These timely travel tips were written for the Hipmunk Expert Opinion Project. All opinions are my own although I was compensated for the work.
Santa Fe is not only the oldest city west of the Mississippi but it is an art lover’s dream destination. In addition, it is home to more than 200 galleries and is the third largest art market in the United States.
Canyon Road Arts
Photo credit by Rebecca Pattee via trover.com
Gallery hopping is an easy way to explore the town since the galleries are not all in one area. The Canyon Road area is the one most people know about because of its central location near the Plaza. But there is also The Railyard area that consists of 50 acres of reclaimed land along Guadalupe Street and Cerrillos Road and extends south to Baca Street. The Santa Fe Farmers Market is located within this complex. The West Palace Avenue area and Lincoln Avenue make up the last of the four gallery areas in Santa Fe. Here is a starting list in different areas for the art lover.
Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery
It will be hard to leave Andrea Fischer Fine Pottery without buying a work of art. The gallery is well known for its support of contemporary Native American pottery. Located in the center of town, this gallery describes itself as an educational retail experience with museum service. It’s a great place to see the work of artists from the surrounding pueblos, which is why you do not want to miss the opportunity to see world-class pottery in one place.
Georgia O’Keefe Museum
The Georgia O’Keefe Museum honors the legacy of its namesake and is probably the most familiar in this group. The museum houses 1,149 works by O’Keeffe. Visitors from around the world come to this Museum that may explain why it is open seven days a week, 9am-5pm with a late closing of 7pm on Fridays, although it is closed holidays. Get there on public transportation or you can walk from the Santa Fe Plaza.
Blue Rain Gallery
This is a perfect gallery for the traveler who knows his or her own taste. The Blue Rain Gallery has a collection of kachinas, miniature pottery, works on paper, pottery, blown glass sculpture, jewelry, baskets, bronzes and the lists goes on. With such a diverse inventory, it helps if you are centered upon arrival.
Waxlander Gallery
The Waxlander Gallery started off as a one-room studio on Canyon Road with just a few artists and has since grown to fifteen rooms, multiple artists and it includes a Sculpture Garden. The gallery’s stable of artists range from the well-known to emerging artists, all working in a variety of medium. Waxlander Gallery is famous for its annual auction.
Museum of International Folk Art
The Museum of International Folk Art is a magnet for families and children because of it programming and exhibitions. The museum is located just off the Old Santa Fe Trail on Camino Lejo. Exhibitions change often and it is possible to arrive without a reservation and join a docent led tour. The museum is open daily Tuesdays through Sundays from 10am to 5pm. With notice it is even possible to arrange for sign language interpreter. You can park on the grounds for free.
Santa Fe is a town for foodies. If you want to understand just how extensive your choices are beyond tacos and enchiladas, read about it here. With this list, you will be able to leave in the morning, eat well on the run and not return to your Santa Fe hotel until you shut down for the day. Enjoy.