Travel to Land of Enchantment

A Journey Through Time and Art with Ivan Barnett

My love for Santa Fe began in the early 1950s when I first traveled here with my parents. Even as a child, I sensed something extraordinary about this place—the richness of its culture, the depth of its history, and the ever-present pulse of creativity. Decades later, after calling this place home for more than 30 years, I continue to be captivated by its charm. For those who like to travel, our city is not just a destination; it is an immersive experience that blends history, art, and an appreciation for the unexpected.

Ivan seriously playing on Kit Carson Road, 1952

One of my favorite places to reflect on our deep artistic roots is the Palace of the Governors Courtyard. This historic site played a crucial role in the city’s early art colony, and I often imagine the conversations that must have taken place there among artists who traveled here at the turn of the 20th century. Walking through the courtyard today, you can still feel the energy of those creative minds that shaped the city’s legacy.

Serious Play on Route 66

“The City Different”

“The city different” streets tell their own stories, revealing layers of history and culture at every turn. Take, for instance, the oldest house in America on East De Vargas Street, built in 1609. Next to it stands the San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the United States. These sites are a testament to the unique ability to preserve its past while embracing modern influences. Unlike other American cities, where history is often tucked away in museums, here you can reach out and touch the past, walking in the footsteps of those who came before us.

Throughout my years here, I have also developed a deep appreciation for the mural culture that lines its streets and alleys. Some of my earliest encounters with faith and spirituality were shaped by my childhood trips to Mexico, where I marveled at the intricate religious artwork in the country’s ancient churches. That same reverence for storytelling through art can be found here where murals depict stories of resilience, faith, and identity.

New Mexico Museum of Art, Palace Avenue, historic Santa Fe

Other places to Explore

Another one of my favorite places is the Santa Fe History Museum. One particularly memorable visit took place on a winter day in 2021 when I had the museum almost entirely to myself. Wandering its dimly lit rooms, I was reminded of how delicate and precious this city is. This place is more than just a cultural hub—it is a living museum, a place where history, art, and everyday life intertwine seamlessly.

For those exploring Santa Fe, I encourage you to take time to wander. Walk down Agua Fria Street and admire the beautifully aged architecture, or stop by the Baumann House, once home to the famed woodblock artist Gustav Baumann. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon an old relic like the Allis Chalmers tractor, which has been resting in the same spot for decades, a testament to time and perseverance.

Serious Play Sunset, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2024

Our city is best experienced with an open heart and an observant eye. Every adobe wall, every worn wooden doorway, every dusty side street holds a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you are here for a short visit or a lifetime, let the city reveal itself to you, just as it has to me.

Click here for a link from the New York Times on how to spend 36 hours in Santa Fe.

Photo Images by Ivan Barnett.

Travel to Land of Enchantment