ART News:
SANTA FE —Throughout the month of March, the nation celebrates Women’s History Month—a time to commemorate, study and celebrate the incredible role of women in American history. To celebrate, Santa Fe County is honoring local women who have made a lasting mark on the county’s landscapes, arts and culture, and more.
“Santa Fe County history is full of incredible, trailblazing women who have shaped the area into one that is celebrated by people across the globe,” said Santa Fe County Community Development Director Paul Olafson. “Year after year, people flock to Santa Fe County to experience the stunning landscapes and vibrant art scene, as well as to explore and learn from the traditions and cultures of the Southwest. We have many women to thank for their role in making these experiences accessible to all.”
Among the trailblazers throughout history, Santa Fe County shines special recognition on:
Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986) – One of the most renowned and well-known artists of the 20th Century, Georgia O’Keeffe’s Southwest-inspired works are acclaimed worldwide. Taking inspiration from local landscapes and cultures, O’Keeffe created stunning art pieces that captured the unique beauty of New Mexico.
For visitors looking to learn more about O’Keeffe and her work, a visit to The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe is a must. Currently on exhibit, the Rooted in Place exhibition runs through Aug. 1, 2024 and focuses on O’Keeffe’s studies of the trees around her New Mexico home. For those interested in exploring her life and work further, plan a visit to Abiquiú, New Mexico to explore her home and studio. O’Keeffe Home & Studio Tours can be reserved by visiting the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum website.
To plan a visit, go to https://www.okeeffemuseum.org.
Mary Cabot Wheelwright (1878 – 1958)- An artist, philanthropist, and cultural preservationist, Wheelwright—who came from a wealthy Boston family—became a student, admirer, and fierce advocate for the preservation of Indigenous cultures. After her mother’s death in 1917, Wheelwright came to New Mexico, where she was inspired by the Navajo people. In 1937, she founded The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, housing her collections of Native American art, as well as a variety of unique exhibits of contemporary and history art.
To plan a visit to the museum, go to https://wheelwright.org.
Leonora Francis Curtin (1903–1999) – Leonora Francis Curtin is credited—alongside the wise businesswomen in her family, Eva Scott Fényes (1849-1930-Grandmother) and Leonora Scott Muse Curtin (1879-1972 Mother)—for the establishment of an integral cultural institution in Santa Fe County—The Acequia Madre House. Completed in 1926, today the estate houses collections of books, art, furniture, photographs, letters, and artifacts from the lives of the three women. Additionally, the house serves as the Women’s International Study Center, celebrating their incredible studies, research and residencies spanning a variety of academic fields. Thanks to the work of three generations of women in the family—spanning more than 100 years—visitors today can explore and discover the cultural heritage of New Mexico when visiting.
Additionally, Leonora Francis Curtin left her mark through her important work to establish the living history museum at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. In 1932, Curtin and her mother bought the property that would become Las Golondrinas. The founder of the Santa Fe Native Market, Curtin was dedicated to preserving traditions and cultures of the area. Beginning in 1946, Curtin and her husband Yrjö Alfred (Y.A.) Paloheimo worked to transform the ranch property into a dynamic living history museum, where visitors can interact with and learn from the past. Along with founding El Rancho de las Golondrinas, Curtin was focused on preservation and is the namesake of the Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve that protects the area’s natural spring for wildlife and vegetation.
El Rancho de las Golondrinas—Curtin’s legacy—continues to thrive today. The 2024 season opens June 5, 2024 to the general public and runs through October 2024.
“El Rancho de Las Golondrinas Living History Museum is a prime example of the legacy of women in New Mexico,” Daniel Goodman said, Museum Director. “We always look forward to having guests explore this historic property where we preserve the legacy of the land and the cultural traditions of New Mexico.”
While at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, visitors can explore the past through tours with docents dressed in the time period or attend special events and festivals, including:
- The Santa Fe Spring Festival (June 1–2), focuses on herbs and lavender, as well as spinning and weaving, sheep shearing and more. The event will include traditional horno bread baking, crafts for kids, and vendors.
- The Santa Fe Wine Festival (July 6–7) where attendees can sip and savor a variety of local New Mexico wines, arts and crafts vendors, live music and food.
- Fiesta de los Niños (July 20–21) offers an immersive adventure for children, focused on learning about life in the past. Tin stamping, rope making, schoolhouse games, tortilla making, meeting the animals of El Rancho de las Golondrinas, and wool spinning, weaving, and dyeing are just a handful of the activities offered throughout the festival.
- The Santa Fe Beer & Food Festival (August 10–11) celebrates the local brewing scene and cuisine with opportunities to sample New Mexico beers and enjoy delectable bites from food vendors, along with live entertainment.
To plan a visit to El Rancho de las Golondrinas, visit https://golondrinas.org.
In addition to O’Keeffe, Wheelwright and Curtin, the culture and traditions of Santa Fe County have been preserved by a number of influential women. While visiting Santa Fe County, be sure to stop by and see the roadside historical markers recognizing pioneering women in the area. Established through the Historic Women Marker Initiative of 2007, there are 77 roadside historical markers throughout the state that celebrate the influence, contribution and legacy of women in New Mexico.
For more information or to plan your Santa Fe County getaway, visit https://santafenmtrue.com.
