A Request for Help

Tuition pays only part of the cost of bringing our classes to you. Please support RENESAN’s vital work by making a donation today. Please Donate Now. And we THANK YOU!

Encountering New Mexico: Learn about Great Organizations in your Backyard

ENC S23-01: Global Santa Fe: Dialogue and Diplomacy, Cultural Exchange and Student Engagement

Wed, Mar 15   10 am–noon

In-Person Only $20

Since 1965, Global Santa Fe (formerly Santa Fe Council on International Relations) has elevated global knowledge, ideas, and actions. We recently rebranded: our new name—Global Santa Fe—and our new tagline—Connecting Our World—promise a potent exchange of global experiences, insight, and ideas, calling on members of our communities to become globally informed citizens. This presentation covers our history and our three areas of emphasis: dialogue and diplomacy, cultural exchange, and student engagement.


ENC S23-02   El Rancho de Las Golondrinas: Living History in the La Cienega Valley

Daniel Goodman

Wed, Apr 12    10:00 am-12:00 noon

In-Person Only $20

Founded in the early 1700s, El Rancho de Las Golondrinas was a Paraje, a rest stop on the Camino Real. This presentation covers the history of Las Golondrinas, its development into a living history museum, and its 50 years as a cultural institution in the Southwest. The instructor will highlight Las Golondrinas’s connections to other local institutions, the history of La Cienega, and the archaeology of the area. The development of this historic ranch into a living history museum has preserved over 500 acres of unique cultural landscape and 34 historic buildings for New Mexicans and visitors alike to explore.


ENC S23-03   Benedictine Monastics in New Mexico: Continuing a 15-Century Tradition

Brother Chrysostom

Mon, Jan 23    1:00-3:00 pm

In-Person Only $20

Founded in 1964, the Monastery of Christ in the Desert near Abiquiu provides the home for a community of Benedictine monks, as well as a guesthouse for private retreats. This presentation details the origins, history, and current status of the Monastery. The instructor will also examine the origins, history, and current reality of Benedictine monasticism. Finally, Brother Chrysostom will discuss what it means to be a monk, including vows, roles, and daily life.


ENC S23-04: Girls Inc. of Santa Fe: Developing a Better Understanding of Girls and Youth in Our World

Kim Brown & Madonna Hernandez

Tues, Jan 31     1:00-3:00 pm

In-Person Only $20

Founded in 1955, Girls Inc. of Santa Fe provides youth with life-changing experiences and solutions to the unique issues they face. Girls Inc. gives girls the tools and support they need to succeed, including trained professionals who mentor and guide them in a safe, girls-only environment; peers who share their drive and aspirations; and research-based programming. In this interactive presentation CEO Kim Brown will discuss the status of girls and youth in our community and how we can better support them to be themselves and take leadership roles in our world.


ENC S23-05: The Historic Santa Fe Foundation: A Preservation Future

Pete Warzel, Melanie McWhorter, Mara Saxer

Tues, Jan 31    10:00 am-12:00 noon

In-Person Only $20

Founded in 1961, the Historic Santa Fe Foundation (HSFF) focuses on preserving, protecting, and promoting the diverse cultural heritage of the Santa Fe area and educating the public about Santa Fe’s history and the importance of preservation. This presentation tells the story of HSFF’s founding in the context of urban renewal and building development, the development of vision and programs over the next 50 years, and the recent shift to a more public-facing, relevant organization, including interaction with the city, state, and collaborative organizations.


ENC S23-06: National Dance Institute New Mexico: Courageous Innovation Using Performing Arts to Impact Educational Outcomes Across NM

Russell Baker

Tues, March 28    1:00-3:00 pm

In-Person Only $20

National Dance Institute (NDI) uses a compelling combination of performing arts, youth development, and physical fitness to address gaps in New Mexicans’ access to arts. This presentation describes our programs, details our impact across time, illustrates our pandemic and post-pandemic innovations, and portrays how we engage community partners. We will provide an overview of NDI New Mexico’s child-focused non-profit work in New Mexico. This will include videos and conclude with a participant discussion.


ENC S23-07   Santa Fe Botanical Garden: More Than Just a Pretty Place

Christie Collins

Wed, Mar 29    10:00 am-12:00 noon

In-Person Only $20

Created in 1987, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden celebrates, cultivates and conserves the rich botanical heritage and biodiversity of our region. This presentation covers the garden’s history and highlights the three main sections of the garden: Orchard Gardens, Ojos y Manos (Eyes and Hands), and Piñon-Juniper Woodland. We will discuss each garden section’s design, water conservation efforts, and layout strategies. How can we create a successful botanic garden at 7000 feet? We will also discuss upcoming public programs and garden lectures.


ENC S23-08: Going Down to the Crossroads: The Natural and Cultural History of Pecos National Historical Park

Jeremy Moss

Tues, Mar 21    10:00 am-12 noon

In-Person Only $20

Located in the Upper Pecos River Valley, Pecos National Historical Park sits at a natural and cultural crossroads through which hunters, gatherers, traders, conquerors, explorers, immigrants, soldiers, ranchers, and tourists have passed. The park preserves and interprets almost 12,000 years of cultural and natural history. This presentation provides an overview of the park’s history and landscapes, including the role that archaeology and historic preservation has played in the creation of Pecos National Historical Park.


ENC S23-09: Spanish Colonial Arts Society: Preservation of Hispanic New Mexico Heritage

Jana Gottshalk

Thurs, Mar 23    10:00 am-12:00 noon

In-Person Only $20

Since the Spanish Colonial Arts Society was created in 1928, its mission has been to preserve the cultural heritage and living traditions of Hispanic New Mexico. Its permanent collection of nearly 4,000 items includes Spanish Colonial art and Peruvian Colonial art. This presentation chronicles the history of the Spanish Colonial Art Society and its influence on the arts and art market of Santa Fe and surrounding areas.


ENC S23-10: STEM Santa Fe: Tackling Diversity in STEM Education and Opportunities

Lina Germann

Mon, Mar 6    1:00-3:00 pm

In-Person Only $20

STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) Santa Fe, advocates for, develops, and provides STEM programming, mentoring, and resources for all youth, especially underrepresented groups. They seek to equip students with STEM skills and to build pathways to STEM internships, certificates, and careers. Join STEM Santa Fe CEO Lina Germann to learn about the origin, history, and great work being done by STEM Santa Fe.

Global Santa Fe Council on International Relations
Global Santa Fe presentation
El Rancho de Las Golondrinas
El Rancho de Las Golondrinas 2
Monastery of Christ in the Desert Abiquiu
Benedictine monasticism
Girls Inc of Santa Fe
Old Santa Fe Today
NDI New Mexico
logo NDI New Mexico
Spanish Colonial Arts Society
new mexican textile
STEM internships
STEM Santa Fe

Encountering New Mexico: Explore the Wealth of New Mexico Organizations that Matter

CASA First Santa Fe NM
Santa Fe Desert Chorale
Santa Fe Desert Chorale 2
Los Luceros
Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde
Santa Fe animal shelter
Santa Fe animal shelter dogs
Santa Fe Food Depot
Center for Contemporary Arts Santa Fe CCA
Center for Contemporary Arts CCA
New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary
New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary Santa Fe
Ghost Ranch
Ghost Ranch New Mexico
ENC S23-11: CASA First:
Mitigating the Impact of Childhood Trauma & Advocating for Children in Foster Care
Annie Rasquin & Veronica Krupnick
Tues, Apr 18    10:00 am-12:00 noon
In-Person Only $20

Founded in 1977, CASA First (Court-Appointed Special Advocates, First Judicial District) has advocated for thousands of foster children from Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos counties. This session will first introduce CASA First’s CASITA (Court-Appointed Special Infant Toddler Advocate) Program. The second half of the session will focus on the needs of older youth in foster care, highlighting those at risk of aging out. This presentation will help students identify and understand trauma symptoms and gain skills in creating resilience in children of all ages.


ENC S23-12 or ENC S23-12-Z:
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale: Making Glorious Choral Music Since 1982
Emma Marzen
Tues, Apr 25    10:00 am-12:00 noon
Hybrid (ZOOM or In-Person)       $20

Founded in 1982 by Lawrence “Larry” Bandfield, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale (SFDC) is one of the longest-running professional music organizations in New Mexico, performing repertoire spanning seven centuries, from early polyphony to contemporary works. The composition of the Chorale is truly national in scope, and the ensemble is recognized as one of the finest American chamber choirs. The instructor will discuss the Chorale’s structure, history, and contributions to Santa Fe and the choral art form. Professional SFDC artists will join to further enrich the discussion.


ENC S23-13 or  ENC S23-13-Z:
Los Luceros: Revealing a Hidden Gem of New Mexico
Carlyn Stewart
Mon, Apr 3    1:00-3:00 pm
Hybrid (ZOOM or In-Person) $20

Designated a historic site in 2019, Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde includes 148 acres of towering cottonwood trees, rolling agricultural fields, incredibly preserved historic buildings, a delightful apple orchard, four miles of traditional acequia ditches, and a bosque full of wildlife, all sitting on the bank of the beautiful Rio Grande. The centerpiece is a 5,700 square-foot, 18th century Territorial-style adobe hacienda or “great house.” Why do so many people love Los Luceros? The instructor will discuss the site’s history and its current programs and projects, and help students excavate this “hidden gem.”


ENC S23-14: Santa Fe Animal Shelter: Creating a Foundation for the Future in Animal Welfare

Jack Hagerman
Wed, Jan 25    3:15-5:15 pm
In-Person Only $20

In the post pandemic world, animal shelters around the country struggle with higher admission rates and crisis-level veterinarian shortages while trying to address the core issues that lead to companion animal homelessness. Santa Fe Animal Shelter’s CEO Jack Hagerman provides an overview of the state of animal welfare in New Mexico and how his team is transforming animal services in Santa Fe to increase lifesaving, keep families together, and end companion animal homelessness in our community. He’ll probably show you some pictures of his dog too. Just go with it.


The Lightning Field by sculptor Walter De MariaENC S23-15-Z: The Lightning Field (Dia Art Foundation)
Alexis Lowry & Meagan Mattingly
Wed, Mar 29    1:00-2:30 pm
ZOOM Only $20

The Lightning Field (1977) by American sculptor Walter De Maria is a work of land art situated in a remote area of the high desert of western New Mexico. It includes 400 polished stainless-steel poles installed in a grid array measuring one mile by one kilometer. The poles—two inches in diameter and 20 feet in height—are spaced 220 feet apart. Commissioned and maintained by Dia Art Foundation, The Lightning Field exemplifies Dia’s commitment to supporting art projects whose nature and scale exceed the limits of traditional museum or gallery. Come learn more about this amazing work and about the Dia Art Foundation.


ENC S23-16:The Food Depot: Northern New Mexico‘s Food Bank
Kira Howard & Mary Ferguson
Tues, Jan 17    1:00-3:00 pm
In-Person Only    $20

The Food Depot is northern New Mexico’s food bank. Now in our 29th year, The Food Depot is the backbone of hunger relief in nine counties in northern New Mexico. Half of our operations are devoted to serving 81 partner agencies in 143 locations with the food their clients need; the other half is direct service programs we design and staff ourselves. Come learn more about our history, our robust volunteer program, and the vital role we play in food insecurity.


ENC S23-17: Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA): Celebrating Creativity through Transformative Experiences

Danyelle Means

Mon, Apr 10    3:15-5:15 pm

In-Person Only    $20

Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA), a 43-year-old organization, draws strength and tenacity from its grassroots origins as an artist-centered space. Having emerged post-pandemic with new leadership and several new Board members, CCA has re-aligned its mission with the needs of Santa Fe’s cultural landscape. Still centering on the artist’s voice, CCA looks to highlight the variety of voices within the arts, focusing not just on film and visual arts, but on performance and literature as well.


ENC S23-18: The Sky Center/New Mexico Suicide Intervention Project: Meeting the Challenge of Youth Suicide through Resiliency, Courage, Connection, and Hope

Carlotta Saiz

Wed, Jan 18    10 am-12 noon

In-Person Only    $20

For over 20 years, the Sky Center/NMSIP has addressed the risk of youth suicide in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico. This presentation will look at the high rate of youth suicide by providing an overview of our programs, ranging from prevention to early intervention to postvention. We will also cover the Sky Center’s Toolkit for Wellbeing, our unique approach to reduce risk and increase protection by enhancing wellbeing.


ENC S23-19: Celebrating The New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary

Mark White

Tues, Jan 17    3:15-5:15 pm

In-Person Only    $20

Located in Santa Fe’s historic Railyard District, the Vladem Contemporary is one of North America’s most innovative spaces for creating, learning about, and appreciating contemporary art. The new space includes an education center, flexible exhibition space, an artist-in-residence program, exterior displays, and outdoor spaces for community gatherings. Executive Director Dr. Mark White describes and displays images of the Vladem’s inaugural exhibition and discusses the educational and social programming planned for the Vladem’s first year.


ENC S23-20: Ghost Ranch: From Dinosaurs to Choral Music

David Mills, Gretchen Gürtler, & Julia

Haywood

Wed, March 15    3:15-5:15 pm

In-Person Only    $20

Ghost Ranch history includes dinosaurs, Puebloan and other native peoples, Spanish explorers, cattle rustlers, witches, ghosts, a poker game, a dude ranch, an early environmentalist, Georgia O’Keeffe, and the Presbyterian Church. Under the shadow of a mighty rock, Ghost Ranch is now an education and retreat center managed as the non-profit National Ghost Ranch Foundation. Ghost Ranch continues to touch lives. Learn more about this “thin place” set in the iconic red and yellow hills of northern New Mexico.

RENESAN Offices are open M-Th, 9:30-4

Important dates:
  • January 17: Spring 2023 courses begin
  • April 27: Spring 2023 courses end
Cancelled Courses:
  • FILM S23-04-Z: Moving to Normalcy and Humanity in America’s Penal System has been cancelled.
  • HIS S23-06: History of the Inquisition in New Mexico has been cancelled.
Click to download a semester calendar and catalog.
Printed brochures are available in bins outside the RENESAN offices at 1200 Old Pecos Trail.
Office location: 1200 Old Pecos Trail in St. John’s First United
Methodist Church
Email director@renesan.org with questions.
Phone Number: (505) 982-9274.

Newsletters

Ghost Ranch

Encountering New Mexico

Stalin and Lenin
New Mexico Museum of Art
the twilight zone

God’s Reluctant Saints