A SEA in the Desert Gallery: March 2016

March 3, 2016

This is a celebration of A SEA Gallery's 1st 6 months in this Canyon Road location [hasn't been lucrative, but RENT has been paid, plus the more expensive utilities, as well as lots of building improvement/repair.] Everyone who comes in likes the space, 'charming' is the most frequent adjective. I've even done a little painting of my own work outside, and look forward to more.

SO... I'm going to present a Monthly Special: one piece that is discounted 35 % March's painting will be Calling my Camels encaustic 13 1/2 x 10 1/2 normally 1200. for 813. (savings of 437.) It's a sweet little painting.

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.