S A N T A F E N E W M E X I C O
The portico outside of Santa Fe’s Contemporary Art Museum
Beautiful and vibrant colors of the southwest!
We had family from California visiting and we decided to join them as they drove back home by way of Santa Fe. It had been a couple of years since our last visit and I was eager to experience the southwest once again. Our primary stop was the Basilica of St. Francis, located in the heart of the city. Father Fernando, a retired Priest from our CA family’s parish began his journey of faith here. He was a Cuban refugee and by grace landed in Santa Fe where he pursued the seminary. He had shared beautiful stories with Victoria and Edgar (my in-laws) about this sacred place. Hearing the particulars of Father Fernando’s journey made our visit to the Basilica very special.
As we headed back toward the plaza, we visited the museum shop located in this building. I picked up some cards with images by Gustave Baumann, and took a photo of this quote…”Art is for everyone”. Indeed it is! Let’s remember whether we are creators or curators, the art world is not for a select few. It is for all of us, our children, the young and old, the talented and those on their creative journey, those who adore contemporary images and those who are taken with representational subjects, color aficionados, and those who prefer a muted palette, it is a wide open arena! Keep exploring, seeking, venturing into museums, attending plays, concerts, festivals, and taking classes to develop your style, to fulfill the longing you have for creativity. ART IS FOR EVERYONE…
The restaurant in the historic La Fonda Hotel has the best guacamole, made right at your table. It has a very authentic vibe, beautiful architecture, and we love stopping by for lunch, or dinner depending on how our day unfolds. When traveling, the flow guides the way. There are not any specific plans, just wondering through the plaza, popping in boutiques and galleries of interest. We have several favorite casual dining spots and this is one. Take a look at the painted, paned windows. There are so many beautiful vignettes in La Fonda, and their margaritas are refreshing on a hot summer day.
Walking the streets of Santa Fe, I make new discoveries on every visit. Like this stone carved with a quote by Georgia O’Keeffe. “Take time to look”… She was a keen observer of nature and the world around her. Careful study of her work, especially her magnified version of flowers, reveals her approach to creating. Not only for an artist, but for anyone really, it is gratifying to take a moment, look at the world around, and enjoy the gifts of nature or those that adorn the streets of Santa Fe.
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I hope you are venturing out this summer, and re-visiting some of your favorite stomping grounds. Maybe you are discovering new places, ones that you longed to explore and now seems like the perfect time. The days of quarantine are over, woohoo….the world awaits, and just down the highway from Colorado
Springs, you can explore diverse cultures and the delicious cuisine of the southwest. Santa Fe…it is a magical spot, especially for the artistic soul.
From my car window…on the road to Santa Fe…taking time to look.
Thanks for stopping by to read my blog!
