This exhibition features an impressive collection of handmade brooms and brushes created by El Zaguán resident artist Julia Tait Dickenson.
The unique pieces included in this exhibition stem from her passion for collecting, finding, and creating. Julia explains, "Brooms, brushes, and sweeping are a part of our collective domestic history, and I create my pieces as part of that tradition. I find joy in discovering interesting and discarded objects, and I love exploring new ways to create brooms and brushes. This year, in particular, I’ve been inspired by the phrase Sweeping Change."
Visitors to "The Broom Room" will experience a unique blend of functionality and artistic innovation.
While Dickenson maintains a keen eye for everyday use, she enjoys venturing into more abstract designs for this exhibition, pushing the boundaries of traditional broom and brush forms.
"While I always keep functionality in mind, this show also offers an opportunity to experiment with abstract concepts, elevating the ordinary, and leading to the creation of unexpected broom structures," Julia notes.
The exhibition will showcase pieces that are both recognizable in their original essence and strikingly transformed into something entirely new. "My goal is to capture and preserve the essence of the original use of each object while transforming it into something completely different," says Julia.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Julia Tait Dickenson arrived in Santa Fe in 1985, bringing with her a degree in studio arts and ceramics. Her time here ignited a passion for jewelry and metal smithing, leading to the establishment of her own business, Thin Air Studio. After 25 years in Vermont, where she raised her family and continued her jewelry work, Julia has returned to Canyon Road at El Zaguan. Her 35-year career as a maker has encompassed a diverse range of creative pursuits, including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, printmaking, and now brooms and brushes. As Thin Air Goods, Julia continues to draw inspiration from cross-cultural craftsmanship, creating objects of beauty and soul for everyday use.
Contact: Anne Kelly at anne@historicsantafe.org or call 505.983.2567 for more information.