Summertime Radness

2014 Summer Arts Preview

When it comes to the arts, as Santa Feans, it's easy to become jaded. Think about it: We have the world's masters a short jaunt away, the influx of young talent at our colleges keeps emerging arts fed, and our jaw-dropping natural scenery keeps both our nascent film scene flourishing and editors of in-flight magazines salivating.

It's virtually impossible to encompass all that makes Santa Fe's culture scene great in one issue. We walk proud knowing that however it fluctuates, we're one of the top art markets in the country, and that while barhopping destinations may be limited, gallery hopping opportunities abound. Sure, we might not have a downtown laced with skyscrapers, but the Big Chile still beats its apple counterpart by having more art galleries per capita (and soon more movie seats) than NYC.

Like everything, the arts experience here is different and, with the summer rays finally peering though our Simpsons intro-worthy clouds, what you make of it. Does your perfect cultural outing involve a Fourth Friday stroll up Canyon Road? How about playing a ditty on one of the newly unveiled art pianos at the Railyard or screaming BURN HIM! at the top of your lungs?

The season brings with it a buffet table flecked with killer festivals and art happenings—find them here and start planning away. Speaking of outdoor fests, the Heath Concert Series is nothing to sneeze at; find the skinny here. A unique stage production that celebrates African American roots is set to take the Lensic stage next month; get an insider's take. It's never too late to get in the opera mood; an overview of the 2014 season awaits. Whether you're freshly moved or born here all your life, Santa Fe seems to be a hotbed for writers; find your personal muse.

Hungry for more? The minds behind Axle Contemporary mix poetry, performance and visual art in their Renga Project. Get the deets on its stellar closing. Sitting in an air-conditioned room more your thing? SFR's own leading man David Riedel goes retro and explores upcoming film series at our local arthouses.

All the while, find lists of our most notable galleries, art institutions and cultural power players laced throughout.

My personal journey as a lifelong art lover began at an early age, when my mom would buy me postcards that depicted works from the likes of Alfaro Siqueiros, Dalí and Kahlo. My voracious mission as an adult became to see them all in person. A nod to my childhood infatuation can be found in this issue's "Paper Gallery" (or in this case, cyber gallery). Best part is, you won't need a passport, as all the pieces depicted can soon be found in area galleries and museums.

So, carpe arte. Your very own American Way magazine-worthy experience is but a click away.

—Enrique Limón

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