Get Hands-On with the Coe, co–presented by First American Art Magazine, is an interactive celebration of reimagining of the Coe activating our new projects building. Experience Nani Chacon’s (Diné and Chicana) on-going mural project, Will Wilson’s (Diné) CIPX: Critical Indigenous Photographic Exchange, performances by the Lightning Boy Foundation Youth Group hoop dancers, music by DJ Celeste Worl (Tlingit), Axle Contemporary’s art truck, raffle, and food from YouthWorks Santa Fe. Relax, enjoy, and celebrate the arts and community!
“We feel it’s a wonderful time to celebrate our work with the community during this time of reimagining at the Coe Center,” said the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Coe Center and Muscogee/Seminole Jeweler, Kenneth Johnson.
We, at the Coe, care about your health, so we look forward to all of us joining together in protecting our community by everyone wearing their mask at this event—both inside and outside. Wear your most fancy, stylish mask—make it fun! At this event, we are all required to wear a mask at all times, except when eating or drinking. Thank you so very much in advance for your community spirit!
Nani Chacon, Diné and Chicana Painter, will unveil a new mural inspired by the Coe Center’s Indigenous art collection on the Coe’s new project building. Nani’s artwork uses the accessibility of the mural format to spark meaningful inspiration for social change and cultural understanding. Born in Gallup, Chacon is widely recognized as one of the most impactful muralists of our time.
Will Wilson, Diné photographer and member of the Board of Directors of the Coe Center, will engage his interactive photographic project, CIPX: Critical Indigenous Photographic Exchange. Wilson’s photographic process seeks to contribute to our collective understanding of Native American people and, in doing so, our American identity. Wilson is the recipient of the 2017 NM Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the 2020 Doran Artist in Residence at the Yale University Art Gallery, and the Head of Photography at Santa Fe Community College.
Highlights of the Coe’s art collection will be projected within the project building for participants to enjoy. Additionally, the Coe’s curator and collections manager will have a variety of small art projects for event-goers to engage with, including the opportunity to participate in mural making. “What sets us apart in Santa Fe’s art community is that we are truly ‘Hands-On’ —not just a static institution. We hope this event will serve as a taste of the impact of our work,” said Bess Murphy, the Coe Center Curator.
Any celebration would not be complete without music. Tlingit artist and DJ Celeste Worl will spin records, and the Lightning Boy Foundation Youth Group Hoop Dancers will perform.
First American Art Magazine will launch and distribute its highly anticipated summer issue at the event.
“We are thrilled to truly showcase the multifaceted programs, diverse partners, and activities that the Coe Center facilitates for the community,” said Rachel Wixom, President, Executive Director of the Coe Center.