At a recent gathering, when we talked about our plans to break plates at the FUNCTION dinner in August, there were audible gasps...

I understand some could have an issue with FUNCTION, but what Cannupa is conveying is that through the very action of the making of art also comes community and relationship building—and this can be as or even more richly rewarding and satisfying as ownership. Cannupa has invited us non-artists into the space artists occupy and by being part of that process—from the emotional through to the consumption (both literally and symbolically) magic can happen.

FUNCTION is multi-layered. Once you let a story go it takes on a life of its own. I have found making a plate from clay, literally using it, also creates a direct connection to earth. This project shakes up things—grows awareness and encourages discussion. Of course, shake ups can spark difficult and uncomfortable topics, but what better than to discuss these things and create understanding and respect for different points of view at the dinner table. We at the Coe strive to create a place where diversity comes together to discuss these awkward and difficult topics in a constructive and productive way. Some of these conversations, for me personally, have been positively life-changing.

I sincerely hope that the activity of having made a plate from clay, one that will actually will be eaten from, then to come together with strangers to share food in a community, to exchange with one another, and then return the plate back to the earth to be birthed again into a new project (one we will likely never see )—will be an intimate, enriching, and thought-provoking moment for many, as well as include humor, quirkiness, and fun.

I am not sure if this explains FUNCTION well, but I sincerely hope that you will consider participating—to add your voice —even if you are unable to join us at the table in August.

All my very best,

Rachel de W. Wixom, CEO

Join Us for the Recollective Echo Opening on Friday May 10, 5 to 7 pm

Free to the Public!

When we started to discuss our exhibition we realized, the pieces at Ralph T Coe Center have a story to tell. As we acknowledge the object’s own history, we want to take it a step further. To add our own narrative. We want to share our stories and create new ones, adding to the already diverse collection of stories that are present in our world. Recollective Echo , to us, means remembering moments in time, stories and continuing to tell them so that they may go on to be repeated and influential in one’s life. —Hands-On Curators

Our Hands-On Curatorial Program is in its fifth year working with high school students from the Academy of Technology and the Classics (ATC), the Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS), and the New Mexico School for the Arts (NMSA). Returning students Gailene Morgan (Meskwaki Nation & Tesuque Pueblo), Ashlyn Lovato (Santa Clara Pueblo), Aurora Escobedo (Tesuque Pueblo), and Roan Mulholland (ATC) are joined by new members, Lesly Esparza (NMSA) and Veronica Silva (NMSA). They designed the above logo and, if you know them, you can recognize their profiles. (They will also be selling a limted number of t-shirts with the logo at the opening.)

Your donation will help us work with more students