Honoring Spanish Market artists at a true preview
There is one special hour prior to the public Friday evening Spanish Market Preview Party in the big courtyard room at the Eldorado Hotel, the night before the market opens, when one can roam in relatively spacious comfort and leisure to see up close the best of the best, the prize winners, and the major entries of the top performers. It’s called the “Collector’s Hour” and it’s worth the $80 ticket to those who want to scope out the crème de la crème, the pieces they might want for their collections, and must plan what booth to be first in line at the next morning at 6!
Serious business! Fun party! So much less crowded than the next hour and, certainly, the next two days. No sales may take place, so there’s no competition yet. Shoe maven Guadalupe Goler shopping with Lleta Scoggins. And if you just want to buy told me they were unanimous something nice at Spanish in their choice for the Market, you’ll want to be “Best of Show” blue ribbon here to get an unhurried look as the piece was so intensely and know where you want to moving and passionate in go the next day. conveying its message,
STEPPING Spanish Market and exquisitely
OUT is one place where executed. it is still politically If Christ’s story correct to mention, turns out to be and honor, Jesus true, surely many Christ. This year’s blessings will be Grand Prize, “Best upon the artist, of Show,” entitled Joseph Asencion Cristo en Agonia, Lopez! was a crucifix It was not all of the suffering serious catechism Christ hanging though ... . I noted bruised blue and several folks planning bloody on the cross to be first in misery, ribs in line Saturday exposed to the heart (with a morning at Victor Goler’s tiny hand-carved, loose, red booth to snap up his “Cruising heart in the chest cavity), the to Heaven,” Joseph driving anguish of humanity in his Mary and the Baby Jesus eyes. This iconic piece also in a vintage convertible. won the Museum Purchase Their quest might be in vain, Award and the Painted Bulto though. I heard the museum’s Award, and one of the judges Collection Committee Art dealer Leslie Flint and husband William Talbot. already voted to acquire the piece for the museum.
In the jewelry genre, silversmith Gregory Segura told me it took 15 years to find his niche. He actually learned the craft in high school from mentor Ernie Budinsky, but didn’t think he could “make it,” so went on to other professions — financial planner, hotel manager, catalogue production — before, a couple of years ago, the calling came; he leaped off the cliff and quit his last job. Now he’s producing jewelry full time and his stunning designs are selling like hot cakes. Bravo, Gregory!
Some 1,900 people passed through the double parties, sponsored by the Spanish Colonial Society, this year. According to Executive Director David Setford, this is really not a fundraiser and the goal of the event is not economic gain, but giving “the best party in town!” The point is to honor the artists, give them great exposure, and provide them a lovely venue in which to meet and visit with their collectors in congenial surroundings ... a true preview.
The funds they do collect through ticket sales are used for 75 classroom youth programs, which take the Spanish Colonial Art techniques into the schools, and to sponsor budding young artists who want to pursue these historic crafts and carry on los tradiciones.
Que viva el Spanish Market!
Ashley Margetson has a BA in English from UCLA, is a senior real estate broker with Sotheby’s International Realty and has a finger on the pulse of philanthropic activities in Santa Fe. To tell us about an upcoming event, email apm@ashleymargetson.com.