Santa Fe’s 10 Best Contemporary Art Galleries

Non-profit art museum SITE Santa Fe has been responsible for bringing global attention and important works of contemporary art to Santa Fe since its inception in 1995. SITE has an extensive year-round exhibition schedule showcasing innovative contemporary art, and a strong educational program encouraging community engagement with avant-garde works. The organization’s mission is to nurture, discover and inspire through contemporary art, working collaboratively with local and international emerging and established artists to present groundbreaking solo and thematic group exhibitions. The exterior of SITE is also a work of art in itself, featuring installations by different artists, designers, and architects such as Greg Lynn. SITE’s new biennale exhibition series, SITElines: New Perspectives on Art of the Americas consists of a six­-year program of linked exhibitions focusing on contemporary art and cultural production in the Americas, beginning with Unsettled Landscapesin 2014, and with future exhibitions in 2016 and 2018.

EVOKE Contemporary holds a diverse range of exhibitions and events showcasing provocative artworks by internationally renowned artists from New Mexico and abroad. Over the years, EVOKE has evolved into a prestigious cultural destination, representing Santa Fe’s distinct and varied heritage. Located within the Railyard complex amongst a number of established galleries, EVOKE is a key feature of the Arts and Museum District and the First Friday Art Walks. Featured artists include figurative painter Kent Williams and landscape painters Francis Di Fronzo and Lisa Grossman. Alongside its regular exhibition schedule, EVOKE holds several collaborative annual events throughout the year such as E.A.T Edible Art Tour in association with ART Feast, which takes place every February.

James Kelly Contemporary is unique to Santa Fe and the Southwest region of the United States. Focusing on museum-quality exhibitions by national and international emerging and established post-war artists, the gallery is recognized for its high standard of exhibition content and presentation. Established in 1997, James Kelly’s 1998 inaugural exhibition featured the now internationally acclaimed artists Agnes Martin, Bruce Nauman, Susan Rothenberg, and Richard Tuttle, all of whom were living in the Santa Fe region at the time. The gallery has since maintained deep ties to the region, representing local artists whilst also bringing in the latest international talents. James Kelly Contemporary has also been instrumental in the ongoing development of the Railyard District, the focal point of the Santa Fe contemporary art community.

Part of the collection of galleries found in the Railyard, LewAllen Contemporary is the largest and most modern site of them all. Designed specifically to exhibit fine art, its stunning museum-like space has earned a national and international reputation for showcasing a diverse range of contemporary artworks by internationally acclaimed artists. LewAllen Contemporary features a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, paper, and glass works by artists such as Hiroshi Yamano, Emily Mason, and Tracy Rocca. As a pioneer of contemporary and modern art in Santa Fe, the gallery also represents distinguished emerging artists ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge exhibitions. Throughout the year LewAllen Contemporary delivers a strong program of educational events and publications to coincide with its stimulating exhibition schedule.