Jenny's View
Summer in Santa Fe
Dear Friends,
Last month, we launched our sister property, Piñon Court by La Fonda, formerly known as Old Santa Fe Inn. The grand unveiling was marked by an energetic block party and ribbon-cutting ceremony that captured the spirit of Santa Fe. It was a wonderful occasion to gather with our ownership group, friends, neighbors, and guests to celebrate this exciting new chapter for Santa Fe lodging.
The Santa Fe Vintage Car Club pulled out all the stops and rolled a variety of classic cars into the historic motor court’s central compound, setting the stage for the celebratory events! Mariachis Aztecas de Santa Fe belted out traditional Mexican tunes from the second story balconies and the talented hoop dancer, Shandien LaRance (Ohkay Owingeh/Assiniboine/Navajo) (and daughter of dear friends of La Fonda, the talented jewelers Steve LaRance and Marian Denipah) and drummer, Edwin Felter (Nambé Pueblo) of Lightning Boy Foundation capped the event with a deeply inspiring blessing and dance performance.
Piñon Court has been beautifully upgraded and is now complete with renovated guest rooms, an updated lobby, and a remodeled dining venue. The newly launched Bistro at Piñon Court offers a a thoughtful menu featuring local cuisine and New Mexico spirits, inspired by our very own Chef Lane Warner. It's a great spot to unwind, savor delicious dishes, and enjoy the unique flavors of our region, all within walking distance of La Fonda and the Santa Fe Plaza. I hope you have a chance to explore this darling property during your next visit.
We are thrilled to welcome the world-renowned Santa Fe International Folk Art Market back to the Santa Fe Railyard from July 12th to 14th for the 20th Anniversary Celebration. After serving on the Board of IFAM for many years, this event holds a special place in my heart. The market brings together more than 160 master artists from over 50 countries to showcase their unique crafts, textiles, jewelry, and more. Here are just a few of the remarkable artists you can look forward to:
- Kamoru Kayode Agbelekale, a talented textile artist from Nigera.
- Maria Stefanescu from Romania, whose intricate ceramic pieces are a testament to her country's rich artistic heritage.
- Carla Fernandez from Mexico City who is revitalizing the textile legacy of indigenous communities.
The market provides a platform for artists to share their talent with our community and in turn our community shows up in droves as volunteers and welcoming hosts, showcasing the best of New Mexican hospitality. We encourage you to explore the incredible variety of work and talented artisans that make their way to our city for this unique market. Purchase tickets here.
And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Santa Fe Indian Market, kicking off on August 17th! This historic event is the largest and most prestigious Native American arts market in the world, and it takes place at our doorstep! It's a unique opportunity to experience the rich heritage and stunning artistry of Native American communities. It’s another highlight of Santa Fe summers and an event I rarely miss. I can’t wait to reconnect with the near and dear friends I’ve made over the years – many of whose work is part of our extensive art collection.
Our very own, Ed Pulsifer took home much deserved accolades from the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards. Add “Volunteer of the Year” to his many hats, including Director of Sales and Hotel Historian. Kudos, Ed!
While we’re thrilled to expand our gracious culture of service beyond our doors here on the Santa Fe Plaza, we remain committed to guests loyal to La Fonda. We can’t wait to welcome you back!
With love,
Jenny
Jennifer Lea Kimball
Ambassador & Board Chairman Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza
