Day 100 of 117 on our “Go West, Young Man” Two Lane Adventure – Thursday 10/04/18

We had a relaxing day, cleaning, laundry, etc ... to prepare for our 5 nights of dry camping at the balloon fiesta. I would be remiss, if I did not talk about the Sculpture Garden at Santa Fe Skies RV Resort. But, I should start by saying, they call it a garden, but the sculptures span the entire park! Many of the sculptures in the Santa Fe Skies Sculpture Garden were created by Joe Forrest Sackett an Albuquerque artist. 

Joe's sculptures are often abstract and sometimes geometrically based. He works mostly with steel but uses other media as well. Techniques include welding, forging, casting, and carving. Themes are varied. Sackett believes, "Art has teeth and can bite. It should be provocative. However, provocation without beauty or charm is hollow, so I want my work to look good." 

We did find interesting sculptures, outside the park, too. At Prescott Gallery and Studio. Fredrick Prescott has been working with metal since the age of six. But, in 1974, he started exhibiting his work all over the world. He has created special pieces on commission for both private and corporate collectors, including Walt Disney Company, Porsche, and the Chicago Bulls. Prescott’s larger-than-life sculptures have frequently been installed in public parks and venues where people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy them.

His childhood experiences have influenced the kinetic animals and landscapes that have become his artistic trademark. He is the oldest son of the chief inventor and owner of the Universal Coin Meter Company. In a playground of band saws, punch presses and metal grinders, he spent countless hours refining the skills he uses to transform metal into art by cutting, bending, and welding. By age twelve, Prescott was enrolled in a watercolor painting class where he immediately developed a passion for color. By both sculpting and painting his artwork, he began his career fascination for bold and colorful metal sculpture.

We went for homemade Mexican ice cream with some friends, but it was closed. I did capture this unique mural on the wall of a building as we passed! It was not in the best part of Santa Fe, but I loved the purple and blue colors. It was not until I got home that I saw the head laying down in the art.

We enjoyed a limo bus ride back down to Canyon Road near downtown. Going up Canyon Road, it is filled with art studios and shops. 

We were headed to have a Tapas Dinner at El Farol. It is Santa Fe's most historic and iconic restaurant,as the building was built in 1835. It features traditional Spanish tapas, small plates that pack big flavor. They do offer more traditional meals and daily specials.

Our menu was pre-planned for us.

Ensalada Farol – Roasted Pear, Manchego Cheese, Field Greens, Pinon Sherry Vinaigrette

Aguacte – Flash Fried Avacado, Pico de Gallo, Lime Crema

Gamabas al Ajillo – White Shrimp, Garlic Aioli, Smoked Tomato Sauce. Missed the picture of our Patatas Bravas – Marble Potatoes, Garlic Aioli, Smoked Tomato Sauce.

Lanza De Carne – Certified Angus Beef Skewers, Pearl Onions, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, 

Chimichurri. Our dessert was Churros – Cinnamon Sugar, Rich Drinking Chocolate, Whipped Cream.

The walls boast murals painted by famous artists, including Alfred Morang.

We had a dinner show featuring the musicians and dancers of the renowned National Institute of Flamenco. It was an awesome way to end our time in Santa Fe!