distinctive casitas for the Art of Home, underwritten by Santa Fe Properties. Taking place from noon until 4:00 p.m. both days, with free admission, this is an opportunity to see some of the artistic homes of Santa Fe. A vehicle is required to enjoy this self-guided tour, and maps are available at all Santa Fe Properties locations and ARTfeast events.
Sam Scott: Deep October Mountain I, Oil on Canvas, 2008
At 6:00 p.m. on Satudary, February 27, ARTSmart honors 2010 Artist Honoree Sam Scott, during the sumptuous Gourmet Dinner & Auction, at which time one of Scott’s paintings as well as the student artworks will be auctioned. The proceeds benefit ARTSmart projects and programs. The event takes place at La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa and is underwritten by Southwest Art, with the Children’s Project underwritten by Los Alamos National Bank.
Sam Scott: Deep October Mountain IV, 2008, Oil on Canvas
From the first humble ARTFeast in 1998, when a handful of galleries that requested donations during Friday evening openings, to today, when this Santa Fe tradition has grown to a weekend of artful events combined with sensational savories and drink, the mission remains the same. And the proceeds continue to benefit a variety of art outlets for the youth of Santa Fe. Viva ArtFeast!
