A SEA in the Desert Gallery: August 2015

August 1, 2015

Usually I would be amazed [and dismayed] how fast July seems to be winding down but since I finally signed the lease and paid the necessary 1st, last and deposit on the new gallery space last week, I am even eager for September to come when I will move! So August is my last month in the Railyard! The gallery has benefited from being here and I have learned a lot and met wonderful art lovers and collectors while here. In the last two years sales have diminished substantially and other than the "high end" galleries the Railyard did not become a good alternative space for art galleries. I personally feel that the cell tower atop the hotel 1 1/2 blocks from A SEA Gallery has not benefitted business.

I'm so relieved that the move location and basic schedule is finally settled! Business really slowed down and of the guests looking at the gallery fewer are active collectors. While I do not need to leave my studio yet, now I can start to organize that part of my move as I have a space for the studio also. It will be so good to have more studio time again. August will be my last month in the Railyard; I had not intended to do the gallery here alone but rather adapted to the circumstances. I thought a Co-operative would survive the economic 'downturn' well enough, but sales and interest were not sufficient. The 'collective' idea is still valid because I am not representing artists primarily for their sales, but the quality and focus of their work. Sales are necessary to support the artists and pay gallery expenses, but they are only one part of the whole, which is giving deserving artist the chance to have their work seen and appreciated. So with this move I will balance interaction with the artists' work, the public and continuing my own art.

Kathleen Richards Watercolors

Last night's Railyard Artwalk which is the last for A SEA Gallery in the Railyard, featured Kathleen Richards' unique, beautiful Watercolors. It was interesting, well attended and fun, with serious viewers and appreciative discussions of the work; two sales occurred and more are forthcoming. The show will continue through August 22. Images will follow.
In the meantime, the gallery will prepare for it's move to 836 A Canyon Rd., September 1st, assuming the present occupants leave it in the desired shape. I'm locking forward to the move as well as having my studio on the same premises.

About our Gallery

A Sea Gallery has gone through several stages over a 10 year period. A Sea stands for "Association of Socially Engaged Artists" which began about 2002 with meetings of artist discussing the state of art in Santa Fe as well as politics of the United States and the world at this time. Most of the artists either were or had been political activists, against war, corporate exploitation, empire, etc. and committed to honoring the earth. Over the years since that time I have thought a lot about the artists roll as mirror to a society, addressing social ills and aspirations. It seemed the Santa Fe ‘art scene’ had become increasingly commercial: ‘successful artists’ making a recognizable product for wealthy private collectors or corporations. Much of the art shown was about prestige and investment. The art I was drawn to in major art centers in the USA and in Europe was deeper and more challenging than that. While Santa Fe may have more art galleries than the current economy can support I felt there is room for one more: a gallery of challenging work supported by the artists themselves- a Collective (rather than a cooperative) as the structure is evolving. It’s aesthetic philosophy: Art is shown because of its merit rather than salability. It has an owner (Monika Steinhoff) but no profits are taken out of the gallery. Artists participate in paying expenses, gallery sitting and decisions about running the gallery. Proceeds from sales are between 50 and 70% to the artist, depending on artist involvement. The gallery is small and can have up to 10 members. It has existed at its present location in the Railyard since July 1st 2011.