03 Jul From the Editor: August is for Art Lovers, and September Ain’t Too Shabby Either

We have such amazingly creative artists, architects, and designers in the West, people who work tirelessly to make a difference. In this issue, we shine our spotlight on a few.

Case in point: August heralds the 104th Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Beginning on Thursday, August 13, the market features nearly 1,000 of the finest Native American artists representing more than 200 Tribal Nations across the U.S. and Canada. World-renowned designer Patricia Michaels talked to us about the fashion industry and her own Herculean effort to make it in a tough business, including the lucky break at Indian Market that launched her onto an international stage.

If you’ve never been to Indian Market, start shopping for comfy shoes now. And consider, en route, a small diversion along New Mexico’s Turquoise Trail. Johnny Boggs takes us wandering through the storied towns just south of Santa Fe.

A big shoutout to interior designer Allison Merritt who is the undaunted organizer of the 34th Western Design Conference. Merritt has taken this event to the point where it outgrew its home in Jackson, Wyoming; it will debut this August in Bozeman. Kudos to Merritt who has curated an event featuring the very best Western artisans, from woodworkers to fashion designers, silversmiths to jewelers. Chase Reynolds Ewald got the inside scoop.

Our Illuminations column takes an interesting turn this issue. We talked to two artists who are also gallerists: Donna Howell-Sickles and Carrie Wild. These hardworking women bring a different perspective to the business, which has in turn, informed their art.

Painter John Kosta takes us along the LA River — did you even know there is an LA River? — and East Coast painter Adrienne Stein talked about the Western influence on her art that has resulted in a major exhibition at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas.

And that’s just what’s happening in August! It’s a great season for art events, so check out our calendar and be sure to say hi if you see someone from WA&A out on the art circuit!

Best wishes,

Rose Fredrick, editor-in-chief
rose@westernartandarchitecture.com