Show Preview | Passport to the Arts

Santa Fe, NM
Canyon Road, May 8-9

Artists create work during previous Passport to the Arts events.

Artists create work during previous Passport to the Arts events.

This story was featured in the May 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art May 2015 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

The fourth annual Passport to the Arts event in Santa Fe, presented by the Canyon Road Merchants Association, takes place on Mother’s Day weekend with a variety of events to excite art lovers. On Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, visitors to historic Canyon Road can attend gallery receptions with food, drink, and entertainment, watch established and emerging artists create works on site, and bid on art at auction.

The festivities begin Friday night with an Art Walk and receptions at participating galleries. “It’s a good time to meet the artists. There are receptions with refreshments, music, and in the past, we’ve had lectures going on at the galleries. Just a lot of fun things,” says Bonnie French, president of the Canyon Road Merchants Association. Visitors can find detailed information online about participating artists and galleries.

With nearly 50 galleries and their artists participating during the weekend, visitors can expect a variety of art on display and for auction. Saturday morning begins with the Quick Draw, where nearly 70 artists set up easels on Canyon Road and have two hours to create works, which are then available at the Live Auction on Saturday afternoon at Wiford Gallery & Sculpture Garden. Select galleries also host silent auctions of paintings, sculpture, jewelry, weavings, and more. “Last year there were about 30 pieces in the silent auctions,” French says. “It gives the artists who aren’t able to be a part of the Quick Draw a chance to participate in the event.”

Portions of the proceeds from the auctions go to the Santa Fe Public School Music Education Program, which presents a performance on Saturday afternoon. The weekend is aimed at starting off the Santa Fe art season with a bang. “Our mission is to bring great artists together and showcase all of the wonderful art on Canyon Road,” French says. “Passport to the Arts began as a way to kick off our art season, and it’s quickly becoming as popular as our Historic Canyon Road Paint Out and Sculpt Out in the fall.” —Joe Kovack

contact information
www.visitcanyonroad.com

Featured in the May 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art May 2015 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!

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