Image: © Kathleen Frank
“Down From Picuris” 25.5" x 25.5" $1850

S A R A E Y E S T O N E - Artist and Curator
Writes about The Art Hotel of Santa Fe and The Gallery Collection

“I have been painting professionally for over forty-five years, and now I am the Art Curator at this historic landmark known as La Posada de Santa Fe. When I was a child, this elegant old hotel was my grandmother’s favorite, so it has always been mine. We stayed here together when the art of famous painters like Will Shuster, Pansy Stockton and Georgia O’Keeffe graced these hallowed walls. You can imagine how thrilling it is for me to display my own original oil paintings today, at La Posada, in The Gallery Collection, alongside the work of other American artists I so genuinely admire including Kathleen Frank, Susan Contreras, Betty Nance Smith, Herb Edwards, Jill Pankey, Medina Croce, John Farnsworth, Terry Lazin, Sandra Place, Addie Draper, Signe Bergman, Kirby Kendrick, and Darlene Olivia McElroy.

La Posada is one of the only hotels in the country to have an Art Curator on staff. Originally the hotel was a private residence, built in 1882 by Abraham Staab for his wife Julia. Archbishop Lamy, a lifelong friend of the Staabs, an avid gardener, and famous for not only organizing the Catholic Church in the West but also for building the San Fernando Cathedral and Loreto Chapel, here in Santa Fe, joined Julia Staab in planting the glorious fruit trees that enhance the property to this day.

Kathleen Frank
"Cumbres Pass"
49.5" x 37.5"
$5000

By the 1930s new owners built casitas in the gardens along the Paseo de Peralta for the houseguests of the Canyon Road Artists, and an art colony ensued. Artists painted throughout the grounds, tourists gathered for art demonstrations and classes, and collectors arrived to acquire spectacular art. By the 1940’s La Posada became “The Art Hotel of New Mexico” with beautiful suites and rooms in a garden setting. My goal as Art Curator has been to recapture those glory days of the past with world class art and memorable art events for all of our visitors and guests.

Kathleen Frank
"Along the Cumbres and Toltec II"
49.5 " x 49.5"
$6000

If you are interested in hearing colorful, historical stories or fascinated by the unique styles and techniques of the talented artists in La Posada’s Gallery Collection, please telephone me and I will gladly give you a brief, complimentary art and history tour. I can also point you in directions not to miss with my “Curator’s Shopping Guide to Santa Fe”. I teach a memoir writing class each week and beginning oil painting classes for families or individuals here at the hotel on any given day, scheduled at your convince, and I welcome you to approach the artists you see working at their easels on the grounds.

The setting is ideal. Inspiration abounds. I paint here and it is magical!”

Kathleen Frank
"Calle Celestial"
25.5 " x 25.5"
$1850