In May, May Anne Hayes hosted a presentation at her home in Montclair NY by Rian de Jong.  Below are some photos of the event. 

Patti Bleicher and Rian set up Rian’s work for the presentation.

Rian de Jong

Rian’s latest rings and brooches. Rian’s latest work is inspired by her time in NYC. Rian, has been living on a sailboat, docked at Battery Park for several months; she electroplates her work on the boat, in the shower. The display and packaging is in keeping with her seafaring life-style, blue tissue represents water placed on bags with a nautical map design.

Herman Marres, with hostess Mary-Anne Hayes

Gail Hufjay and Patti wear Rian’s work

Attendees enjoyed an excellent presentation in a wonderful setting

Loupe’s new space

The new Santa Fe SOFA the best time I’ve had at SOFA, and I’ve been to many over the years. Santa Fe has always been a magical place for me, I love the beauty and serenity of the high desert. Over 2,000 people attended opening night with 35 national and international galleries represented. Only one studio jewelry gallery was represented, Charon Kransen, and his booth was constantly packed. My very favorite piece for sale was a large wall weaving by Columbian artist Olga de Amaral with an asking price over $100,000 at Belles Artes Gallery.

Patina Gallery was just down the street from the convention center, where they were celebrating their 10th anniversary with an opening show of Pat Flynn’s work. Leslie Ferrin and Sienna Patti were there checking out the fair for the future and we had a lovely dinner with them.

Some of the highlights for me were the lecture series­ (a good one on Olga de Amaral), tours of local collectors’ homes, a tour of Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio, a visit to an ancient pueblo and the last night an evening of food, wine, and music at the Santa Fe Opera.

There were very few AJF members attending and that was too bad. I’m certainly going next year and hope other AJF members will join me.

Photo: (top) Susan and Allison Barnett at Patina Gallery, Kent Townsend, Susan, and Bennett Bean, (middle) Sienna Patti, Susan and Bill Beech, Susan and Allison Barnett of Patina Gallery, (bottom) Charon Kransen and Susan Beech, the William Zimmer Gallery booth at SOFA