As we’re all well aware, COVID-19 has affected all aspects of our lives, including our jobs and businesses. The art industry is no exception, so in response to canceled art events, art dealers and gallery owners have come together virtually in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to bring the public Santa Fe Virtual. This online art event displaying historic Native and World Tribal Art by select dealers, will run January 14 to January 18, 2021.
Eskimo Dance Mask, 19th century. Courtesy Brant Mackley Gallery.
Originally set up as an in-person art fair, and modeled after the Paris art event known as Parcours du Monde (Crossroads of the World), Santa Fe organizers Brant Mackley of Brant Mackley Gallery, Julie Kokin-Miller of Sherwoods Spirit of America, James Compton of James Compton Gallery, and Ted Trotta and Anna Bono of Trotta-Bono LTD, have transitioned to a strictly virtual event.
Blackfeet Pouch, circa 1870, blue beads with morning star on center flap, trimmed with brass beads.Courtesy Sherwoods Spirit of America.
“The group started this idea back in June to have our businesses stay viable,” says co-organizers and dealers Trotta and Bono, “and to do something positive for the art industry. The walk-and-sale in August was not possible, due to COVID-19, so the group created our first virtual event…We want to support contemporary Native artists as well.”
Organizers are bringing the virtual event back again, but with a broader selection of art and participating dealers.
“We’re very excited to be expanding to also include Canadian and European art dealers, joining together,” says Trotta. “Going virtual allows collectors and dealers to mix together and make new connections. It will be primarily antique Tribal and Native American art, but there will be some exceptions made for fine contemporary Native Art as well.”
Cherokee Effigy Pipe Bowl, early 19th century. Courtesy Trotta-Bono LTD.
In addition, they’ve also expanded to allow dealers 40 sale objects and may also include additional pieces toward the end of the sale. Collectors can expect to see diverse works such as a Blackfeet pouch, from Sherwoods Spirit of America. This antique Native pouch is made of blue beads with a morning star depicted on the center flap, trimmed with brass beads on each side.
Additional works are a Zuni water jar, circa 1870, from James Compton Gallery; a 19th century Eskimo dance mask from Brant Mackley Gallery; and a Cherokee effigy pipe bowl from the early 19th century, pre-Trail of Tears, depicting a Native man in Western dress holding a large container, suggesting agricultural abundance, from Trotta-Bono LTD.
Zuni Water Jar, circa 1870, 11 x 14”. Courtesy of James Compton Gallery
Santa Fe Virtual offers many other one-of-a-kind treasures, and brings them straight to the safety of your home. In addition, collaborators will be donating proceeds to Native communities that have been greatly affected by the pandemic. For additional information and to access the virtual event, please visit www.santafevirtual.com.
January 14-18, 2021
Santa Fe Virtual
Santa Fe, NM , info@santafevirtual.com
www.santafevirtual.com
Powered by Froala Editor
