Southwest Contemporary teamed up with SITE Santa Fe to produce a series of articles written by high school students taking part in their Young Curators program.
Last year, SITE Santa Fe reached out to Southwest Contemporary about adding a critical writing component to their 2023-24 Young Curators program, an after-school program for area high schoolers to learn how to develop, organize, and curate an art exhibition. In November, SWC publisher Lauren Tresp and I visited with the cohort of Young Curators to talk with them about art writing—the various kinds of art writing, different outlets and publications, why art writing is important, and the needs that it serves.
We then tasked the Young Curators with an assignment: pitch us an art news story, an exhibition review, an interview with an artist, or an essay, then write it up and go through the editing process. Those who followed through would get the opportunity to have their work published on SWC.
Today, we are proud to present the writings of five of SITE’s Young Curators, offering their voices on a range of topics and exhibitions. These include an overview of the Young Curators program, an essay on art and mental health, an interview with a renowned clay and glass artist, and reviews of art exhibitions in Santa Fe, both new and long-standing.
SITE Santa Fe’s 2024 Young Curators’ exhibition is Contemporary Roots: New and Old Traditions, presented from April 5 through April 19, at the Santa Fe Community College.
Read on and discover the next generation of art writers!
“What is the Young Curators Program at SITE Santa Fe?” by Hanbi Park
“The Beauty of Folk Art at Multiple Visions: A Common Bond” by Sara Barrionuevo
“Interview with Nana: Carol Lujan and Her Experience as a Native Artist” by Tara Lujan-Baker
“Navigating Mental Health Through Creative Channels: How Art Influences Our Mental Health” by Sofia Garcia
“Indigenous Futurisms in Shadow and Light” by Ainsley Drinkard
The Young Curators series is presented in partnership with SITE Santa Fe.
