A new community-driven gallery in Santa Fe is reframing how the city sees its unhoused neighbors through their own eyes and through their own art.
Cariño Santa Fe, created through the Unhoused Art Program at Vital Spaces, features photographs taken by participants living in shelters or supportive housing across Santa Fe. Although the program is now closely connected to Vital Spaces, it began independently.
“Unhoused art is not originally a Vital Spaces program. It was started some years ago by a gentleman in Santa Fe named Ryan Williams,” says Kieran Sequoia, program director for Unhoused Art and curator of relationships and development for Vital Places. “And about a year and a half ago, he came to Raashan, who is our executive director, and he wanted the program to be able to serve more people.”
Since joining Vital Spaces, the program has continued to grow.
“We offer six classes every other week to six different shelters here in Santa Fe, and we work with established artists here in Santa Fe that have an art practice that they want to share, and then also members within the community that are interested in sharing their practice,” says Sequoia.
The structure is intentionally accessible for both experienced creatives and people who may be exploring art for the first time.
“When we go into the shelters or into the housing, anyone who is a resident or a guest is able to participate,” says Sequoia.
About a year after the program began operating under Vital Spaces, a new idea surfaced to broaden its reach.
“Pretty quickly after the program started again, I came up with the idea to do a photography project,” says Sequoia. The team purchased 50 black and white disposable cameras and offered them to every participant in the shelters they serve.
“People were given disposable cameras. When they took all the pictures and returned them, they were given a $20 stipend,” says Sequoia.
The purpose of the project extended well beyond the creation of a single exhibition. For the organizer, offering cameras to participants was an act of empowerment and recognition for individuals who often go unseen.
“It was really important to me that the community saw our fellow community members that often get looked over in a way that was relatable and that was equitable,” says Sequoia.
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Sara Atencio-Gonzalez
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Sara Atencio-Gonzalez
The resulting photographs capture quiet details, personal objects, outdoor spaces and moments of connection. Together, they create a powerful portrait of life from the perspective of those who experience housing insecurity.
The gallery reflects values that are central to Vital Spaces. Sequoia emphasizes, “100% of the proceeds go directly back to the artist, and the show was made possible through a lot of community partners.”
Ensuring that artists received full financial benefit was essential. Providing a public platform for their work was equally important.
“Vital Spaces, you know, sort of our whole ethos is that art is a right and that it's accessible to everyone,” says Sequoia.
The exhibition is currently on display to the public through Friday, Dec. 19, at El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe (555 Camino de la Familia). Visitors are welcome during limited gallery hours, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sequoia tells SFR the show will remain open by appointment through Jan. 9.
“Folks can contact me [email protected] to make an appointment," she says.
Vital Spaces hopes the gallery encourages meaningful conversations and fosters a deeper sense of community. For those wishing to attend, the message is simple. “So if you'd like to come, we'd be very happy to have you,” says Sequoia.
For more information about volunteering or donating to support Vital Spaces can be found on their website, vitalspaces.org or email [email protected].
