One of the sets of student-made plates that will be auctioned off at 14th annual ARTFeast in Santa Fe, NM, photo/Steve Collins
The Santa Fe art scene is world famous. Every year, gallery owners and restaurants give back to the city that supports them. ARTFeast, an annual each February celebrates art and food. Combining art and food, things many people are passionate about, it’s a mid-winter highlight in Santa Fe. ARTsmart, a local, not-for-profit organization oversees the event, always held the last weekend in February. Proceeds benefit art projects in the Santa Fe School System. Over the last fourteen years, ARTFeast has raised over $800,000 to help fund art in the local school system. A highlight of the event is the plates students in the program create. They are auctioned and raffled off throughout the weekend at various events (see highlights below). The 2011 ARTFeast is Friday February 25th though Sunday the 27th. A lot of food, art and fun are crammed into that three day period.
A new event is on the ARTFeast roster this year. The Gentleman’s Lunch debuts Friday, February 25th at Rio Chama. Hosted by Santa Fean publisher, Bruce Adams, this event is for men only; the topic of discussion, sports. Texas sports journalist Marjorie Lewis is the lone woman allowed.. She’ll be joined by former Cowboys player and coach, Jim Jeffcoat and they’ll be talking sports in America. The gents will dine on Chef Tom Kerpon’s food accompanied by a selection of beers and fine spirits. Guests will leave with a cigar in hand after a visit to the Humidor, the eatery’s cigar bar. A silent-auction features golf, fishing and balloon excursions.
One of the most popular events of the weekend is the Edible Art Tour. Galleries pair with restaurants and other food purveyors for an evening of food and art. Galleries all around the downtown area and along Canyon Road participate. For attendees’ convenience, there’s van service provided at designated stops along the way. Kudos to the food purveyors and galleries; they pick up the tab for all the food and drink served at EAT.
Palin Wiltshire will greet EAT guests as Mary Poppins at Giacobbe Fritz Gallery Photo/ Deborah Fritz
Giacobbe-Fritz Fine Art takes the event seriously or maybe not so. They and their offshoot, gf contemporary are turning the evening into a movie extravaganza. Giacobbe-Fritz becomes a set out of Mary Poppins. The gallery’s first room will become the Banks family’s parlor. The middle room becomes the rooftops of London; gallery director Palin Wiltshire, decked out as the beloved nanny, will greet guests from her perch on the “roof”. The back room transforms into a British pub; Rooftop Pizza teams up with Marble Brewery to provide food and drink.
Genuine Hollywood searchlights shine on attendees as they enter gf contemporary and are transported back to the 1920s. A jail from the musical, Chicago awaits with gallery personal getting into the spirit and becoming the film’s notorious characters. Jazz-era music from zoot-suited Albuquerque, gypsy jazz band, La Chat Lunitique, will add to the period feel. For eats: Chicago Dogs and non-alcoholic Prohibition Punch from Whole Foods.
These two sets of plates will be auctioned at ARTFeast, photo Steve Collins
Event Schedule:
What: Fashion Show & Luncheon
When: Friday, February 25th from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Inn and Spa at Loretto
Highlights: clothing from local designers Gossamer Wings, Elven Velvet and Handwoven Originals and local shop Alpine Sports; jewelry from Judy Tully Jewelry Designs: live and silent auctions, including student-made plate set
Tickets: $100
When: Friday, February 25th from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Rio Chama
Highlights: Guest appearance by Texas sports journalist Marjorie Lewis and former Cowboys player and coach, Jim Jeffcoat; silent action featuring golf, fishing and balloon excursions, wine and spirit tasting; cigars.
Tickets: $100
What: Edible Art Tour
When: Friday, February 25th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m
Where: Galleries all around the downtown area and on Canyon Road
Highlights: Over 40 Santa Fe galleries pair with restaurants, caterer and other food purveyors for an evening of art and food
Tickets: $35
What: Feast or Famine
When: Friday, February 25th from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Milagro 139
Highlights: Complimentary hors d’oeuvres created by Milagro Chef Fernando Ruiz and co-host Coyote Cafe Chef Eric DiStefano; Old Skool, Reggae, Electro, Hip-hop, and House music spun by local DJs; cash bar
Tickets: Free with Edible Art Tour admission, others, $15 (must be over-21)
Still more plates Santa Fe students made for the 14th annual ARTFeast, photo, Steve Collins
What: Art of Homes Tour presented by Santa Fe Properties
When: Saturday and Sunday, February 26th and 27th from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Around downtown Santa Fe
Highlights: Peek behind adobe walls and see homes and casitas that are currently on the market; art from local galleries, local teachers and students will be on display
Tickets: Free admission
What: Gourmet Dinner & Auction Honoring Rebecca Tobey
When: Saturday, February 26th at 6 p.m.
Where: Encantado Resort
Highlights: An evening of food and fine wines from a host of Santa Fe Chefs: Amavi Chef Megan Tucker, La Casa Sena Chef Patrick Gharrity, Max’s Chef Mark Connell and Rio Chama Chef Tom Kerpon. Terra’s Executive Chef, Charles Dale coordinates the kitchen’s efforts; silent and live auctions include a sculpture from Tobey and a set of student-made plates
Tickets: $175 (includes shuttle bus from the downtown Hilton)
What: Artists’ Champagne Brunch & Auction
When: Sunday February 27th 11:30 a.m.
Where: Bishop’s Lodge
Highlights: Silent and live auctions including works from local galleries and Santa Fe school students
Tickets: $75
Last year, ARTFeast attracted visitors from 32 states. Again this year, ticket requests are coming in from all over the country. It’s a popular event and tickets to most events are limited. The Edible Art Tour can accommodate everyone. While ARTSmart suggests buying the EAT buttons in advance, they’ll be available at participating galleries on Friday evening. Feast or Famine admission can be paid at the tour. The luncheons, the dinner and the brunch do sell out, so get your tickets in advance. The $350 All Event Ticket gets you into everything. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling ARTSmart at (505) 603-4643.
Authors’ note: As a former hotel concierges and owners of a travel concierge and trip-planning business in Santa Fe, the writers may have been guests of business or services mentioned in posts on this site. While these experiences have not influenced us in any way, this information is provided in the spirit of full disclosure.
