Part 1: COVID19 Updates from Santa Fe Artists & Entrepreneurs
Life, work, and daily realities have drastically changed for all of us lately. We thought we’d check in with some of the artists and entrepreneurs we’ve previously featured on Santa Fe Found to see where they are, what they’re up to, and how we can support their work and the community at large during this time.
Heather & Matt French
Interior Designers and Owners of French & French Interiors
We’re on our little farm just outside of Santa Fe! Lots of gardening, playing with the ducks, chickens and bunnies, and trying to be outside on our land as much as possible! Before Coronavirus hit, we were working on a few hotels, which all came to a screeching halt. But we have still been finishing up some beautiful homes that have been under construction. I think, more so than ever, people are realizing the importance of home. To have a place that you love, no matter what that looks like, is incredibly fulfilling to a person’s well being. I hope people are taking time to value their spaces, think creatively, and make a space that feels good to them. Annnd... if you’re stuck, you can always give us a call. ;)
A cause we are supporting now is Dollars 4 Schools! This year's Showhouse Santa Fe will not be happening due to the pandemic. This Santa Fe interior design community’s fundraiser helps provide school nursing programs, reading programs, art programs, and thousands of backpacks full of school supplies. So during a time when so many parents are struggling, let’s try to keep these Santa Fe kids safe and occupied!
Kelsi Sharp
Graphic Designer & Sign Maker
I'm currently living and working in Minneapolis, MN. COVID has heavily impacted my signage business because many of the types of businesses that I usually interface with—galleries, bars, restaurants, salons—are closed. Anyone who has plans to open a new establishment, or invest in an existing establishment, is proceeding with caution. Projects that were in progress are postponed indefinitely.
I have a limited number of works for sale on my site. I'm also accepting commissions, and I've opened a subscription platform that I will maintain on a monthly basis even after this—it's something that's brought me so much joy and made me think of a new way of sharing with my supporters. So those are three financial ways that folks can support, but regardless of your circumstances, the biggest thing I can ask for is social sharing—it's an easy and important way to help me get visibility on my work.
A cause that I care about right now is good old fashioned civic engagement on behalf of those groups who are not in a position to advocate for themselves. At the local level, we need people with energy and time to advocate for the things that matter: rent and mortgage cancellations, food assistance, and monthly relief. As an artist, for me, it's important to donate to organizations that are quickly delivering relief payments to artists right now as well as organizations that are dedicated to supporting artists during the duration of this crisis—not just during the shelter-in-place ordinances, but for the next 18+ months while folks rebuild and pivot. If you are in a position to donate, I would donate to an organization that is quickly delivering relief payments to artists: The Soze Foundation, Creative Capital, and for folks in New Mexico, an organization I've always supported, 516 Arts, is pivoting to offer financial support.
Rebecca Mir Grady
Jeweler, Painter & Photographer
Sonia and I are both okay, and our families too, thankfully. We are still in Santa Fe, and so appreciate being able to get on the trails when we can. I'm so grateful that some of them are still open! We've been going on the rail trail most days, either by our house or driving out to Rabbit Road and walking from there, and also Atalaya, Aspen Vista and the Chamisa trail. There is still some snow higher up, but looking forward to doing some more alpine hikes soon too! We just started a garden on our balcony in plant pots this week, and I'm looking forward to growing some flowers and veggies this summer!
With everything going on right now, I've decided to close my jewelry business (here is the post I shared to announce it). I'm taking orders for everything in the collection for another two weeks, until May 15th, and then I'll just be selling everything that I have in stock until it's gone. I'm having a closing sale right now for 30% off.