| Santa Fe Arts Festival: Recycled Art in the Age of Trash |
| Friday, 17 September 2010 | Francisco Ramos | Article |
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Art is more often than not a reflection of its times--and this is fast becoming the age of trash. The Environmental Protection Agency reported in 2005 that the United States produced 246 million tons of garbage, a daily average of four pounds per American per day. However, only 79 million tons were recycled—roughly a third of our waste. Artists around the country recognizing our overabundance of waste, have begun to incorporate it, sometimes literally, into their works of art. The Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival has created a marketplace to showcase the emergence of this new and upcoming art form. Held every November—the state’s recycling-awareness month—the festival is celebrating its 11th year. Cosponsored by the Keep Santa Fe Beautiful program, the weekend-long festival attracts artists and patrons from around the country. “This is a completely unique festival,” remarks Sarah Pierpont, the festival’s coordinator. “A minimum of 75% of the materials used by the artist must be recycled.” The materials used for artwork must be garbage that is given a second use through the creativity of artists. Scrap metal found along a riverbed is molded with broken glass to form one-of-a-kind jewelry. Fabrics are re-dyed and sewn together to create alternative-style clothing. Sculptures are made from used computer copper and old rusted iron. The festival espouses the belief, “If an item can be used once, then it can be used again.” The three-day festival is filled with events for people of all ages and interests. The fashion show allows designers to blend used fabrics and clothing, along with unconventional materials such as videocassette tapes, into original style-wear. There are also art contests, judged by local galleries, which award cash prizes to contest winners. In addition, there is the art market itself, the main reason thousands of people flock to this singular festival. Artists and artisans come to the festival from all over the Southwest, as far north as Alaska and from east of the Mississippi River to sell their recycled treasures. Rugs and clocks are sold alongside furniture and picture frames. Rings and necklaces hang next to sculptures and papier mâché creations. Originally held in an old warehouse, the festival has steadily grown in size, both in the number of artists who participate and patrons who seek hidden treasures. The festival’s current home is the El Museo Cultural, "a Center of Hispanic Culture and Learning," several blocks west of the downtown area. Artists who want to participate in the festival must submit an application and photos of their work. Although there is no official deadline, applicants are encouraged to apply early, no later than mid-October, to secure a spot. There are costs associated with registering, depending on the events in which the artist wants to participate. More information can be found on the Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival website or by contacting Sarah Pierpont at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The need to be conscious of our consumption is evident when we realize the overwhelming amount of trash we produce. This event forces artists to think creatively about reusing materials once deemed waste. As individuals who don’t want our society to end up buried in garbage, we need to do the same. Updated 9/17/10; originally posted 7/19/09.
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Resting at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range lies the oasis of Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s name means “City of Holy Faith”, translated from Spanish, but it could also be called the “City of Art,” as it has a greater concentration of art per-capita than anywhere else in the US. It has its fair share of artists, too, attracted from all over the world by its stunning landscapes and blend of Spanish and Native American cultures. These artists produce an eclectic mix of traditional art and contemporary art that often recycles traditional themes. So it should come as no surprise that this city is also home to a festival celebrating recycling in art. 
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