“Art is about stretching the imagination and expanding possibilities. Try something 100 different ways—it’s a methodology that can be employed in all endeavors.” Fran Larsen, 2009 Honorary Artist

As a thriving art community, Santa Fe’s biggest asset is its myriad professional artists working in an endless variety of media. ARTsmart is committed to bringing their expertise into the classroom.

Honorary Artist Program. Every year ARTsmart selects an artist who is distinguished not only in New Mexico but throughout the world. As part of his/her mission, the Honorary Artist works with high school students in creating art projects. Past honorary artists include:  metalworker Tom Joyce, who inspired students to forge their ideas in iron. Fran Larsen and Sam Scott, who helped students see the world as colors, shapes and lines. And Roxanne Swentzell, whose students expressed how they felt that day in ceramic masks.

Star York, 2013 Honorary Artist. Star grew up in Maryland and attended the University of Maryland, the Institute of Art in Baltimore, and the Corcoran College of Art & Design in Washington, D.C. In 1985, Star moved to New Mexico. Since arriving in the Southwest, Star’s body of work has reflected the cultural diversity and history of the area. She is inspired by the native wildlife and mythology, horses in particular, as well as the mysteries of ancient sacred sites.  Star’s source of inspiration for a significant part of her work comes from Native American and Western cultures.

ARTsmart Visiting Artist Program at Santa Fe Public Schools.  In 2012, $36,750 will fund the ARTsmart Visiting Artist Program.  Some of the many artists and organizations who participated in last year’s program included:  Gasali Adeyamo, Meow Wolf, Wise Fool, The Thistle, Dulcinea Design, Artist with Camera, Jeremy Bleich, Pamela Messer, Issa Nyaphaga, Ron Pokrasso, Paul White, Fractal Foundation, SCUBA, and Warehouse 21.  Qualified artists are introduced to and selected by the teachers at a fall open house.  For more information on this program contact Sharon Peterson at ARTsmart, info@artfeast.com or 505.603.4643.