FARM REPORT...LEGENDS OF SANTA FE

In Santa Fe on Lincoln Street stands a gallery called simply Legends. This amazing gallery is a labor of love of two women who clearly stand out in their thinking and their execution of this gallery. Legends is a partnership between the gallery and emerging artists of the area, both Native American and traditional. It was opened by Lauren May in 2007. With no background in art Lauren took a risk. Her love of Native American art brought her to Santa Fe and her passion evolved into Legends Gallery. Artists who were not able to show at Indian Market now had a place show. Since its inception this gallery has hosted many local artists giving them a high profile venue to showcase their art. In 2009 Lauren’s daughter Leslie came to Legends to run the gallery and insure Lauren’s original vision remained true to the advancement of the Native Artists of the area. Leslie and Lauren are a close successful mother daughter team. What makes the gallery work says Leslie is the “trust factor” between mother and daughter. Works of Nocona Burgess great great grandson of Comanche chief Quanhah Parker exhibiting the strong faces of the proud Comanche people are now on exhibit. Exquisite color and interpretation of the natural world can be seen in the work of Karen Algeren. Frank Buffalo Hyde breaks boundaries and mixes the traditional with the contemporary in an unusual and beautiful way. A partnership with the Heard Museum of Phoenix Arizona will bring Andrea Hanley of the Berlin Gallery to curate a new show for Legends. Part of the proceeds for this sale will go to the Heard, which houses one of the most extensive collections of Native American and other tribal art. Leslie says “Legends exhibits a distinct and different point of view” These forward thinking ladies are continuing the tradition of advancing the Native American artists of Santa Fe.

I met Patricia French one evening at the Lensic Theatre, I knew she was a special lady. Pat French championed historical recognition of women in the State of New Mexico. In her travels around the state she noticed of the 500 historical markers in New Mexico only one recognized the accomplishments of women. Working with the Mexico Historic Women's Marker Initiative in 2005, she helped raised over $300,000 to recognize the accomplishments of women and erect 66 markers across the state honoring the women of New Mexico. She told me "New Mexico is a place without barriers for women". Her words gave me the personal encouragement to try new things on my journey and be fearless. Pat French came to Santa Fe from New York. She was an early childhood teacher; the school she founded in Brooklyn is still in existence today. As a realtor in Santa Fe for over twenty years, her agency French and French Fine Properties in association with her husband Michael grew, as did her love for the City Different In her capacity as the head of the firms marketing and public relations, her insight into the future lead to the creation of SantaFe.com. When deciding to step down from the website she said she knew she was not the final owner. "You don't own anything in this life...you are a steward" In keeping with her philosophy "There is no society unless you bring it!" Pat co-founded Dollars4Schools. Administered in partnership with the Santa Fe Community Foundation, Dollars4Schools raises money through direct giving to benefit specific classroom needs for Santa Fe public school children. Having tea one morning with Pat French was a pleasure for me, this Renaissance lady sparked my ideas, my courage and my vision. Thanks Pat!

FARM REPORT

I am going through a personal Renaissance. In this journey I came to Santa Fe. A place where this concept is a part of many women's' lives. Acknowledging the talent and creativity of some amazing women is the focus of my blog this summer. Looking at the Renaissance historically, one finds an overall rebirth of culture, thinking, art and science. Santa Fe has given me the opportunity to explore all of these avenues of self expression. To make significant contributions to myself, my children, the community and the world. I am especially grateful and blessed to have been able to be in the company of some special ladies. Women who have embraced changes in their lives and have given back to the community and the world fresh new ideas sprinkled with grace and style. In this time of economic challenges it is refreshing to see women looking at the needs of community, taking a hands on approach and finding new solutions. Now is the perfect time for dynamic new ideas. Ideas to push the City Different to the pinnacle of art, culture, and change for a new era.
So Santa Fe, I would like to introduce you to a few women I have had the privilege to meet. I know you will find them as inspiring and beautiful as I have.