What is it about Santa Fe that inspires us every time we go? Is it the cool dry climate, its mood-altering altitude, artists that push the creativity envelope, stark landscape with brilliant splashes of color, the ethereal nature of the Native American and Spanish aesthetics, or its local characters? Whatever the inspiration, the community appears to have an unusual sensitivity for embracing the creative impulse, providing a respite for the eyes and hearts of all.

The city officials, as well as the community itself, demonstrate that they appreciate the arts and artists by using community funds on public arts and support the development of New Mexico artists. Its leaders support differences by their apparent ability to integrate the state’s varied cultures. The tension that comes from embracing diverse ideas feeds the creativity. They provide abundant opportunity for the community and visitors to interface with the arts. The work we see invites a dialogue. Only a person who’s lost a connection to his senses is immune.

The results speak for themselves. The art scene doesn’t promote one style or genre. Consequently, visitors find a spectrum from ancient and ethnographic artifacts to modern work where ‘the paint is still wet.’

The City of Santa Fe Arts Commission’s Community Gallery is one such special public space. Through creative programming and inspiring exhibitions, they provide the public with exciting opportunities. At the same time, they support professional development for New Mexico’s artists and artisans. High quality art is for sale there at all price levels. It’s a win-win for artists and visitors to the gallery and everyone is elevated by his/her involvement.

The Community Gallery even solicits suggestions from the community for its exhibition themes. A goal of the gallery is to offer the broadest inclusion for all artists and involve a large portion of the population by offering more than the just display of artwork. For more information about the gallery and a wealth of knowledge about the exhibitions, contact or make arrangements to visit: Rod Lambert, Community Gallery Manager at rdlambert@santafenm.gov or call 505-955-6707.

Detail of a “spoon in honey” from the art glass installation by Elodie Holmes, “A Flight of Bees.”

“Low Back Chair” by Scott White fabricated in plywood. All pieces at the Santa Fe Community Gallery are for sale by contacting Rod Lambert.