Friday night with Frida and Diego

Another fabulous Friday night of gallery openings was on hand for denizens of the City Different.

At the top of my list was the “Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera by Eminent Photographers.” opening at the Webster Collection. The superb contemporary Spanish colonial gallery space above the plaza with persimmon, and Frida blue walls, created the perfect atmosphere to view dozens of rare photographs of the iconic artists. To see these photographs in person was to experience the essence—or at least some hint—of the great drama and tragedy of this most famous Mexican couple.
Generally I find black and white photography most interesting, but with Frida its all about color.
I was fascinated to see in detail the live flowers, fuchsia, lantana, and bougainvillea in her hair pieces.

I was surprised to read in the gallery info "that Frida spent time in Santa Fe, a city she much enjoyed" That is the first time I have heard that, so I would like to research, and find out more.

Call to Creatives

"I think New Mexico was the greatest experience from the outside world that I have ever had. It certainly changed me forever...But the moment I saw the brilliant, proud morning shine high up over the deserts of Sante' Fe, something stood still in my soul, and I started to attend.” ….. DH Lawrence.

This is a Call to Creatives to...join in the fun

It makes no difference if you live in, visit, or dream of visiting Santa Fe, it’s influence is unforgettable.
Unique in its seductive call to the creative soul, once you have been summoned it is just a matter of time and circumstance how you respond.

LIFE IN A CITY DIFFERENT blog is a home and sacred repository for that response. As I share my experience of life in Santa Fe, I will be calling on you to share in the fun of co-creating a collective blog, a gathering space for self-expression relating to my monthly suggested topic. I invite you to respond by submitting your short stories, poetry, photographs, and closest to my heart: your art journal pages in answer to The Call to Creatives on my blog.

It is so easy, here is how it works:

Each first Friday of the month I will post the suggested topic for the month.

You may make your submissions to this email address: kristajarrard@gmail.com

Please send your word docs as an attachment, and photos in jpeg format. Please give your full name, phone number, and blog or web address if you have one.

The following Thursday I will begin posting a selection of your offerings. Every creative offering that is posted will be credited with name and email address or blog or web address. It is that simple…join the fun now!

EASY, FUN, CREATE, SHARE, GO…..
Don’t forget to sign up as a follower! Thanks for your comments, and spreading the word by linking LIFE IN A CITY DIFFERENT to your blog.

I look forward to seeing you in the blog pages...
and thank you for accepting my INVITATION TO CO-CREATION.

Its is officially summer gallery season

Its is officially summer gallery season in Santa Fe with over 30 gallery openings this last Friday evening. Getting a late start required a discerning eye and light foot. First stop Verve Gallery of Photography one of my favorites with a fabulously colorful show featuring among others Jeffery Beacom's India collection. Next it was a quick walk down Marcy to the grand opening of Owings Gallery luxurious new space.

Turner Carroll Gallery on Canyon Road had an opening of  Rex Ray: Happy Hands Do the Devil's Work. His work blows me away and the opportunity to see it up close and personal was a real treat.

Throngs of art lovers enjoyed the art, the gallery gardens, blissful weather

 and the stroll up Canyon Road.

Memories and Reflections

Book of Intentions ~ Kelly Kilmer

Between taking good care of clients, getting a new computer up and running, and creating this blog, I have signed up for Kelly Kilmers Memories and Reflections online class. Big fun for sure creating two unique journals.  I am a huge fan of Kellys innovative style and work. If you have never taken a class with Kelly you don't know what you are missing. I cant wait to get started.

Book of Intentions~ Kelly Kilmer

Here is a journal page I did in Kelly class in Scottsdale, AZ
The beautiful image is from  Jennifer Esperanza one of my favorite photographers.

The World is coming to Santa Fe

I can wish all I like for smaller crowds but I will not find them at The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market this weekend. It is the largest international folk art market in the world, and the unseasonably cooler weather is sure to draw record crowds this year. This At the Market video is a sneak peak of this truly amazing gathering of artisans from around the world.

I will be posting my photos soon...

all photos from the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

SOFA West

This weekend art lovers form all over the world descend on Santa Fe for not one but two incredible art happenings. In addition to The Folk Art Market, SOFA West opened Wednesday night and runs all weekend. I joined the throngs of locals and out of towners in attendance opening night. The art and people watching was superb. I am hoping to return over the weekend when the crowds may have thinned out a bit. Jan Hulling mind blowing bead work pieces where one of my quirky and colorful favorites.

Goth Girl ~ Jan Hulling

Celebration of Book Arts and Art Journaling

My Hindi Primer

Marilyn Stablein~ Santa Fe, NM

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of checking out "Celebration of the Book Arts and Art Journaling" presented by the Art Garden Gallery in Eldorado at Santa Fe. Our Santa Fe Books Arts Group had several entries as well as entries from all over the US.  Jessica did an outstanding job of hanging the show. A book lovers delight..

Victoria Rabinowe ~ Santa Fe NM

Tending Time ~ Lenny Wix

Counting Book 

 Nancy Brill~  Denver Colo.

This is just a small sampling of the amazing books and journals on display.

Sombreros on a Friday Night

David Richards Contemporary

It has been my great pleasure to be part of an intimate Artist Way group for the last 12 weeks.

We have enjoyed our time together so much we have decided to keep meeting weekly, supporting each others creativity. There has been much blossoming for all the group including a new studio and gallery for one the members. You have an invitation for a sneak peak for the opening in a few weeks.

Today we celebrated "our graduation" by taking in the Friday Night Gallery opening scene.

Galleries Visited

Evoke Contemporary

Skotia Gallery

David Richard Contemporary

Sombrero Man and gifted film maker Camille Adair

Beverly Fishman's FUTURE NATURAL
Psychedelic optical patterns of layered medical data, silkscreened in fluorescent-colored acrylic
 and enamel paint onto polished stainless steel.
David Richards Contemporary