Santa Fe Arts and Leisure
|
Possibly the biggest attraction for Santa Fe, besides its beautiful climate, is its integration of the arts into all aspects of life. Boasting over 200 art galleries, 22 performing arts organizations, and countless artists and events, Santa Fe hosts a new show of its unique Southwest art every week. A particularly big draw to the city is its annual International Folk Art Market, an event which presents a marketplace for native artists and craftsmen from many cultures to presents their goods.
Santa Fe is also home to the world's largest show of Native American art, the Indian Market. Run by the renowned Southwestern Associate for Indian Arts (SWAIA), the Indian Market is a place where some of the greatest Native American artists in the world gather to display, sell and descuss their work. While best known for producing the Santa Fe Indian Market, SWAIA has many year round programs that support and promote Native American art and culture.
"Today, Santa Fe is one of the most important art centers in the United States, and 91 galleries that make up The Santa Fe Gallery Association feature artists of national and international renown."
--Santa Fe Gallery Association
Housed in a gorgeous outdoor theater, the Santa Fe Opera is known for its cutting-edge production and world-class casting. The electronic libretto system is one of only two in the world, and provides audience members with a simultaneous translation of the opera right in their seats.
Santa Fe is also very friendly to retirement couples of the same sex as it is second only to San Francisco in the percentage of house holds with same-sex couples, according to the 2000 Census.