Santa Fe art: It’s time for ARTFeast

This post about ARTFeast that first appeared in 2012 has been updated for 2013.

Santa Fe’s food and art lovers know that the last weekend in February means ARTFeast. Now in its 16^th year, it’s one of the most anticipated events on the Santa Fe art and food scenes. The 2012 edition is from Friday, February 22, 2013 through Sunday, February 24^th at various venues around town. The weekend is a fund-raiser for ARTsmart, an organization that funds art programs in Santa Fe schools.

This colorful Zia sunburst plate set was auctioned at the 2011 ARTFeast, Santa Fe photo/Steve Collins

The kick-off event The Art of Fashion Runway Show & Auction takes place at the Santa Fe Convention Center starting at11:30am. There will be both silent and live auctions. One of the highlights of the auction items is a set of 12 plates made by students in ARTsmart-sponsored programs. Tickets are $100 per person (tables of 10 are $900).

Trish Byrd (Essential Guide) shows off plates at 2011 ARTFeast fashion show, photo/courtesy ARTsmart

Friday evening brings the always popular Edible Art Tour (EAT). From 5 to 8pm, Galleries around town team up with restaurants for an evening of art and food.  There will be shuttle buses running between downtown and Canyon Road galleries. Admission buttons are $35 per person in advance, $40 at the door. This includes admission to Feast or Famine at Ore House at Milagro from 8pm to 2am. Non-button holders are $15 at the door.

Le Chat Lunatique played at gf contemporary at the 2011 Edible Art Tour, photo Steve Collins

On Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 4pm, Santa Fe Properties  invites the public to their Art of Home Tour. This tour features a selection of grand estates and charming casitas currently on the market.  Each home features art specifically selected for the tour. Maps of the self-guided tour are available online and at SFP and ARTsmart offices.

The Pottery House is on the Art of Home Tour part of ARTFeast, photo/courtesy Santa Fe Properties

The Gourmet Dinner & Auction at the Four Sesaons Rancho Encantado Resort on Saturday at 6pm, an obviously popular event, and often sells out in advance. Get your tickets early.

The weekend wraps up with the Artists’ Champagne Brunch & Auction at the  Hotel Santa Fe at 11am. The auction features an auction featuring art ( including sculptures, paintings and jewelry), an I Made It! Plate set painted by a student in the ARTsmart-sponsored programs and travel,  spa, and resort packages. Tickets are $75 (tables of eight are $600).

Students in an ARTSmart-funded metal shop work on an arbor for 2012 auction, photo courtesy ARTsmart

One of the high points of ARTFeast is student-painted plates auctioned at events throughout the weekend.

A student working on a plate that was shown in 2011, photo/courtesy ARTsmart

Whether you’re a food fan, an art lover, civic minded or just want to see and be seen, put ARTFeast on your must-do list.