Museletter
Sign up for our Muse-letter now and instantly receive a complimentary worksheet on navigating the world as a creative!
History & Editorial Timeline About Serious Play
These summaries provide an overview of Barnett’s continued contributions to the art world establishing Serious Play. They showcase his involvement in exhibitions and campaigns throughout his career.
October 2024, Santa Fe, NM
Ivan Barnett leverages and finesses decades of experience to launch Serious Play LLC, Coaching and Consulting Studio, utilizing his outstanding talents post Patina Gallery here in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
March 8, 2024, The New Mexican
Ivan donates a one of a kind piece of art, a pigmented steel wall collage Romeo & Juliette, to raise funds for the ongoing care of the Alexander Gerard collection of the International Folk Art Museum.
July-August 2023. Patina Gallery, Santa Fe, NM.
Ivan’s creates a hallmark achievement with the “Oxidized” exhibition, featuring jewelry with oxidized surfaces. This exhibition enlists 12 global jewelry artists and features opera stars Emily Fons and Sylvia D’Ermo wearing the pieces, with proceeds benefiting the Santa Fe Opera. Included was the photography of Peter Ogilvie. The event showcases Ivan’s ability to blend different art forms into a cohesive, compelling narrative.
February 5, 2023, KLIMT02
“Meditation with Shadow” is an Ivan Barnett fine art photography exhibition. Barnett takes us on a journey through a very personal and introspective lens where the shadows of Santa Fe are captured and preserved through each click of his camera’s shutter.
January 2023. Patina Gallery, Santa Fe, NM.
In January 2023, Ivan curates an event honoring opera star Susan Graham at Patina Gallery, in conjunction with her performance at the Lensic Theater. This collaboration not only celebrates her remarkable career but also strengthens the gallery’s ties to the performing arts community.
2022. Patina = Beauty Over Time. Patina Gallery, Santa Fe, NM.
Ivan Barnett, along with Patina Gallery, produces and publishes the book Patina = Beauty Over Time.
June-September 2022. Patina Gallery, Santa Fe, NM.
In 2022, Ivan orchestrates “A Season of Blue,” a near year-long campaign inspired by his friendship with opera star Angel Blue. This series of exhibitions explores various interpretations of the color blue, including works by Claire Kahn and a rare auto exhibition. Exhibitions, collections, and events from master metalsmith Peter Schmid of Atelier Zobel to renaissance artist, Claire Kahn, mixed media artist, Ivan Barnett, and many more—all inspired by the universal power of blue.
September 17, 2021, The New Mexican
Barnett sets up the exhibition, “Bad Ass,” that features the photography of Michael Furman. These photographs are featured in a coffee table book that show the rear aesthetics of rare automobiles.
July-September, 2021, Patina Gallery, Santa Fe, NM.
The exhibit, “Starry Night – by Tamsen Z,” by Ann Ziff shows at Patina Gallery with The Santa Fe Opera proudly presents Starry Night, featuring the coveted jewelry of New York jewelry house, Tamsen Z. Starry Night, named in honor of the painting by Vincent Van Gogh, connects a shared passion of gems and jewels under the romance of New Mexico’s night sky.
April 9, 2021, The New Mexican
Seeing the City Different features Ivan Barnett’s 36 digital prints of Santa Fe, New Mexico, taken during the pandemic. This was a cover story feature. The special exhibit is also described in Southwest Contemporary online.
May 29, 2020, The New Mexican
Sol Hill’s metagraphs in “Urban Landscapes,” is an exhibition featuring Hill’s metagraph technique.
October 25, 2019, The New Mexican
Titled “Signs of Life,” this is an exhibition by jewelry artist Claire Kahn. Kahn’s alluring and intricate pieces are crocheted with cylindrical Japanese seed beads and birthstones in works that include bloodstone, silver, and more. The exhibition theme focused on the signs of the zodiac and birthstone gems.
Summer 2019, Munich, Germany.
The “Unearthing New European Makers” exhibition in 2019 marks Ivan Barnett’s return to the Schmuck fair in Munich. His mission to discover fresh talent reinforces Patina Gallery’s global influence and demonstrates his commitment to Barnett continually refreshing the gallery’s offerings with exciting new artists.
Summer 2018, TREND Lookbook
Ivan Barnett jewelry piece is chosen as a feature of a dynamic traveling exhibition, “American Jewelry From New Mexico.”
September 9, 2018, The New Mexican
Ivan Barnett’s sets up an event featuring photographs of Michael Furman’s Porsche automobiles at the Lensic theater and his gallery, Patina Gallery. The exhibition was called Porsche Portraits. It delves into a collection of vintage Porsches and Furman’s views on the aesthetics and design of these iconic cars.
January 19, 2018, The New Mexican
“Silver and White,” discusses an exhibition featuring Ulla and Martin Kaufmann and other European jewelry artists. It explores the exhibition themes, the artistic techniques used, and the public’s positive reception.
October 13, 2017, The New Mexican
“Friendship Forged in Gold” covers an exhibition Barnett set up and curated featuring sculptor Andrew Fisher and jeweler Claire Kahn. It highlights the thematic connections between their works, the materials used, and the public’s positive reception.
July 21, 2017, The New Mexican
The article focuses on Menuez’s photography exhibition of Steve Jobs in conjunction with a jewelry exhibition curated by Ivy Ross called “The Tension of Opposites” hosted by Ivan Barnett at Patina Gallery. The Job’s images are taken from the book Fearless Genius: Photographs of Steve Jobs. It explores the themes of Menuez’s works, the photographic techniques used, and the critical reception of the exhibition.
March 5, 2017, The New Mexican
Titled “Opposites come together in Jacona home,” features Claire Kahn’s beadwork curated by Ivan Barnett. It highlights the thematic elements of Kahn’s pieces, the artistic techniques employed, and the collaboration between Kahn and Barnett.
May 2016, Patina Gallery, Santa Fe, NM.
Savion Glover and Petra Class, Spirit of the Jazz Age and Rhythmical Arrangements.
December 22, 2016, The New Mexican
Titled “Claire Kahn at Patina,” features Claire Kahn’s beadwork curated by Ivan Barnett in the exhibition “Peaceable Kingdom.” It highlights the thematic elements of Kahn’s pieces, the artistic techniques employed, and the collaboration between Kahn and Barnett.
November 13, 2015, The New Mexican
The exhibition by Barnett features the work of photographer Arthur Drooker, Heavy Metal. Drooker’s book discusses photographic techniques, the themes explored in his works, and the critical acclaim received.
June 18, 2015, The New Mexican
Titled “City of Santa Fe Ad Campaign,” this piece covers Ivan Barnett’s contribution to a citywide advertising campaign aimed at promoting Santa Fe’s art and culture. It highlights the campaign’s goals, the artistic elements included, and Barnett’s involvement in crafting a compelling visual narrative for the city.
May 1, 2015, The New Mexican
This fundraiser, “Water, Sky, Earth, and Mountains: The Meditative Landscapes of Tomie dePaola,” covers the exhibition that was also a benefit for The Nature Conservancy. This featured the world-renowned works of children’s book illustrator DePaola and the involvement of Ivan Barnett. It emphasizes the collaboration and friendship between Barnett and DePaola, the thematic elements of nature and conservation, and the exhibition’s impact on the community
September 14, 2014. American Craft Council
Featured article, “A Little Big Gallery,” interviews Barnett about his influence in developing the Patina Gallery since 1999.
Summer 2014 Museum
Ivan Barnett mobile Circlings 5 selected to be a part of the New Mexico Museum of Art.
September 22, 2013, Cision PRWeb
In “Abstraction,” Ivan Barnett’s latest exhibition is explored. It delves into the themes of abstraction in his works, the techniques he employed, and the critical reception of the exhibition. In this case, color was added to the pieces where it hadn’t been done before. The article emphasizes Barnett’s ability to evoke emotions and thoughts through abstract form.
April 5, 2013, The New Mexican
The piece, “Picnic for the Planet,” highlights an event promoting environmental awareness, a collaboration and a fundraiser for The Nature Conservancy. It emphasizes the connection between art and nature, the themes of sustainability, and the event’s impact on raising environmental consciousness. It highlights the intricate craftsmanship of the baskets, the cultural significance, and Barnett’s role in curating and presenting these groundbreaking innovative picnic baskets.
December 3, 2010, Adobe Airstream
Ivan Barnett shows his latest exhibition featuring mobiles “Circlings “ that explores the themes of movement and balance in his works, the materials used, and the critical acclaim received for his innovative approach to sculpture. It delves into the themes of his new works, the techniques he employed, and the critical reception of the exhibition, underscoring Barnett’s continued evolution as an artist. The Museum of New Mexico acquired one of the mobiles for their permanent collection.
August 15, 2010, The New Mexican
Barnett invited about a dozen artists to show their work at Patina highlighting their talents as important Native American makers. He curated the work of several prominent Native American artists for the Southwest Association of Indian Artists (SWAIA) show and reception. This was a collaboration with curator Bruce Bernstein.
December 4, 2009, The New Mexican
Boris Bally’s furniture made from recycled road signs, “High-top Chairs,” is curated by Ivan Barnett. The exhibition highlights the inventive and striking unique design and functionality of Bally’s pieces.
May 1, 2009, The New Mexican
“Homage to Sandro,” an exhibition where Ivan Barnett’s works pay tribute to the late designer Alexander Girard highlights his admiration for Girard and the influence of Girard’s style on his own artistic expression. Proceeds from Barnett’s exhibition benefitted the preservation of Girard’s renowned collection, an entire wing of the Museum of International Folk Art.
May 20, 2007, The New Mexican
Titled “First Fridays,” details a monthly event where Ivan Barnett and other gallerists open their galleries to the public on the first Friday of each month establishing the West Palace Arts District. Barnett and other gallery owners launched an art walk.
September 7, 2007, The New Mexican
“Tonal Constructs,” explores Ivan Barnett’s creative process using found objects to create art. These are wall sculptures in this one-person exhibition. The editorial discusses the themes and inspiration behind his work as well as the techniques he uses in his Santa Fe studio.
May 5, 2006, The New Mexican
This piece on the Santa Fe Symphony and Chorus’ Painted Violins fundraiser, “Critical Ear: Violins,” features Ivan Barnett’s involvement in a project focusing on violins. It delves into the craftsmanship, the intricate details of the instruments, and Barnett’s role in bringing this project to life
April 7, 2006, The New Mexican
The article, “In the Garden,” discusses an exhibition featuring Ivan Barnett’s metal sculptures. It highlights the integration of art and nature, in Barnett’s sculpture.
October 6, 2006, The New Mexican
Titled “Lost and Found: 13 Artists,” was curated by Mary Bennett. It explores the themes of displaced indigenous people. Ivan Barnett hosted the exhibition at Patina Gallery.
September 24, 2004, The New Mexican
This piece, “Women in Wood,” features an exhibition focusing on women artists working with wood. Ivan Barnett’s contributions are highlighted, emphasizing his support for the exhibition.
October 31, 2003, The New Mexican
Ivan Barnett’s latest exhibition, “Free Range Art,” focuses on his unusual assemblages. It highlights the themes of his works, the materials used, and the critical reception of the exhibition, showcasing Barnett’s creativity and innovative approach to sculpture.
June 20, 2003, The New Mexican
Titled “Turning to Wood,” artists Todd Hoyer and Haley Smith discuss Barnett’s exhibition featuring their woodturning. It highlights the artistic techniques, thematic elements, and the exhibition’s impact on the world of contemporary wood sculpture.
December 14, 2001, The New Mexican
Boris Bally’s metal works, with Ivan Barnett’s curatorial involvement in the exhibition explores the themes of Bally’s pieces, the innovative use of metal, and the critical reception of the exhibition. This exhibition was part of Barnett’s first on line auction for Patina Gallery using the internet.
February 9, 2001, The New Mexican
John Jordan’s “Vessels emphasizes the extraordinary craftsmanship, artistic techniques, and the thematic elements explored in the exhibition curated by Ivan Barnett.
September 22, 2000, New Mexican
The “Nicholson Tapestries ” exhibition, highlights works by Barnett and Nicholson. It delves into the concept of the fear of empty spaces, with a focus on the intricate details and a personal artistic collaboration
December 3, 1999, The New Mexican
Ivan Barnett makes a curatorial contribution to an exhibition alongside Robert Cardinale and Tony Anaya. It discusses their individual artistic styles, the themes of their works, and the public’s reception of the exhibition, emphasizing the significance of the featured churches of northern New Mexico.
September 8, 1995, The New Mexican
This piece discusses Ivan Barnett’s inclusion in the prominent Santa Fe Arts Directory, emphasizing his recognition and the significance of his work within the broader context of Santa Fe’s artistic community.
December 10, 1993, The New Mexican
A collaborative exhibition featuring works by artists David Ebner and Ivan Barnett highlights their artistic styles, contributions to the local art scene, and the themes explored in their studio craft furniture collaboration.