May 21st, 2026
Gallery MAR + Friends Santa Fe Art Tour, May 1-4, 2026
Santa Fé, we loved every second. 🌵
What started as a gallery trip grew into something much more: a carefully curated journey with collectors, friends, and one of our own artists along for the ride. All women. All bringing something different to the table.
In between studio visits we wandered downtown, hunted vintage shops, and ate our weight in green chili. Some moments were planned, most were not. But what stayed with us most was the access. Artist studios are private spaces, and our guests didn’t just get to see inside them, they got to purchase work directly from the artists themselves. That kind of connection between collector and artist is rare, and it’s exactly what this trip was about.
To the women who joined us and the artists who welcomed us in — thank you. This trip was everything because of you!
There is something about Santa Fe that invites you to slow down to notice light & texture in a different way. We were honored to step inside the working worlds of artists, share meals in beautiful places, and experience the landscape that has inspired generations of creative voices. We took our gallery staff, collectors, and friends of the gallery on a Santa Fe art tour, and wanted to share the highlights here on the blog.
Where we stayed: Welcome to your home in Santa Fe, Dos Hermanas
This historic 90-year-old compound offers a quiet, restorative setting centered around a peaceful courtyard fountain. The architecture, textures, and light reflect the spirit of the region—grounded, warm, and deeply calming. Whether you’re exploring the city or simply enjoying a slow morning in the courtyard, we hope this space feels like a true retreat. Enjoy our itinerary and details!
Day 1: Arrival at the casitas.
We all flew into ABQ airport and connected in the terminal. Our driver took us via shuttle up to Santa Fe, where we found our casita compound, each with our own apartments. We settled in, unpacked, and took a gentle walk through the neighborhood, followed by a wine tasting at Herve winery. A relaxed welcome gathering to begin our time together.
Day 2: Abiquiú & The Landscape of Inspiration
The home of Georgia O’Keeffe
In the afternoon, we drove to Abiquiu and landed just in time for our private tour of the home of Georgia O’Keeffe. This was a truly intimate look inside one of the most iconic artistic spaces in the American Southwest, including a special closet archive viewing. Our host and guide Mark could not have been more helpful and insightful.
At the end of the tour, we met in the lobby and walked to view the studio and home of mixed media artist Maura Allen, whose property is located just next door to the museum welcome center. She welcomed us into her home for snacks and drinks, and showed us her serigraph process, and even allowed some of us to also try out her techniques. On display were a new series of works that she is delivering to the gallery this week. One of our collectors connected with a glass sculpture, which will now be added to her colleciton.
After the tours, we enjoyed live music and dinner at the Abiquiu Inn Restaurant. We were all delighted by live music and delicious local food.
Morning Studio visit with Michael Kessler — including a live resin pour demonstration
We took our gallery staff, collectors, and friends of the gallery on a Santa Fe art tour, and one of the highlights was an unforgettable morning at Michael Kessler’s studio.
Our group got to watch him pour resin, trace his process from watercolor impressions to layered paper collage to acrylic, and see just how intentional every step of his work really is.
Resin has been a through line in Kessler’s practice for decades, but for a time, he stepped away from it entirely. What brought him back was the medium itself evolving. Today’s formulations are less toxic and don’t yellow the way they once did.
We also got a first look at what’s coming next, a new series in his signature bamboo work, but this time awash in bright, chromatic color. It’s definitely a shift. And it’s stunning.
These pieces will be making their way to Gallery MAR ahead of Michael Kessler’s upcoming show on August 7th, “All Resin.”
Afternoon Studio visit with sculptor Jamie Burnes
Jamie Burnes studio sits atop of hill, up a dirt road with sculpture and metal pieces on either side as you enter. He welcomed us with treats and libations, and showed us several works in process. A sculpture of two bears climbing a tree in life-sized scale, two life-sized horses, and new stone carving of a cat that is nearly completed, and a hare that is destined for owner Maren’s home. We also all went home with Burnes merch: hats and scarves, along with incredible memories of the artists’s skill, creativity, and kindness.
Via shuttle, we then headed back to the casitas. Everyone enjoyed a little afternoon time on their own: spa, rest, or exploration. Some of us spent the time exploring a few vintage and antique shops, thanks to the direction of guest and costume designer Olivia Miles, who showed us the way.
Later that night, we all met for dinner at Cafe Pasqual’s, a Santa Fe institution. We shared appetizers, wine, and even a few tears as we went over the successes of the day and connected on a meaningful level. The following day we packed up and headed back to our home, with sweet memories of Santa Fe… and lots of green chili in our bellies.
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