When it comes time to delight the palate, the many locally-owned cafés of Santa Fe always provide welcome respite from the chain-restaurant offerings of most other cities. In addition to their tasty menus and casual atmospheres, our cafés also captivate our visual sense, satisfying an entirely different “palate.”This fall, local artist Mark Frossard will set out to remind us that the local café scene serves as a thriving alternative to traditional gallery spaces as he launches his Café Tour. Beginning in September, Frossard will exhibit at one café per month, drawing on the specific decor, flavor, and overall vibe of each location for inspiration. Each of the selected establishments will receive a custom-designed theme and body of work to grace its walls.
“The café scene here in Santa Fe is, in my opinion, severely underrated as a venue for art display and sales,” explains Frossard. “The locations that I’ve selected are all favorites for good eats, so the businesses aren’t relying on art sales to keep themselves alive. The result for the art collector is a lower commission rate, and therefore more affordable art.”
Mark also points out that the artwork shown in our cafés is more consistently the product of local artists, whereas Canyon Road and other major galleries tend to feature artists based elsewhere. “The art shown in cafés is more authentic, more reflective of the real Santa Fe. Browsing in these spots can bring wonderful and unexpected discoveries of truly local art.”
Mark Frossard’s Café tour begins at Louie’s Corner Café, located at 229 Galisteo Street. The body of work selected for the inaugural venue of the tour is entitled “Water Works.” An opening reception will be held on Friday, September 3, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and the show will remain on display through September 30.
