ABOUT SANTA FE

 “…the moment I saw the brilliant, proud morning shine high up over the deserts of Santa Fe, something stood still in my soul…” – D.H. Lawrence, Author

Just what is it about Santa Fe? Say the words and you feel the magic of potential, the moment of discovery, the mystical “sense of place.”

The noted Santa Fe artist Georgia O’Keefe said,

“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not.”

That’s how we want you to feel about Santa Fe: Get up close and personal to our unique style of living - from the essence of the stunning natural beauty, to the tranquil yet inspiring rhythms of everyday life, and to the home you choose to live in, where you express your deepest dreams.

“I think of LA as my American urban experience, London as my European urban experience, and Santa Fe as my country escape. “ Tom Ford, fashion designer

Santa Fe is America’s oldest capital city, resting at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Distinctive mountains - like the Sangre de Cristo, Sandia and Jemez Mountains and distant mesas complement the lush expanses of grasslands and rolling piñon-dotted terrain with colorful wildflower meadows and unique rock formations.  "One has to emphasize that the character of the land will determine the nature of the people who settle on it." - New Mexican poet Peggy Pond Church

Just what does “multicultural” mean in Santa Fe? Prior to the arrival of Spanish explorers in the early 1600s, the area was claimed by the Pueblo Peoples. Once a part of Mexico and the Confederacy, it was ceded by Mexico to the United States in 1846. When the Santa Fe Trail opened in 1821, it drew hundreds of hunters, trappers and adventurers “out West” to seek their fortunes, and many stayed on to homestead and add to the Santa Fe tapestry.

Then came the artists. Word of mouth quietly spread the treasure of magical beauty and history, prompting writers and artists to travel from the East Coast and form colonies and retreats in both Taos and Santa Fe.

In a 1920s issue of the Chicago-based Poetry magazine, editor Harriet Monroe declared: “Why go to Greece or China? This Southwest is, which is but one chapter of our rich tradition is our own authentic wonderland – a treasure trove of romance and myth – profoundly beautiful and significant, guarded by ancient races practicing their ancient rites, in a region of incredible color and startling natural grandeur.”

Today Santa Fe is known all over the world for its contemporary and cosmopolitan ambiance. Old World architecture and values blend with an attitude that embraces diversity and creativity to create a “City Different” where every day is a fresh experience, yet grounded in a sense of historic timelessness.

Santa Fe’s culture, art, and multicultural traditions are a continual draw for visitors and soon-to-be residents. It is home to America's third largest art market, the internationally acclaimed Santa Fe, NM Opera and many performing arts organizations, the renowned annual Indian Market and Spanish Market, fantastic restaurants with world-class chefs, hundreds of eclectic shops, and easy access to endless outdoor activities from hiking to skiing. Now the word is out to filmmakers, and a number of directors and photographers are finding the Santa Fe area a perfect setting for their productions.

With an average 283 sunny days per year, four distinct seasons and a year-round temperate climate, Santa Fe is a very environmentally enjoyable city.

“I’m in love with this landscape. The light in New Mexico is better than anywhere else. The earth here is full of ochres, and you get beautiful overcast days, bright blue light, incredible sunsets.” – Lawrence Kasdan, Director

Local Services

The companies listed are for information purposes only. Santa Fe Properties does not promote the use of any particular service provider over another. Santa Fe Properties is not responsible for the quality of service provided by any of the companies listed.

Santa Fe Demographics

Santa Fe City and County, New Mexico

This Santa Fe Demographics section is provided as a service to our Realtors® and users. Numbers are compiled as we receive them and are believed to be accurate. Note: All information herein is from sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof.

Santa Fe Demographics - Santa Fe Association of Realtors®

2005 v 2006 Second Quarter Santa Fe Area - Property Statistics

Existing and new, single-family detached homes sales as reported to the MLS:

4/1/06 to 6/30/06         4/1/05 to 6/30/05

Area:               # Sold  Median Price   # Sold  Median Price

City: Single
Family Detached

Northeast         42        712,500           49        640,000

Northwest         13        360,000           20        351,675

Southeast        54        579,500           59        550,000

Southwest        149      275,000           146      249,000

Total City         258      352,000           274      332,000

County: Single Family Detached

Northeast         18        462,250           22        727,000

Northwest         53        836,000           49        680,000

Southeast        91        423,111           129      414,500

Southwest        69        388,784           63        315,000

Total County    231      466,000           263      424,900

*Eldorado 14    54        391,000           72        340,750

Total
City/County     489      418,000           537      387,500

Condo/Townhome

City                  195      261,100           172      226,000

County/North    13        567,170           5          425,000

County/South    0          0                      7          233,168

Total
City/County       208      278,750           184      228,150

Duplex/X-Plex

City & County    6          285,000           6          387,500

Mobile/Manufactured

City & County    11        135,000           8          175,950

2005 v 2004 SECOND QUARTER SANTA FE AREA PROPERTY STATISTICS

Existing and new, single-family detached home sales:

            4/1/05 to 6/30/05                     4/1/04 to 6/30/04

Area:   # Sold  Median Price               # Sold  Median Price

City: Single
Family Detached

Northeast         44        652,450           38        570,000

Northwest         18        351,675           20        313,750

Southeast        54        569,000           66        503,750

Southwest        84        259,500           109      235,000

Total City         200      393,440           233      343,000

County: Single
Family Detached

North                65        676,900           57        670,000

Southeast        118      414,750           113      360,000

Southwest        105      265,307           110      337,000

Total County    288      380,000           280      424,900

*Eldorado 14    66        339,075           72        340,750

Total
City/County      488      386,250           513      337,000

Condo/Townhome

City                  151      225,000           130      201,250

County/North    3          365,156           7          285,000

County/South   9          109,483           3          216,300

Total
City/County      186      222,250           170      215,650

Duplex/X-Plex

City & County  13        252,000           21        200,000

Mobile/Manufactured

City & County  13        135,000           31        125,000

*Eldorado – separate figure – include in Southeast Total

PROFILE OF GENERAL DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS 2005

Source: www.census.gov

General Characteristics         Estimate          Percent           U.S.    

Total Population                      137,758

Male                                         67,478             49.0                 49.0% 

Female                                     70,280             51.0                 51.0% 

Median age (years)                   40.1                                         36.4    

18 years and over                    108,216           78.6                 74.6%

65 years and over                    16,304             11.8                 12.1%

Santa Fe County         Santa Fe City

Total Households                    52,799                        30,533

w/ individuals under 18 years   15,362                         6,394

w/ individuals over 65 years      11,864                         6,976

Housing Occupancy               Santa Fe County

Total Housing Units                57,701

Occupied Housing Units           52,482

Vacant Housing Units               5,219

Seasonal/Recreational Use      2,325

SANTA FE COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS

Source: US Bureau of the Census, 1999

2005    142,792

2010    157,925

2015    174,557

2020    192,514

TOTAL CHANGE          49,722          34.8%

Santa Fe County Labor Statistics, 2006

Civilian Labor Force      78,568

Number Unemployed    4,033

Unemployment Rate     5.1%

HOW TO TALK “SANTA FE”

	Acequia	Man-made irrigation ditch.
	Adobe	Mud brick that is dried in the sun.  The first adobe bricks were used 8,500 years ago in the Middle East.
	Alameda	A tree-shaded promenade or public park.  Spanish for “cottonwood tree”.
	Arroyo	Dry riverbed that occasionally fills with water from rains and run-off.
	Aspen	High-elevation deciduous tree with leaves that turn a brilliant gold in the fall.
	Banco	A bench made of adobe and covered with plaster.
	Bienvenidos	“Welcome” in Spanish.
	Bosque	Low-lying area near a river densely forested with cottonwoods and other deciduous trees.
	Calle	“Street” in Spanish.

Camino	“Road” in Spanish.
Canale	A roof spout that carries water off of a flat pueblo roof.
Casa	“House” or “home” in Spanish.
Chamiso	An evergreen shrub in the rose family that turns a golden color in the fall.
Coping	Decorative detail on the top edge of a building and around doors and windows.
Corbel	Short sculpted beam lying on top of a post or a wall.
Coved Ceiling	A ceiling in which the part next to the wall is constructed in a cove.
Cuesta	A ridge with a gentle slope on one side and a cliff on the other.
Escarpment Ordinances	Laws in the Santa Fe area prohibiting building and excavation of mountainsides beyond a certain steepness.
Faralito	“Little lantern” in Spanish.  Typically a paper bag with a sand ballast and candle lit for Christmas.
Fiesta	An elaborate party, often outdoors.
Flagstone	Flat sheets of stone mined locally, used for flooring in homes and patios.
Historic Style Ordinances	Regulations governing the architectural style of all buildings within the Historic District of Downtown Santa Fe.
Horno	Freestanding adobe bread oven found at most pueblos and Indian homes.
Juniper Tree	High desert evergreen that seldom grows more than 15 feet tall.
Kiva	Traditional round, flat-roofed religious chamber found in Indian pueblos.
Kiva fireplace	A small beehive shaped fireplace.
La Fonda	“The Hotel” in Spanish.
La Posada	“The Inn” in Spanish.
Latillas	Small branches used as ceiling planking, made of aspen, pine or cedar.
Lintel	Wooden beam bridging window or door openings.
Mesa	Flat top mountain called “a table” in Spanish.
Nicho	Small shelf carved into a wall.
Paraje	“Place” in Spanish.
Parapet	A low wall extending above the roof line in Pueblo style architecture.
Paseo	Passage or walkway or “to Promenade” in Spanish.
Pinon Tree	High-desert nut-bearing evergreen tree.
Plaza	Public square in the center of town.  The site of traditional evening paseo or “promenade”.
Portal	Patio attached to a home, covered with a fixed roof supported by posts.
Puerta	“Door” in Spanish.
Ristra	A string of drying red chilies.
Saltillo Tile	Simple fired earthen tile made in Saltillo, Mexico.
Stucco	Final cement color coat plastered on the exterior of an adobe-style building.
Talavera Tile	Colorful hand-decorated Mexican tile used for countertops and trim.
Ventana	“Window” in Spanish.
Vigas	Round logs used as ceiling beams.

SANTA FE ARCHITECTURE

“Santa Fe style” architecture is only some 1,600+ years old...

The graceful and symmetrical lines of the adobe or adobe-like homes and buildings that enchant you today have their roots in dwellings built by the Anasazi, or predecessors of the modern Pueblo people nearly two millennia ago. Built of adobe or stone, ancient Indian settlements blended harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.

Spanish Colonial influences filtered in beginning in the 1500s, followed by an influx of Greek Revival and Victorian touches from the East in the 1800s, and then an intense interest in Spanish/Pueblo Revival in the early 1900s.

The result is a fusion of eclectic elements that celebrates our diverse culture, reflects our interest in the environment (especially use of passive/solar construction) and natural materials - all enhanced by individual expression and an artistic aesthetic.

Here’s a short primer on Santa Fe architectural influences:

	Pueblo Style Derived from traditional southwestern Indian pueblos, this style of adobe architecture is typified by soft, organic lines and rounded corners and parapets. Pueblo homes were historically one or two stories and featured low doorways, small windows, mud roofs and adobe walls. Today's pueblo homes share much with their ancestors, such as vigas, latillas, nichos, canales and bancos. Today's homes have also been updated with windows, high ceilings and hard plaster finishes and feature open floor plans.
	Territorial Style Prior to statehood in 1912, while New Mexico was still a territory, the railroad arrived bringing with it heavy sawmill equipment. Milled wood moved architecture from simple mud structures to ornate, finished multi-story buildings. The territorial style features stucco exteriors with sharp-edged parapet walls, often decorated with brick coping. The windows and doors are usually bordered with Victorian style detail. The interior of these homes is highly finished with sharp corners, milled beams and wood trim.
	High-Mountain Pitched Roof Style Due to heavy snows in northern New Mexico, the historic mud roofs of pueblo and territorial architecture became impractical. To get rid of heavy snow, early settlers resorted to pitched thatch roofs, which in time became corrugated metal roofing. In today's homes, the pitched roofs are covered with iodized raised ridge roofing in bright colors ranging from rust red to turquoise blue.

Shapes of Things to Come

Santa Fe isn’t just about Pueblo or Territorial Styles any more. With each passing year, the architectural landscape of Santa Fe is growing and evolving to reflect new and contemporary aesthetics and exciting fusions of culture and design. New adobe homes now frequently incorporate Far-Eastern elements and continental European Style, in a rich blend of Old World and new.

Santa Fe now has it’s own versions of “the loft” – retro interpretations of the ancient “apartment style” multiple-storied dwellings of the Anasazi; a new influx of urban creativity and flair akin to those wide-open warehouses of space for living and working found in New York, LA, Philadelphia and other big cities. Of course, Santa Fe lofts and their close cousin, the townhouse/condo, usually have a distinctive Pueblo influence, recently more contemporary influences have found their way into the Santa Fe landscape.

SANTA FE NEIGHBORHOODS

One of the most enchanting and impressive features of Santa Fe is the diversity of its neighborhoods – starting with charming historic areas in the heart of town right off the Plaza, to newer developments that take in the space and sky outside of town.  While not all-inclusive, the following describes most of Santa Fe’s eclectic areas.

Historic Eastside

The Historic Eastside begins on the east side of Paseo de Peralta and runs up into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. On the north, it is bordered by the Santa Fe River and on the south by Old Pecos Trail. Canyon Road is the heart of the Eastside with art galleries and adobe houses that were prototypes for "Santa Fe Style". Small roads, many of them dirt, meander off Canyon Road. Homes vary from the simplest of structures to the swankiest of estates. In the mountains above St. John's College, for example, is Wilderness Gate with 5+ acre view lots and large, elegant homes.

The Northwest

The Northwest is a land of rolling hills and sweeping vistas. It is bordered on the east by Highway 285 North and on the west by the Rio Grande River. The region contains some of the most lavish and sought-after real estate in the area. Lots start at one acre and go up to 20 plus acres. The two primary subdivisions are La Tierra and Las Campanas.

North Hills

The North Hills rise from Paseo de Peralta and are bordered by Old Taos Highway on the west, the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the east and Tesuque on the north. The terrain is rolling with small pinons and juniper further uphill, and culminates in the mountains with spruce and ponderosa pines approaching the Ski Valley. Tesuque is an area of riverbed and meadows, pastoral and picturesque. The Gonzales and Cerro Gordo Road areas are reminiscent of the Eastside dirt roads with houses ranging from humble to expansive. The Old Taos Highway corridor includes condos and homes on one-plus acre lots. Like the countryside, the real estate becomes more impressive (and expensive) as the elevation increases. Primary subdivisions on Hyde Park Road (the road up to the Ski Valley) are: The Summit, Hyde Park Estates, and Sierra del Norte.

West Alameda

This area includes established close-in neighborhoods, such as Casa Solana, and further-out (although only about 10 minutes) areas with more land and expansive views, such as Puesta del Sol. The West Alameda district has many advantageous features such as proximity to downtown and many view lots. The West Alameda district extends from St. Francis west out both sides of Alameda and is bordered by the Santa Fe River on the south and by Paseo de Vista on the north

Historic Guadalupe

Closely nestled homes now dominate the streetscape. Many houses still retain the quaint vernacular style favored by the industrious and humble original inhabitants. Though interspersed with new homes or up-to-date renovations, the neighborhood retains much of its old character and charm. Located from Guadalupe Street west to St. Francis between Cerrillos and the Santa Fe River.

Historically, the Guadalupe neighborhood grew along the "Camino Real", the road back to Mexico and eventually to Spain. The landmark Santuario de Guadalupe was the last place travelers stopped to pray for safe passage and drink from the Agua Fria well as they embarked on the trail.

Travelers, stock and wagons gathered and supplies were unloaded here after the perilous journey from Mexico and Spain. Later the Santa Fe Trail, then the railroad, terminated in this neighborhood.

The area is expanding with renovation of a district called The Railyard district, home of the historic Santa Fe Southern Railroad, and featuring live-and-work studios, shops and galleries and a fresh new energy. The Railyard is one of Santa Fe's most vibrant up-and-coming areas.

South Capitol

South Capitol stretches south from the State Capitol complex west of the Old Santa Fe Trail. It goes all the way to the St. Vincent Hospital on the south and St. Francis Drive on the west.

The streetscape is reminiscent of many charming neighborhoods in towns around the country. Lots vary from 60 x 100 foot parcels up to an acre or so. The bungalows near the Capitol are more often frame construction than adobe. Renovations in the district and newer homes update the original standards of the 1940s and 50s to include some very fine homes. Also interspersed are small rental complexes and condos.

Southeast

This area lies east of St. Francis and generally south of Garcia St. within the City limits. The Museum District and on further out Old Santa Fe Trail includes some of the most incredible property in the city. Lot sizes vary from about 1/2 acre to more than five, some with stunning views. Here, one finds homes of all sizes and types.

DeVargas Heights lies east of Old Pecos Trail near Zia Road. It is a mature subdivision of moderate priced ranch or pueblo style homes on lots of about 1/5 to 1/2 acre. You will find homes of about 2,000 square feet, some dated, some renovated, and some new more expensive homes.

To the west of Old Pecos Trail lies Sol y Lomas. Here lots are 1/2 to over 1 acre. There's a country feeling with pinons providing privacy from neighbors. Homes, often over twenty years old, are usually well kept, some ready for remodel, and some updated. Sizes vary from about 1,800 square feet to over 3,000.

Quail Run is a gated 9-hole golf community with exercise, meeting and restaurant facilities. A variety of town homes and single-family homes are available for part-time or full-time residents.

Southwest

The Southwest is bordered on the east by St. Francis Drive and on the west by Cerrillos Road and extends south out Airport Road. It is an area of condos, town homes and single-family dwellings that is, perhaps, more like most other U.S. cities than any other area of Santa Fe. Roads on the southwest side are paved, most streets have sidewalks and most houses have garages. Most homes are still "Santa Fe Style." Many homes are new, although some are older and somewhat dated. This can translate into a good buy for a person who doesn't mind doing some cosmetic work. Major subdivisions in this area are: Villa Caballero I, II and III, Las Estancias, Pueblos del Sol, Los Milagros, Las Acequias, Vista Primera and Park Plazas.

Old Las Vegas Corridor

This area extends outside the city to the southeast along both sides of I-25, and out as far as Eldorado and the US Highway 285 junction. Most of this area lies in the foothills at the southern end of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The setting is rural and quiet. Via Old Santa Fe Trail or Old Las Vegas Highway, you are still just a few minutes to town. Driving to the more secluded sites on winding hilly side roads takes a bit longer. Lot sizes vary but may average five acres. Home prices vary considerably depending on views, terrain, and the specific neighborhood.

Eldorado

The Eldorado area lies about fifteen miles (or 20 minutes) southeast of the Plaza on gently rolling terrain. The Eldorado subdivision now includes about 2,200 homes. It includes a small and pleasant shopping and office complex, a library, a community recreation center, stables and protective covenants. Many lots have lovely views and native piñon and juniper vegetation.

The homes in Eldorado often include modern conveniences and a variety of pleasing styles. A number of builders are active here and values have increased steadily for existing properties.

The Eldorado area includes many other subdivisions (Alteza, Dos Griegos, Los Vaqueros, Old Road Ranch, and The Ridges), with larger lots and generally more expensive homes. Other subdivisions may offer more interesting terrain or allow horse stables. The historic villages of Lamy and Galisteo lie further to the south, each with its own charm.

North of Santa Fe

Traditional Spanish settlements grew up along the fertile streams that run from the mountains to the Rio Grande. Native American pueblos (reservations) straddle the Rio Grande and adjoin the villages to the north of Santa Fe. Tesuque (a village named after the adjacent pueblo) is just north of Santa Fe. Because of its initial affordability, it became a home to artists. Later it became popular, offering a "back to nature" lifestyle for the affluent. Los Caminitos and Vista Redondo are among the subdivisions near Tesuque on the way to the tiny villages of Chupadero and Rio En Medio. Casas de San Juan is a superb gated community adjacent to the Santa Fe Opera.

The Nambe and Pojoaque valleys lie about 15 minutes north of Santa Fe on US 285. The traditional farming villages here retain their agrarian charm, in spite of an influx of scientists from Los Alamos in the 50s and some continuing gentrification. Humble, but charming adobe farm houses adjoin verdant large estates, new homes and trailers.

La Cienega

The La Cienega/Highway 14 area is south of town on either side of I-25 (La Cienega on the west, Highway 14 on the east). The terrain is high mesa and lots tend to be one-plus acres. Views are generally long and lovely, and housing varies from mobile homes, to alternative (e.g. bermed-in or strawbale) to traditional Santa Fe style. Further south along Highway 14 (45 minutes to an hour from Santa Fe) are Cerrillos and Madrid, two eclectic old mining towns offering more affordable homes and lots of atmosphere.

 

ARTS & CULTURE

With over 200 art galleries, a dozen or so fine museums and a variety of excellent performing arts organizations, “the arts” is a main ingredient in the lifestyle of Santa Fe. The “City Different” is one of the four largest art markets in the United States and people visit from all over the world to purchase beautiful contemporary, Native American and Western pieces. One of the favorite year-round traditional activities is the Friday night gallery openings, which bring hundreds of people together and into the gallery-lined streets during fair-weather evenings. In August, get ready for Indian Market, the largest showcase of Native American art in the world.

Museums & Galleries

From a contemporary arts space, to collections of the works of area masters, to exhibits of exquisite and fascinating art of all genres, to a place that’s “just for kids” (of all ages) – museums and galleries are our city’s sites of collected treasures and are an inspiration to all.

Museums

“Museum Hill” is home to four world-class museums: Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.

Downtown or just off the Plaza are the acclaimed Museum of Fine Arts, the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum, and The Palace of the Governors, where you will find the oldest public building in the U.S..

Other museums throughout town include Site Santa Fe Museum,  the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the Center for Contemporary Arts, and the Santa Fe Children’s Museum.

And don’t miss..

El Rancho de las Golondrinas Museum

This historic rancho, now a living history museum, dates from the early 1700s and was an important paraje, or stopping point, along the famous Camino Real, the Royal Road from Mexico City to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Experience the life of another time in a location unlike any other in America.

Galleries

Artists have been coming to the area for a hundred years ago or more, drawn by an innate artistic curiosity and the capacity to be inspired by something different and profound. They found what they came looking for. You can find lots of interesting information about these early artists in local shops and galleries, some of whom created, quite by accident, “schools” of the particular art form they were experimenting with. Canyon Road was the initial gathering spot for many of these creative spirits. There was at one time a group of 5 young painters known as “Cinco Pintores” (Five Painters). Because they lived next to each other in individual, quite primitive adobe dwellings on Canyon Road, they were sometimes referred to as “five nuts in five mud huts.” Times change, and Canyon Road has become quite sophisticated, though it retains its elemental charm. And of course, galleries for all types of art, from contemporary to historical, can be found throughout the City.

Visit the Santa Fe Collectors Guide for a list of Santa Fe art galleries.

Performing Arts

The superb quality of Santa Fe’s music, dance and theatre performances adds another dimension of appeal and the experience of inspiration. Check out the following links to performance art in Santa Fe.

Santa Fe Opera

Since 1957, The Santa Fe Opera has been the summer oasis for internationally acclaimed operatic talents and opera enthusiasts!  The Santa Fe Opera’s dramatic adobe theatre blends harmoniously with the high desert landscape.  The Santa Fe Opera has taken its place among the world’s leading opera festivals.

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival

One of the world’s leading performing arts festivals, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival was founded in 1972. During the first season – the summer of 1973 – Pablo Casals was the Festival’s honorary president, and a 20-year series of Georgia O’Keeffe posters and programs began.

Santa Fe Pro Musica

“Santa Fe Pro Musica brings together outstanding musicians to inspire and educate audiences of all ages through the performances of great music.”

– Mission Statement of Santa Fe Pro Musica, established in 1980

Santa Fe Desert Choral

Recognized as one of the finest professional choral ensembles in the country, the Chorale is particularly known for its remarkable sound, seamless blend, wide-ranging programming and moving performances in some of Santa Fe’s most beautiful and historic sites.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

Described as a deft ensemble…with engaging projection and an appealing largesse by Dance Magazine, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is a company of eleven classically trained dancers who perform an eclectic repertoire by some of the world’s foremost choreographers. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet performs year-round at home in Aspen and Santa Fe, and on tour throughout the United States.

Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco

Experience the magic and passion of some of the most exciting and finest Flamenco artists from Spain and the USA!  Teatro Flamenco is the leading Spanish dance company in the U.S. 

National Dance Institute of New Mexico

National Dance Institute of New Mexico was founded with the knowledge that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate children. The purpose of our distinctive dance programs is to help children develop discipline, a standard of excellence, and a belief in themselves that will carry over into all aspects of their lives.

EVENTS

Indian Market      

Held over a long weekend in mid-August, the Santa Fe Indian Market includes 1,200 artists from about 100 tribes who show their work in over 600 booths. The event attracts an estimated 100,000 visitors to Santa Fe from all over the world. Buyers, collectors and gallery owners come to Indian Market to take advantage of the opportunity to buy directly from the artists. For many visitors, this is a rare opportunity to meet the artists and learn about contemporary Indian arts and cultures. Quality is the hallmark of the Santa Fe Indian Market.

Spanish Market Santa Fe

A destination event for residents and visitors alike, Spanish Market features handcrafted traditional arts by 300 local Hispanic artists, continuous music, art demonstrations and regional foods. The oldest and largest exhibition and sale of Spanish colonial art forms in the United States, Spanish Market provides a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy a taste of New Mexico's vibrant Spanish culture, both past and present.

The traditional art forms featured each year at Spanish Market include the following:

• Santos - depictions of religious figures in the forms of bultos (carvings in the round),retablos (paintings on wooden panels), and gesso and wood relief-carved panels.
• Hide Paintings - religious images painted on deer or elk hide
• Straw Appliqué - crosses, chests and boxes decorated with applied straw
• Textiles - hand-woven on looms using handspun yarns
• Furniture - usually made from pine using mortise and tenon joints
• Colcha - unique regional embroideries employing the colcha stitch
• Tinwork - decorative and utilitarian objects of cut and punched tin
• Ironwork - tools, fastenings, and household objects forged from iron
• Precious Metals - silver or gold jewelry, utilitarian and devotional objects
• Pottery - hand-sculpted bowls, pots, and other ware made from micaceous clay
• Bonework - decorative items, anillos (rings) and tool handles carved from bones
• Ramilletes - decorative paper garlands
• Basketry - baskets hand woven from red and brown river willow

Spanish Market is organized and produced by the Spanish Colonial Arts Society which supports Hispanic artists through educational programs, grants, and the production of Spanish Market in July and Winter Spanish Market in December.

Fiesta de Santa Fe

The oldest continually celebrated festival in the United States, Fiesta de Santa Fe is a favorite local event celebrated each September with music, parades, arts and crafts festivals and more.

Northern New Mexico Pueblos

Native American culture in Northern New Mexico is beautiful, ancient, strong, and very much alive and many area Pueblos are generous in allowing visitors to attend a limited number of events each year. Please click on the site to find a complete list of Northern New Mexico Pueblos, with a direct link to each one, and information on public events such as Feast Days and arts and crafts festivals.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas Museum Summer Festival, Frontier Days & Peruvian Paso Horses  

Meet the colorful characters who put the “wild” in “wild west!”  Mountain men and women demonstrate their skills and spin tales of the past at encampments throughout the ranch. Flint knapping, panning for gold, hide tanning and bow making are just some of the activities your family will be able to observe and participate in. The Peruvian Paso horses of La Estancia Alegre, the steeds of the Conquistadors of Peru, will perform routines and delight you with their unmatched gait and elegant tack.

Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta

The mission of the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is to create a week of food and wine events that promote Santa Fe as a world-class culinary destination.  This event takes place in the span of 5 days with a number of events to choose from. There are seminars, luncheons, cooking demonstrations/classes, wine tasting’s, a golf scramble with wine and food served every third hole, and winemaker dinners.  Local chefs and wine experts as well as visiting vineyard representatives and chefs all contribute to this destined to be world renowned event.

Santa Fe Farmer’s Market

Enjoy local and organic produce and products to your hearts content at Santa Fe’s amazing Farmer’s Market. Enjoy everything from organic lamb, to seasonal vegetables and fruits, herbs and flowers, to lovely handcrafts, during a pleasant morning stroll through the outdoor Santa Fe Farmer’s Market in late spring and summer. During late fall and winter months, the market moves indoors to continue the tradition of offering seasonal local produce and community experience.

 

Education

Santa Fe’s population is an educated one, and Santa Fe citizens care deeply about the education of children, adolescents and adults of all ages. Santa Fe offers a full spectrum of educational opportunities and experiences: From conveniently located neighborhood public schools and a wide selection of private schools, to well-regarded colleges and accredited healing arts schools, to home schooling support and an enormous selection of personal and community learning activities.

And Santa Fe has NINETEEN libraries, with branches throughout town! These include public libraries, State archives, research-rich museum collections and more.

Finally, literacy matters. We have one of the most dedicated and successful Literacy Volunteer Programs in the country, with many of its members being well-known writers and educators.

Santa Fe Public Schools
“Our Mission: The Santa Fe Public Schools exist to ensure that every student graduates prepared to be a productive citizen of our local and global communit.”*

“Our Vision: Our vision is to provide every student with a high quality education in a system devoted to equality, diversity and social justice. Every student will have multiple learning opportunities to meet challenging standards in a safe, caring, and respectful environment. Every student is expected to graduate prepared to take advantage of lifelong learning opportunities.”*

* Taken from the Santa Fe Public Schools homepage.

College of Santa Fe
Founded in 1859, the enrollment of the College of Santa Fe is approximately 1900 students, of which around 1200 are enrolled in weekend or evening programs. In their own words “We seek to help students understand the world and find ways of making it better. For us, that includes students of every demographic. We are diligent in offering flexible programs so that all are welcome and able to study here. We emphasize thoughtful academic advising, and pay specific attention to ethical values, both in and out of class.” * Taken from the College of Santa Fe website.

St. John's College
“There is no other college quite like St. John's. Through sustained engagement with the works of great thinkers and through genuine discussion with peers, students at St. John's College cultivate habits of mind that will last a lifetime: a deepened capacity for reflective thought, an appreciation of the persisting questions of human existence, an abiding love of serious conversation, and a lasting love of inquiry.” * Taken from the St. John’s College homepage.

Santa Fe Community College  - includes a branch of UNM and NM Highlands
Santa Fe Community College was established in 1983, and now has an enrollment of approximately 8,000 students in any given semester.

SFCC Mission Statement: “Santa Fe Community College is a learning community that helps students succeed and serves the community. As a public institution, SFCC offers a wide range of educational programs and services to meet the needs of business, government, and a diverse population. SFCC contributes to the economic, technological, and cultural development of the region by providing quality academic, career and personal-enrichment programs.”  *Taken from SFCC website.

New Mexico Highlands University
“Student academic success is the goal of Highlands University. Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered in the arts and sciences, business, education, and social work. Through offering diverse student-support services and activities, NMHU helps to ensure student academic success.” *Taken from NMHU website

NMHU features a College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, and School of Social Work at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

University of New Mexico
Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico is New Mexico’s largest higher education institution, with over 26,000 students enrolled at the graduate and undergraduate levels. UNM offers 210 certificate and degree programs, with 93 bachelor’s degrees, 68 master’s degrees and 37 doctoral programs.

With branch campuses in Gallup, Los Alamos, Taos, and Valencia County, UNM counts a Nobel Laureate, two MacArthur Fellows and several members of the National Academies among its exceptional faculty.

UNM is also host to New Mexico’s beloved Lobos sports programs. Lobo athletics draw fans from all-over, and the University Arena or "The Pit" was ranked 13th by Sports Illustrated as one of the top 20 sports venues of the century.

*Information gathered from the UNM website.

Southwestern College
Originally conceived as a library starting in 1945 focused upon Metaphysical studies, Southwestern College offers a unique curriculum, based upon the spirit of Transformational character development.

According to the Southwestern College website,

Teaching at Southwestern College rests on four fundamental ideas:

• The purpose of learning is the development of the knowledge, skills and attitudes that provide a foundation for the helping professions.
• Learning is a process of acquiring self-awareness and theoretical knowledge and clinical skills.
• The faculty guides students in the practical application of knowledge in helping relationships.
• Transformational education combines the wisdom of the heart, the knowledge of the mind, the universality of the soul and the warmth of the human encounter.”

List of Public and Private Schools

Institute of American Indian Arts
From IAIA’s Mission Statement:
The Institute of American Indian Arts (congressionally chartered as the Institute of American Indian & Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development) was established by Executive Order under President John F. Kennedy in 1962, and opened in August of that same year on the campus of the Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Under the directorship of its co-creators, Dr. George Boyce and Lloyd Kiva New, Cherokee, the Institute embodied a bold and innovative approach to arts education, and has since played a leadership role in contemporary Indian art education.

The Institute offers four-year degrees in Studio Arts, Visual Communication, Creative Writing and Museum Studies, and is singularly qualified to offer students an environment and foundation from which they can create new forms of artistic expression and accomplishment. Our unique learning environment promotes Indian leadership and an atmosphere that allows students to explore their cultural and artistic heritage. It is a place where the spirit and vision of American Indian and Alaska Native people is the first priority. It is a place where traditions are rediscovered and reaffirmed, where it’s possible for American Indian and Alaska Native students to celebrate their art and cultural identity.

Northern New Mexico College, Espanola
In the early 1900's the New Mexico Territorial Legislature decided that a facility was needed as a "normal school" to train teachers for the State's Spanish-speaking population. The Spanish American Normal School was established in rural El Rito in September 1909. The school took on a life of its own, expanding with the times, offering both secondary and post-secondary educational programs, and eventually becoming the seed for Northern New Mexico College.

Ecoversity
Ecoversity’s 11-acre campus serves as a demonstration site and a community building center for the promotion of "hands-on" learning and sustainable living. Offering certification programs in Earth-based Vocations, Permaculture design, and Natural TopBar Beekeeping, and community classes and workshops.

United World College of the American West
Located in historic Montezuma Castle near Las Vegas, “The United World College-USA was founded in 1982 through the philanthropy of the late Dr. Armand Hammer and is part of an international movement that now includes nine two-year pre-university residential schools worldwide offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma curriculum plus a three-year tertiary college of rural development and agriculture in Venezuela.”

Volunteer Opportunities

People in Santa Fe have a sense of community that runs deep. They like to give back, they love to serve and help make the lives of Santa Fe residents better, whether it be supporting organizations that assist elders, providing food and shelter for the hungry, providing refuge for victims of domestic violence, finding good homes for abandoned animals or helping people of all ages discover the magic key of literacy. Following are just a few of the organizations where Santa Feans work to give back to their community.

For volunteer opportunities related to just about everything, go to: www.volunteermatch.org

Following are just a few of the major volunteer groups in the City:

Open Hands

Kitchen Angels

Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe

Santa Fe Humane Society

One Stop: The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce

Find even more of what you are looking for by visiting the friendly and comprehensive Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce web site: www.santafechamber.com.