Local hotels spotlight artists in residence

Project to bring local art to visitors

For the first time, the city is hosting an Artist in Residence program in lobbies of Santa Fe’s hotels.

The Santa Fe Artists in Residence program, which began last week and will run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4-7 p.m. until Feb. 28, will feature New Mexico artists in each of 16 hotels.

TOURISM Santa Fe Executive Director Randy Randall said the project was a suggestion from its hotel partners as a way to bring local art directly to Santa Fe visitors.

Drury Plaza Hotel general manager Keith Kirk suggested the program after his hotel’s successful artist-in-residence program last year. Randall said some hotels may have hosted similar programs on their own over the past few years, but this is the first time the city has become involved for a widespread event.

“The whole idea is to continue exposing and expanding this long tradition of Santa Fe being an art mecca,” said Randall. “We can’t take it for granted.”

The artists will create work in on-site “pop-up studios” where visitors can observe them at work and speak with them about their processes, as well as buy finished products.

Randall said the city asked about 50 nearby hotels if they wanted to participate. Those that committed include Inn of the Governors, Hotel Santa Fe, Drury Plaza Hotel, La Fonda on the Plaza and others. Most are in the downtown area, but hotels like Buffalo Thunder and Four Seasons Rancho Encantado are also participating.

TOURISM Santa Fe, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, was able to give hotels suggestions of artists to work with from galleries or local arts organizations, but artists were invited for the residencies by each participating hotel.

All of the participating hotels have several artists scheduled, ranging from painters to jewelry makers and potters. They will participate on a rotating schedule. In addition to providing an experience for guests, Randall said, the program should benefit the artists, as well, helping them find a larger audience.

Kirk said this time of year was specifically targeted for the residencies because winter can be “slower” for both galleries and lodging compared to other seasons.

“It’s a win-win for both sides,” said Kirk.

Go to santafe.org/artistsinresidence for the list of hotels and the artists’ schedules.