Historically, artists and creatives have served a vital societal role by using their talents to raise awareness of controversial issues, initiate discussion and protest injustice. For their August/September exhibition, Artists on Santa Fe at 747 Santa Fe Drive is embracing that charge through a group show of artwork that addresses the practice of book banning. The public is invited to an Opening Reception during the Art District’s Third Friday Art Walk, Aug 15, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., First Friday Art Walk, Sept 5, 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., and to view the show during regular gallery hours from August 15 – September 14, 2025.

Societies thrive when individuals are free to read, think, question and understand. While the impulse to restrict certain ideas is as old as the written word itself, banning books restricts open access to information and limits intellectual freedom. The artworks in this show underscore the power that literature has to challenge, provoke, and inspire. The exhibition conveys a story about the enduring importance of freedom in the face of fear and the unyielding resilience of the human spirit to seek knowledge and think for themselves.

Participating artists include Terrel Bailey, Leigh Cabell, Lisa Calzavara, Connie Christensen, Macy Dorf, Patricia J Finley, James Garnett, Terise Harrington Phillips, Kris Iltis, Jon Koenigsberg, Lamecia Landrum, Michelle Lundquist, Teresa Preston and Christine Segal.

Artists on Santa Fe Gallery, 747 Santa Fe Drive, showcases the work of member artists ranging from sculptors and painters to printmakers and jewelers. Regular hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 11 am to 3 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 am to 5 pm and Sundays, Noon to 4 pm, The building is also home to the working studios of 25 + artists. Visitors are invited to explore and discover this exciting and enduring creative hub. For more information visit www.artistsonsantafe.com.

Banner Image: Lisa Calzavara, “Knowledge.”