ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

The Historic Santa Fe Foundation is thrilled to present In Situ | Being in Place, an exhibition featuring the works of artists Mary Olson, Wendy Fay, Julia Tait Dickenson, and Liza Hale Doyle. This collaborative show explores the complex concept of "being in place," highlighting the artists' connections to Northern New Mexico, their identities, families, and communities, as well as the profound impact of their environment on their creative processes.

The exhibition will be on view at El Zaguán from April 25th to May 24th. "Being in Place" encompasses more than just a physical location; it represents a state of existence. The artists approach this theme from diverse perspectives, reflecting on their relationships with El Zaguán, the historic building that houses the Historic Santa Fe Foundation, as well as their connections to Santa Fe and the broader landscapes of their lives. In addition to exploring this theme, "In Situ" invites viewers to reflect on their own sense of place and the connections that shape their lives. The exhibition serves as a testament to the power of art in expressing the intangible qualities of home and community.

The exhibition emphasizes the deep sense of community and connection that permeates the artists' lives and work, with their strong ties to Northern New Mexico serving as a central theme. The landscape, light, and unique sense of community contribute to a profound feeling of belonging. El Zaguán plays a significant role, serving as a physical space and a source of inspiration. Its rich history and welcoming atmosphere foster a strong sense of community among the artists. As Wendy Fay observes, "This place (El Zaguán) plays a really important role in showing that old Santa Fe still thrives, especially in the arts, in a truly welcoming way."

Visually, "In Situ" showcases a rich tapestry of handmade processes, with each artist employing unique techniques to explore the concept of "being in place." Julia creates vibrant and celebratory mobiles inspired by traditional Polish "pajaki," meticulously crafting kinetic sculptures from fibers, tissue paper, wire, and beads while thoughtfully considering shape and negative space. Liza presents intimate portraits of her friends within their personal home spaces, capturing their essence on film and transferring these images onto fabric. She embellishes the fabric with embroidery, creating tactile, quilt-like wall hangings that delve into the sensory and emotional landscapes of home.

Wendy, an oil painter, who focuses on the landscape blends the gestural immediacy of Sumi ink underpaintings with the rich depth of oil paint. Her process harmoniously combines plein air and studio work, aiming to capture the essence of drawing within her painted surfaces. Finally, Mary crafts ceramic sculptures from red earthenware clay, hand-building forms that are thrown, paddled, assembled, and textured. She decorates these pieces with terra sigillata and glazes, resulting in expressive figures that embody a deep connection to the natural world and the tactile qualities of clay.

These diverse processes—ranging from fiber arts and photography to painting and ceramics—collectively underscore the multifaceted nature of "In Situ," inviting viewers to reflect on the many ways in which place and identity are shaped and expressed.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Wendy Fay, originally from the Boston area, embraced the Western landscape after moving at nineteen. Now residing in Santa Fe, she is a painter whose work emphasizes the interplay of drawing and the nuanced beauty of oil paint. Her imagery explores the subtle balance between realism and abstraction, with a focus on landscape and still life. Wendy's diverse career, spanning art education, design, and collaborative projects, reflects her dedication to creative expression. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from Colorado College and studied painting at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Julia Tait Dickenson arrived in Santa Fe in 1985, bringing with her a degree in studio arts and ceramics. Her time here ignited a passion for jewelry and metal smithing, leading to the establishment of her own business, Thin Air Studio. After 25 years in Vermont, where she raised her family and continued her jewelry work, Julia has returned to Canyon Road at El Zaguan. Her 35-year career as a maker has encompassed a diverse range of creative pursuits, including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, printmaking, and now brooms and brushes. As Thin Air Goods, Julia continues to draw inspiration from cross-cultural craftsmanship, creating objects of beauty and soul for everyday use.

Mary Olson's artistic journey led her to the vibrant art scene of Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2002. Combining her expertise as a potter and arts educator, she spent seventeen years enriching the lives of young artists at Wood Gormley Elementary School. Now focusing on her studio practice, Mary creates whimsical clay works, including her ongoing series of birds, functional slipware, and ceramic installations. She continues to explore the expressive possibilities of clay, bringing her unique vision to life.

Liza Hale Doyle, a multimedia artist native to Santa Fe, New Mexico, graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2022 with a BFA in illustration. Her experiences as a river guide and art teacher have further shaped her artistic perspective. Currently, she works as a thread painter for fiber artist Chris Roberts-Antieau. Liza's personal art practice uses a variety of mediums to explore the human experience within both physical and imagined landscapes. She is driven by a desire to capture moments of magic, share personal narratives, and foster genuine connections within her community through art.

Contact: Anne Kelly at anne@historicsantafe.org or call 505.983.2567 for more information.