From The Studio - August
Dear friends and collectors,
The days are stretching long and the shadows are deepening—late summer is sliding into fall, my favorite time of year to paint. My recent show at Blue Rain Gallery was a great success, and I’m so grateful for all your support. I’m also excited to have a few more opportunities this fall to share new work—details are below.
Recently, I had the incredible honor of attending the feast day dances at Santa Clara Pueblo. It was an intimate and powerful experience, made even more meaningful by a special invitation from my Native American friend, Upton Greyshoes, a well-known sculptor. Sharing that sacred day with another artist I admire is something I’ll cherish for a long time. I’ve shared more reflections in the musings below.
I hope your summer has been safe, creative, and inspiring as we head into this season of change and abundance. I happened to wake early this morning—around 3 or 4 AM—and caught a glimpse of a waning crescent moon, a quiet signal that autumn is on its way.
Wishing you all a beautiful, abundant season ahead.
Warmly,
Kathryn Stedham
Home on the Range, view outside my studio
Featured Show:
‘Out West’ at Blue Rain Gallery
I’m sharing a couple of images below from my recent show Out West at Blue Rain Gallery. I’m also honored to have been featured in a thoughtful blog post titled Out West: The Expansive Vision of Kathryn Stedham, written by Rae Chavez of Blue Rain Gallery. Rae visited the studio, captured some lovely video and photos, and we had a meaningful discussion about the work.
Read the article here:
Upcoming Event:
Art Untamed: A Night of Contemporary Western Art
Saturday, October 18 at 6:30 PM
The Coronado Club, Houston, TX
Exhibition runs from Friday, September 26, through Sunday, October 12.
I’m pleased to have work included in this year’s Art Untamed: A Night of Contemporary Western Art—an exciting event that brings together Western-inspired artwork from across the country. Hope to see you there!
At the easel with “Hill Country Gathering”, 16 x 20, oil on canvas, one of three paintings heading to Houston
Save the Date:
17th Annual Celebration of Art at Grand Canyon National Park
Saturday, October 18 at 6:30 PM
Hosted by the Grand Canyon Conservancy
It’s an honor to be participating in the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Celebration of Art, a long-standing tradition that brings together artists inspired by the majesty of the Canyon. To kick off the festivities in advance of the live events, explore the Annual Online Auction and secure your very own piece of Grand Canyon artwork, hand-selected by this year’s artists.
In light of the devastating fires on the North Rim this summer, this contribution feels especially important. Please consider attending or supporting the cause by following the link below. Every bit helps.
Happy day painting on the rim.
Musings:
Special Memory
I was deeply honored to be invited to Santa Clara Pueblo’s Feast Day on August 12 by my dear friend and gifted sculptor, Upton Greyshoes. The day began with beautifully choreographed dances—graceful lines of dancers, arranged from eldest to youngest, moving in time to the steady heartbeat of the drum. My friend is one of the winter Kiva singers, whose songs carried across the plaza from early morning until late afternoon.
Despite the intense summer heat, the dancers pressed on, sweat glistening on their brows, their energy unwavering. Feast Day is both a literal and spiritual celebration—families open their homes to share food, hospitality, and gratitude for the harvest, while the Pueblo fills with song, color, and community. For me, it was also a true feast for the eyes and scenes, vibrant costumes and headpieces, flowing ribbon shirts, the fragrant air rich with the scent of cooking, and the shared tenderness between dancers, singers, elders, and children.
The ceremony opened my heart. Its beauty and spirit linger with me still, and will continue to inspire my days.
A dance group from Elvia Sanchez performs the Hopi Butterfly Dance at the Santa Fe Indian School Feast Day on Oct. 9, 2023. (Photo by Diana Cervantes for Source NM)
