ArtWalk Santa Fe is run by a small team of dedicated artists. We started this project because we wanted these events to exist for ourselves, our creative friends, and our local community of artists. There is no big anonymous company running things behind the scenes, just our little three person team (plus a crew of lovely volunteers who help set up and lug heavy objects on market days). Over the next few posts, we’ll be introducing ourselves, starting with co-founder Alex Streeper. If you’ve seen our Artist Spotlight series, this interview format and the questions might look familiar. That’s because we’re all artists ourselves, so in the spirit of taking our own places in the Santa Fe arts community, we’re answering them too.
ArtWalk: When did you start making art, and what prompted your creativity?
Alex Streeper: I started embroidering when I was a kid in elementary school. I went to a Catholic school in Mexico and that’s one of the activities that the nuns would make you do as part of the arts class. I learned to do flower beaded bracelets also in elementary school, but I don’t remember who taught me. I stopped embroidering and beading after middle school, and came back to it in 2020 during the pandemic, when everyone was looking for something to do while we were in lockdown.
AW: Where do you most frequently create your art? Is it a dedicated space, outdoors, somewhere in your home, shared with other uses?
AS: At my house. First it was on my dining room table, but the more I created the more space I needed, so I turned our living room into my studio and now I have projects all over.
AW: Other than at ArtWalks, where can people find your artwork, either in person or online?
AS: In person, you can often find me at the Mercado Southside, and some of my bigger pieces are for sale at the Historic Santa Fe Foundation’s gift shop. Online, you can find me on Etsy at Alita’s Mexican Curios.
AW: What are your goals and dreams as an artist going forward?
AS: I would like to create art pieces that you can hang on your wall, not only wearables. I’m working on a beaded piece as part of a collection of 3 pieces (one done, two to go). I would like to see them on display at a gallery some day.
AW: Tell us more about your art – for example, what is your favorite medium, what styles do you like to work in, are there themes you follow?
AS: Embroidery on felt is my favorite medium, and the one I do most often. Adding beads gives it an extra shine. My style is Mexican folk, so lots of bright colors all over the place.
AW: What advice would you give to other artists that are just starting?
AS: Sometimes you’ll like what you created, sometimes you won’t, but you should still put everything out there… you’ll be surprised to find out that some people like those pieces that you thought were ugly or bad. There are so many people out there, tastes vary. Also, sometimes inspiration won’t come, so just sit down and start something, no matter what, and see where that takes you… Inspiration might just arrive by surprise.
AW: Do you have a most used tool or tip that other artists should know about?
AS: I’ve found that clear E6000 is the best glue to bind the front of the piece to the backing (not the fabric glue, which separates easily). Also a pair of manicure scissors are the best for making precise cuts to the felt when trying to shape the piece.
AW: What is your favorite color?
AS: Pink and red, they give everything a fun pop of color!
AW: Do you have any favorite artists? If they’re living and active, feel free to tag them so we can all see!
AS: So many from Instagram! @rockthepandajewellery, @mypapercrane, @squidly.store (located in ABQ, she also creates her own line of jewelry), @avmariacreations, @labcreature (also local), @shewillgrowoutofit, @gabyvilchiz
AW: What are your thoughts on and experiences with ArtWalk and vending so far?
AS: I’m one of the organizers so I’m biased. I like that every event is different so it feels like you’re attending a new event every time. Also the rotating of the artists makes it so we can grow a bigger, more exciting community + I get to meet new creative people and pick their brains all the time.
ArtWalk Santa Fe 