John O'Hern

JOHN O'HERN TO SPEAK ON "THE OTHER SANTA FE" AT ROCKWELL MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART

February 18, 2004

From cliff dwellers to conquistadores to cowhands, Santa Fe, New Mexico has brought together multiple cultures over many centuries. With its strong commitment to providing fresh perspectives on Western art, the Rockwell Museum of Western Art offers the second in a series of public programs on this fascinating community, which has become a mecca for artists and art collectors.

Tuesday, March 2, 2004, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, John D. O'Hern, Executive Director and Curator of the Arnot Art Museum will speak on The Other Santa Fe on Tuesday evening, March 2nd, in the Remington and Russell Lodge. Using a combination of visual images and commentary, O'Hern will feature many of the contemporary artists of Santa Fe. The program is free of charge to museum members; for not-yet-members, a fee of $6.50 will be charged for adults, $5.50 for seniors and kids 17 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. The evening will begin with a cash bar and the Cantina's salsa and chips from 6:00 to 6:30 pm, O'Hern's presentation will begin at 6:30.

"The Other Santa Fe is not what you'd expect to see. I'm going to talk about the atypical art that can be found there in all mediums, from jewelry to sculpture and painting," says O'Hern. "What makes this place so special is the incredible respect and support the members of the art community have for one another." With its more than 300 galleries and numerous artists' studios nestled in the historic town and surrounding hills and valleys, Santa Fe has increasingly become one of the nation's most fertile artistic capitals.

In 1993, John O'Hern curated a major exhibition of contemporary representational art at the Arnot Art Museum. He sought out some of the world's best contemporary artists whose works reflected likeness to their subject. In selecting the works for this show, O'Hern traveled to Santa Fe, where he secured many of the western selections from some of the city's renowned galleries. In this presentation, he will talk about some of the innovative work that the contemporary artists of Santa Fe are creating.

O'Hern came to the Arnot Art Museum in 1989 as Director, added the responsibilities of Curator in 1994, and became Executive Director and Curator in 2003. The Re-presenting Representation exhibitions O'Hern has curated have been recognized as a model and featured in national and international media.

This presentation is the second of three in the museum's Santa Fe series. This summer, the museum will sponsor Destination: Santa Fe, the ultimate insider's tour featuring visits to artists' studios, collectors' homes, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Santa Fe Opera. Tour leader Nancy Halliwell presented the first program in this series, Where Cultures Meet: The History and Culture of Santa Fe and New Mexico. A third program will be scheduled later this spring.

In keeping with its commitment to providing members with new ways to think about the West and western art, the Rockwell Museum staff chose this four-century old city as a focus for programming in 2004 because of the enormous influence it has had -- and continues to have -- on the direction of western art. Cindy Weakland, Director of Public Programs, emphasizes the city's rich cultural and artistic diversity. "Santa Fe is a place where cultures meet; a place to find traditional, historical and contemporary art from the Native American, European- American and Hispanic cultures that make up Santa Fe's uniquely diverse community."

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art puts equal emphasis on creating a stimulating and enjoyable experience and displaying art. Galleries and exhibits offer new ways to see and think about the West. The old and the new, placed side-by-side, inspire comparison and curiosity. Special programs like this one make art and the many facets of American culture come alive for visitors.

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art is located at Cedar Street and Denison Parkway, just one block from historic Market Street. Visitors are welcome seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Further information is available by contacting the Museum at 607-937-5386.