Since a number of art teachers will be visiting Santa Fe this coming week for the NAEA National Leadership Conference, I thought I would share some tips we usually share with our seminar participants to maximize time and money in downtown Santa Fe. The conference hotel, the Hilton, is not far from the Plaza and all of these places are easily reachable on foot.
The main feature of the Plaza is the Palace of the Governors. Almost every day of the year (except during Spanish Market), Native Americans are selling their arts on the portal. A lottery is held each day to see who gets a spot that day and the goods are guaranteed to be Indian made and of genuine materials. If you want to buy something Native American, I would buy it here. You'll get to meet most likely the person who made it and know that it is genuine. All of the proceeds go to the artist, unlike in galleries, where the artist may only receive half of the full price.
Don't be afraid to ask questions of the artists. And if you see something that speaks to you, remember that the artist may not be there the next day, depending on the daily lottery.
My personal favorite is David Aguilar, from Santa Domingo Pueblo. His work is very unique, with pieces of intricate interlay. I'll be wearing most of my pieces from him, in case you want to see it up close.
Another landmark just off the Plaza is the Museum of Fine Arts. It is on the same street as the Palace of the Governors and there is a Judy Chicago show there (did you know she lives in New Mexico?).
Just past and around the corner to the left of the Palace of the Governors is the Burrito Company. You can get a fairly quick lunch here in case you want to save your lunch time for other things.
The Cathedral in Santa Fe is hard to miss. It has a labyrinth in front of it you may want to explore. It also faces the Museum of Contemporary American Indian Art.
At the end of the day, La Fonda Hotel is a great place to go for a drink, either in the bar downstairs or on the rooftop. Do at least go inside to see the wonderful old lobby and restaurant (the food is good, too.)
Another view of La Fonda.
Pasquales Restaurant on Water Street is a perennial favorite.
As is the Coyote Cafe (eat upstairs).
Or you can have a genuine Frito pie at the back of the Five & Dime on the Plaza.
Both a blessing and a curse is that you will be here during the annual Spanish Market. The entire Plaza and neighboring streets will be filled with booths. There is a traditional Market and a contemporary Market. I'll be looking at the contemporary Market for circuit board artist Marion Martinez. Look for the free program in the newspaper or at stores around the Plaza.
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