“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.

Many Perspectives. Al Trujillo’s high school welding class has been mentored by local blacksmith Christopher Thomson. Artworks include sculptures, fountains, and functional objects.

Rebecca Tobey, 2011 Honorary Artist.  Tobey is world-renowned for stylized ceramic and bronze sculptures of animals that express humankind’s role as a guardian of the planet. Tobey will be mentoring SFPS high school students in creating ceramic sculptures.