The Capitol Art Foundation Collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico [SOLD]

The Capitol Art Foundation Collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico

[New Mexico State Capitol Art Collection]

Softcover, 1998.  Illustrated in color

The mission of the Capitol Art Foundation is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret works of art by New Mexico artists and other relevant works of art in the New Mexico State Capitol.  The intent of acquisitions is to build a collection that represents the diversity of the artistic expression and tradition in New Mexico. The collection reflects that we have and will continue to shape these varied traditions.

This catalog features works by a select group of 30 or more artists, each featured in a full page display.  Additionally, a complete list of works by all artists in the collection as of 1998.

The Capitol Art Collection is an easily accessible, free, one-stop for contemporary art. It is among the most comprehensive collections of contemporary art in the region, featuring works by artists from Taos to Tucumcari and everywhere in between. The work is on permanent exhibition in the collection or on temporary exhibition in one of the Rotunda shows. Viewers can see something new on every visit to the Capitol as works are added on an ongoing basis.

The State Capitol, often referred to as the "Roundhouse," because of its circular structure, houses this permanent, public collection of contemporary art by artists of New Mexico. It is a unique example of how art and politics can enhance each other. The Roundhouse's circular and spacious design offers optimal and abundant wall space and dramatic viewing angles. The collection exists throughout the Capitol Complex-the main building, the Annex walkway, the North Annex, and on the grounds.

The Capitol Art Collection was created in 1991 when the New Mexico Legislature founded the Capitol Art Foundation, a nonprofit art organization whose sole purpose is to direct the Capitol Art Collection and oversee the selection, acquisition, and exhibition of the artwork. The Capitol Art Foundation is made up of 25 to 30 art professionals from throughout the state who represent the artistic and geographic diversity of the state. The result is a model for preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting contemporary regional and local art that serves as an example for Capitols everywhere.

Source: New Mexico Capitol Art Collection website (you can view the entire collection online!)