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Art Santa Fe: A Four-Year Journey (2022–2025)

  • admin
  • Aug 23
  • 2 min read

For Dale Sumner, Art Santa Fe has become more than just an exhibition space—it’s a stage for growth, recognition, and meaningful connection. Over four consecutive years, Dale’s evolving body of work has reached collectors, curators, and fellow artists, solidifying his presence in Santa Fe’s vibrant art scene.


2022: Debut Success

July 15–17, 2022

Dale made his debut at Art Santa Fe with six featured works: Toto, Owambe, Rugman, Enough Already, Standing Cloud, and Turquoise Trail.

The show proved to be a strong entry into Santa Fe’s art community. Toto and Standing Cloud were acquired by a local collector, while Enough Already found a new home with a California resident visiting the show. The warm reception affirmed Dale’s creative direction and marked his arrival on the Santa Fe stage.


Booth at Art Santa Fe
Booth at Art Santa Fe

2023: Spotlight Award

July 14–16, 2023

Returning to Santa Fe the following year, Dale exhibited Mali, War-torn, Politics, The Calling, and Amazigh the Wanderer.

His work drew notable attention from organizers and collectors alike, culminating in the Spotlight Award, an honor recognizing his meticulous craftsmanship and creative originality. This milestone elevated Dale’s visibility in the Santa Fe art world and underscored the growing impact of his artistic voice.


Spotlight award
Spotlight award

2024: Storytelling and Connection

July 12–14, 2024

In his third consecutive year at Art Santa Fe, Dale presented eight works: Wanderer, Venice Carnival, Mali, Little Britches, Snow Day, War-torn, Politics, and The Joker.

The show was marked not only by the sale of Venice Carnival but also by powerful moments of connection. Dale met Ukrainian artists, including Lana Kaufman, and shared the story behind War-torn. These exchanges deepened the resonance of his work, highlighting art’s ability to build bridges across cultures and lived experiences.


Dale Sumner with Lana Kaufman, Ukrainian artist
Dale Sumner with Lana Kaufman, Ukrainian artist

2025: Directors Award and Collaboration

July 11–13, 2025

In 2025, Dale returned with five works: Owambe, War Bonnet, Hope, Buffalo Trace, and Selfie Made Man. The exhibition proved to be both commercially and personally significant—War Bonnet was sold, and Hope was consigned to Seraphym Sacred Art Boutique and Gallery in Santa Fe.


That year, Dale was honored with the Directors Award, recognizing his continued contributions to the event’s success. He also began a new chapter of collaboration, working alongside emerging DFW-based artist Catalina Currea (@artbycatalinacurrea). This partnership reflected Dale’s commitment to nurturing creativity across generations and artistic styles.


Directors award
Directors award
Catalina Currea with two of her paintings
Catalina Currea with two of her paintings

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