A SITE to behold — with care
One of the benefits of having almost no family in Santa Fe is that we get to travel to awesome places to see them, and, luckily, their hometowns house some exceptional museums. I’ve organized entire trips around an art exhibit, like next month’s Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors at The Broad in Los Angeles.
Although the content is the draw, I seek out a wellrounded experience. First impressions from the architecture and lobby set the tone. I’m a sucker for a wellcurated gift shop, which is where I often do my stationery, special occasion and holiday shopping. An airy cafe serving coffee and dainties seals the deal for me. The whole package is like a spa day for my eyes.
And that is why I am so excited for the reopening of SITE Santa Fe after its expansion and renovation. It ticks all the boxes and more. For those unfamiliar or curious about the former beer warehouse in the Railyard District, SITE is, in its simplest form, a contemporary art museum. It shows provocative exhibits that engage issues of the time.
Contemporary art can be intimidating and hard to translate, but SITE has never been more accessible and ready to engage the community. Anne Wrinkle, director of external affairs, took me on the equivalent of a hard-hat red carpet tour as the museum puts the final buff and polish on its yearlong project, designed by New York based SHoP Architects. The grand reopening, titled Future Shock, will be held Friday, Oct. 6.
The expansion of the front of the building, with its prow-like shape, reaches out to passers-by, encouraging them to look inside the lobby’s wall of glass, Wrinkle explained. Museumgoers are in for a “major lobby experience” with a coffee and snack bar stocked by Two Sprout Farm, cafe seating, Wi-Fi, an expanded gift shop and free lobby art exhibit called SITE Lab, all open seven days a week.
The new climate-controlled galleries allow for exhibits on a scale SITE has never done before.
Many museums offer audio guides and docent-led tours, a one-sided form of communication. The new SITE concierge and guides “take it to the next level of connection,” Wrinkle said. Only have 30 minutes? Have little ones in tow? Ask the concierge which galleries to see.
SITE guides replace the oft stationary and mute gallery attendant (security). They are trained educators who coax the viewer out through dialogue, a method called visual thinking strategies. Think of them as hosts posted throughout the museum to welcome you, translate the work of the artist and engage you.
The new auditorium will offer numerous public programs. “It’s a learning discovery” that gives you the opportunity to “pause to wonder,” Wrinkle said.
SITE is free Fridays and Saturday mornings for Santa Fe Farmers Marketgoers. There are even new cubbies for your carrots off the lobby.
Now that you are “art-curious,” follow these tips for handling galleries with grace and museums with manners. At both the gallery and museum: With so much to see, read up on the exhibits that interest you. You’ll spend your time efficiently and create an informed dialogue and critique.
Staff frown upon children climbing on the Glenna Goodacre or sticking gum under the frame of an O’Keeffe. If your children don’t know the difference between a Calder and a jungle gym, keep your children close or look for programs aimed for kids.
Don’t test the “you break it, you buy it” policy. Touching art can result in breakage. Oil on hands and a spilled cappuccino can damage a piece of art. Check or store bulky backpacks in the lobby. Leaning in too close can trip an alarm.
Avoid cutting in front of people and move with the flow. At the museum:
Fees vary at museums. Some charge or suggest a donation. A suggested donation allows you to leave an amount that fits your budget. Many museums offer a free day each week or month, as well as local discounts. Consider a membership if you visit or shop frequently.
Many museums offer a coat check. Backpacks and umbrellas compete against masterpieces, so check them before you wreck them.
Most museums encourage a library-like atmosphere. Using soft indoor voices applies to both the young and young at heart. Also like libraries, museums prohibit food and drink in their exhibits.
Audio rentals offer an inexpensive tutorial at your own pace. However, headphones can morph into blinders, so mind your space while listening to the commentary.
Sketching policies vary. Ask if this is permissible and what materials are allowed. Park yourself in a place that does not obstruct the flow and view in a gallery.
Inquire about photography and flash policies. Flashes fade art, and some pieces are not intended to be photographed for cultural reasons.
Security guards and gallery attendants often are posted in each gallery. They are there to ensure the safety of the art and answer questions about rules and possibly the subject matter. At the gallery: A gallery opening celebrates new work by an artist. It’s a cocktail partylike atmosphere, often including refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Multiple openings can evolve into a progressive dinner, but individually they are not all-you-can-eat buffets.
There is no dress code for an opening, but no one will criticize you for making an effort to look sharp. Save negative critique for later. Most galleries offer complimentary literature and postcards so that photography is not necessary.
A work of art displaying a red dot in its vicinity indicates it is sold.
The gallery, artist split is often 50-50. A dealer has a responsibility to the artist, the client and the market.
A suggestion for artists: Unannounced visits seeking representation or to see your current dealer can be offputting. It’s busy behind the scenes, and making an appointment ensures gallerists give you their full attention. Bizia Greene owns the Etiquette School of Santa Fe. Share your comments and conundrums at hello@etiquettesantafe.com or 505-988-2070.