I also love the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, which shores up the edge of downtown with a contemporary burst at 210 North Santa Fe Avenue. I always try to visit at least once a year, usually to take in the centers themed summer art shows. But I might have to make the trip a bit early this time, because the centers contribution to the Wild West-style doins is Art & Beauty to Boot, a three-day show of famous cowboy boots from the likes of Dale Evans, Robert Redford and Nolan Ryan, past presidents Reagan and Clinton and, from closer to home, U.S. Representative John Salazar. There are more than twenty pairs in all, and the viewing which begins at 11 a.m. daily, through Saturday is enhanced by a selection of cowboy paintings from the King Collection. Plus, no fewer than three Miss Rodeo Americas will emcee a reception and silent auction tonight from 5 to 7 p.m.
For festival details, visit www.wildwestfest.com; log on to www.sdc-arts.org or call 1-719-295-7200 for information on the boot show.
Thu., May 14, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., May 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., May 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 2009