The Artist on Santa Fe
Thomas G. Turnquist
　
The Artists on Santa Fe Denver began in 1982 in Denver. The premise was to offer inexpensive
work facilities. Low rents permitted the potter/artists to spend more money on tools and
equipment. The Artists of Santa Fe was purchased in 1997 by well known Denver potter Macy
Dorf. Even though rents would triple after the purchase, they were well below the Denver
rent levels. The facility had 15,000 square feet with three floors. Twenty-five artists were housed.
Nine of the artists worked in clay at the beginning. The clay work ran from low fire to high fire.
A mix of function and pure decorative. A very eclectic array of work.
The building is not a co-op. Each potter has their own equipment and kilns. The gallery is
a co-op and the building takes 20% of sales in exchange for watching the gallery, setting up
new exhibits every month. A plus side is that the people who have a studio have a place
to show their work in one of the top art districts in the City of Denver. The down side is
that the work is only shown inside the facility. Even though everyone is always
producing new work and the gallery looks different every month, it remains the same
group. To overcome this problem, we invite artists of all mediums to be featured for
one month. This gives a new look and prompts people to come in observe what
is available. Variety is an important drawing card.
　
Macy Dorf has been a production potter for forty years and produces a wide variety
of well designed work. Included are bowls, pitchers, cups, platters, mugs, and very large
vessels. The scale runs from small cups to very large vases. He been very successful
with scultural forms of substantial dimensions. The large forms work well his surface treatments.
Nothing seem forced--it all flows in a natural progression.
　
Dorf was a big part of the Denver pottery scene beginning in the late 1960 and early 1970s.
Potters that were part of that era included Maynard Tischler, Roger Lang, Mark Zammantakis.
Duane Johnson, Loie Daily, Maynard Tischler, Herb Schumacher, Ed Oshier, Jim and Nan
McKinnell, Henry Mead, Jim Lario, Gene Lang, Bob Nelson, and Betty Woodman.
Contemporary clay artists do flourish at the Santa Fe Gallery.
　
Many fine artists exhibit and sell at the gallery. This art venue provides variety coupled
with quality. Visitors can feel connected and energized. Each artist handled is there
because of creativity and their love of art and design. A major goal is to expose the
high quality of work that is available to Colorado residents. A successful goal
would be an elevation in sales and an increased awareness in the community
of what is happening at our gallery.