Monday, June 5, 2017, Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, was about 60 miles north of Albuquerque/I-40 and not really on the way to anywhere we were determined to visit. This was our best opportunity to visit another state capitol while we were close. The New Mexico capitol building is the third most recently built after Hawaii and Florida. It looks nothing like what you would expect in a capitol building. In fact, it reminded me a lot of the high school Joani and I attended in Hendersonville, TN.

New Mexico's capitol,  known informally as "the Roundhouse," is the only round state capitol in the United States.

The Zia Sun sign is used extensively throughout the capitol and it is featured prominently on their flag. The Zia people, located 35 miles northeast of Albuquerque, have used the symbol since the year 1200. 

There was a special exhibit of contemporary fiber art presented by Studio Art Quilt Associates of New Mexico. The artistry and skill represented was astounding. 

"Glamping" by Rod Daniel

"Flight of Fancy" by Susan Szajer

The capitol building's best feature was the artwork displayed throughout the building. The building, built in 1966, was renovated in 1992. At that time, the Capitol Art Foundation was established. All the art and handcrafted furniture in the capitol's permanent collection was created by New Mexico artists.

“We trust the Loyalty of Old Friends” 1979-1982, by Rob Rikoon – Egg Tempera on Canvas

You might think I am looking the buffalo, below, in the eye, but I was actually looking at a fishing reel that is the iris of the eye (the other iris is the burner of a lantern.) This was one of the most creative pieces of art either of us had ever seen. It was absolutely fascinating seeing the eclectic mix of everyday items coalescing into such a realistic three-dimensional piece. The newspapers used to make the horns were not random.  They were from important historical New Mexico events.

“Buffalo” 1992, by Holly Hughes

This is a close-up of the buffalo's forehead.  What an odd assortment of items.

This close-up is from between his eyes.  Step back a small distance and it works.

Within an easy walking distance of the capitol building was the heart of old town Santa Fe. The entire town felt a little bit like a museum as we walked around.

I was fascinated by the haphazard nature of the old adobe construction.

In the Shop of the Rainbow Man, you will find this outdoor courtyard.

This plaque is on the wall in the back of the courtyard.

Mountain Trails Gallery was dog-friendly.

“Medicine Crow” by Greg Overton, Oil - 40 x 50 - $21,900

Again with the rain clouds that really never resulted in any rain that reached the ground as we made our way home. 

Just on a whim we stopped in a casino and signed up for their cards. They gave us $60 in free play money. We finally figured out the system and walked out with $58.20. What a nice bonus to cap off a nice day.

San Felipe Casino gives you $20 worth of free play and an additional $10 if you are a geezer.  It all must be pumped into the slots, but the money it wins you can keep.  If we were playing with our own money - turning $60 into $58.20 - this would not be good.