Collectors Corner! Ed Sandoval's Newsletter (Taos, NM)

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Collectors Corner!

Ed Sandoval Gallery's Newsletter

119 Quesnel Street, Taos, NM 87571

www.edsandovalgallery.com

edsandovalart@gmail.com

(575) 770-6360

Do You Know the Way to Santa Fe?

Love that song. Ha! Anyway, lots of you are asking about my opening in Santa Fe, and it was so action packed that I figured I’d write a story. First, let me say we were able to be successful because Gwen took care of everything except painting for months prior to the show. She said that I needed uninterrupted time to create, so, for the most part, I stayed at home and focused on painting new works while she handled the gallery, errands, going to the photographer and framer, shipping, shopping, bookwork, bills, marketing, cooking and even driving back and forth to Santa Fe at least five times to deliver paintings and pick up more art supplies (and wine from Trader Joes). Great teamwork right there my friends.

Finally, the morning of the show came. After I set up the demonstration painting, people started appearing...along with ominous storm clouds. Spirits were high, and nobody was overly worried. We all thought there would be sprinkles, but then it would move out, like it normally does here in New Mexico. BUT, after an hour of continually darkening skies – KABOOM! I haven’t seen lightening so close or thunder so loud in a LONG time. Then the downpour started, a frightening deluge that drove everyone into the gallery for refuge.

People Arriving (Before the Rains)

After Rains Began

Safely inside, we stood around for a while, wet but happy as we chatted and looked at art. But then...KABOOM! All the lights went out. We heard the electricity went out all over town and wondered how the poor people attending Spanish Market at the plaza were faring. The extremely close lightening zaps and cracking thunder were actually frightening.

Between the heaviest torrents, more people arrived. Nancy, the gallery owner, welcomed them into the dark gallery. A few turned on their phone flashlights to look at art and many chatted in circles or sat outside under the portale, but nobody wanted to leave. It was actually a blast – like being marooned on a gallery island surrounded by rushing waters.

Chatting with Folks Inside the Gallery in the Dark

Continued Painting When the Rains Let Up

Later in the afternoon, the rains slowly softened, the electricity came back on, and I could go back to my painting demonstration under a very wet tent. Lots of my family and friends braved the weather to stop by – many of whom I hadn’t seen in years – including my dear sister Pita, daughter, son, goddaughter, cousins, nieces, nephews and many close friends. One highlight was a delightful woman who brought in a painting she had purchased from me way back in 1999. It was so nice to chat with her and see that painting. Wow!

Son Bryan, Daughter Tammy, Sister Pita & Niece Michelle

Goddaughter Teresa, Me & Cousin

Lady with the 1999 Painting

My Two (Very Tall) Nephews, Ronald and Steve

Niece Julie with Husband Larry, Sister Pita & Me

By the end of the day, we were exhausted but happy. Including the July preview, where my works were promoted online, I sold 14 paintings! I’m simply overwhelmed and awed – I don't ever remember selling that many works so quickly before! Truly a remarkable experience. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made it such a special event.

My twin brother, Danny, had a conflict on the day of the show, but he came the next day. After lunch at La Fonda, we decided to explore Spanish Market, walked out and noticed it had just rained a LOT. Feeling lucky to have escaped the downpour (and jinxing ourselves in the process), we wandered among booths looking at retablos, wood carvings, jewelry, santos, etc. but then…KABOOM!

Oh here we go again! The downpour started, and every person in the square ran for cover. We ended up sheltering along the Palace of the Governors, along with hundreds and hundreds of other people. It was absolutely INSANE. I've never seen rain like that.

A Beer with Danny at La Fonda

Hundreds & Hundreds of People Taking Refuge from Rains

Me & Danny Sheltering

Zap! And just like that, the electricity went out all over Santa Fe (again). Businesses had to "shoo" people out, and even the museums couldn't let anyone in. After 15 minutes or so, the rain let up enough to venture out, but the power didn't come back on for hours.

You would assume that people would be upset. After all, half of the visitors were there to shop and spend money, and the other half were there to make money. But no, spirits were not dampened one bit. Vendors laughed and joked, shoppers darted between doorways and tents to stay somewhat dry, and everyone just kept having the best time ever. A TRUE New Mexican never ever ever complains about rain, and I'm not either. We were blessed.

Trade School for Building in Los Alamos

My Santa Fe show was so rewarding – it feels like the culmination of hard work and perseverance over many, many decades. In thinking about it, I’m proud, which caused me to reflect on other “proud moments” in my life. One really stands out. There’s not much to tell, but I had an idea, presented it, and helped something wonderful to occur.

Back in 1974, I was teaching art at Los Alamos High School with dreams of becoming an artist, but I had also learned construction from my dad, godfather, grandfather and other elders. Art was my passion, but I knew that trying to earn a living by painting was a tough road to travel. If I couldn’t make it, I could always build adobe homes.

Me & My Bell Bottoms in Early 1970's

1975 Los Alamos High School Yearbook: "George Brooks works on a jewelry project while Mr. Sandoval looks on."

My background explains why I’ve always had such respect for vocational training and hands-on learning. The school system owned property, and I thought a building program, a form of trade school to teach all aspects of the home construction trades, would be so valuable for the students. I discussed my idea with other faculty members and finally got to present it formally to the upper echelons. They agreed to start the program!

I never taught any courses, which I think they called “Home Building Trades,” but I did stop by every now and then to see the students learning skills in the field as they built homes. Those houses were eventually sold! A win-win for everyone. I think that program is still going on today all these decades later, at least I hope so.

Where Did the Mountains Go?

Like many of you, I've been so sad about all the wildfires and smoke this summer. Lately, the smoke was so thick in Taos that I couldn't see the mountains from our back portale. It was like a huge wool curtain had been pulled down over the whole world. It was surreal and unsettling, making me anxious and worried all the time. It's better this week, but fires are still burning all over the U.S. I think of all the people and animals who are suffering, and my heart hurts. Blessings to everyone as we hopefully get some rain soon and get past this dreadful and dangerous fire season...

Normal View of Mountains from Back Portale

Smoke Blocked View of Absolutely Everything

Teaser: My Inspiration from Mora Valley

I finally got to go camping in Mora Valley just days ago. The smoke had dissipated there, and the views and scenery made my soul sing. Time stands still, and life ambles along slowly and peacefully as it has for centuries and centuries. I get some of my deepest and clearest inspiration for paintings there, and I'll tell you much more in the next newsletter. For now, I simply had to share a couple of photos as a teaser. Stay tuned! :-)