A thank you letter from Judy Kendall

In case you didn’t see this letter in da Tempo, I thought I’d share it here. It means a lot that she mentioned me and my early enthusiasm for contemporary Taos art.

Dear Rick.

Today I was remembering Melody ( then Elwell, now Romancito) some twenty years ago when she was the new Tempo Editor. She would come into the Fenix with such enthusiasm for the revival of the more contemporary, abstract art showing in Taos. As we chatted about art I was so grateful for her support as I am now for all the Tempo editors who followed. It was wonderful when you, with aplomb and perseverance stayed! Without the paper’s positive, thoughtful reporting of Fenix openings and events, I could never have thrived in Taos. Thank you! and thank you to all the writers, ad reps and general staff!

As you may know, the Fenix is closing its physical space the end of this month. For a year or more, I have thought that it would be wonderful to pass along this legacy to a new owner, one with creative vision and the energy to carry forth the art represented at the Fenix. The new space is so historic and has been a great venue for showing art. However that was not to be and now the resources have dried up. The gallery will remain intact as a virtual space. I plan to maintain the web site (fenixgallery.com) and represent the artists privately. As they are all here, I can easily set up studio visits. It’s also a time for me to explore new ventures and projects.

While the Fenix was always about showing and selling fine art representing primarily Taos artists, it was so much more for me. It was a community of resourceful, immensely talented artists with high integrity and vision. Without them there was no Fenix and my heart isn’t big enough to express what a privilege it was to hang the shows of such exceptional work. Whenever I traveled I would be intimidated to go to other galleries but as soon as I entered, I knew what quality we had right here in Taos. We had wonderful fun along the way and, imagine, made some money! Thank you can’t do justice to the artists. What a rare luxury to be with this art everyday! The collectors, curators, directors, other gallery owners, designers, editors, caterers, and all the Taos Community made this unlikely venture last a very long time.

My hope is to step forth into this changing world with a modicum of grace and courage, secure in the knowledge that the spirit of art not only in Taos but also within our closely connected world will explode with renewed vitality.

Bravissimo and mil gracias Taos!
Judy Kendall

Thank you, Judy, for all your years of perserverance and grace. Buena Suerte, doña.