Joe and Other Artists in Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe is known for both its natural beauty and its artists. During my visit there I found an abundance of both.
My first morning in town, I stopped at a coffee shop run by a Native American named Joe. (Shouldn’t all coffee shops be run by a guy named Joe? Isn’t that where the term cup-o-joe comes from?) This being Santa Fe, it turns out that Joe does more than sell a cup of coffee; he’s also a musician and an artist. He told me great stories including one about being on the cover of National Geographic in his younger days. So before even finishing my first breakfast I’d bought some artwork for the gallery – see the picture below.
The rest of Santa Fe has some great galleries, unusual places to see and buy great art, jewelry and other gifts. The center of town has many great galleries where I met too many fascinating artists to list. One can certainly not pass up seeing the great Georgia O’Keefe museum – but I don’t think they’re selling any of her originals there! In town there is also a great farmer's market selling food and handmade items by the local artists.
Outside of town there is very large flea market – just off of Flea Market road. And like the farmer’s market, the flea market sells more than fleas. Of particular interest at the flea market was the many people selling jewelry with turquoise, which is a wonderful stone that comes in a wide variety of quality, types and prices – so beware of fakes. At this market there were also people selling homegrown lavender, soaps, lotions, clothing, and a dizzying array of things, including some great pottery. I bought several pieces made by a local artist. I also bought pottery made by members of the Navajo tribe, (see pictures below). Each comes with a certificate of authenticity. Unfortunately, I underestimated the appeal these would have in the gallery, and I’ve sold most of these pieces – but that just gives me a reason to go back soon to get more of these one-of-a-kind pieces, to explore more of the region and its artists, and of course, to say “Hi” to Joe, and to see his new work.
Sold
