Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta names Jim Jennings 2026 artist of the year

By AI, Created 5:40 PM UTC, May 21, 2026, /AGP/ – The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta has named painter Jim Jennings its 2026 Artist of the Year ahead of the five-day event Sept. 23-27, with tickets going on sale June 17. Jennings’ work will anchor the festival’s visual identity as the longtime celebration of Santa Fe’s food, wine and arts scene marks its 35th year.

Why it matters: - The Artist of the Year honor ties Santa Fe’s art identity directly to one of the city’s signature culinary events. - Jennings’ artwork will shape the festival’s public image and promotional materials, giving the 2026 Fiesta a visual theme that matches its food-and-wine focus. - The Fiesta draws thousands of guests and brings together more than 80 wineries, 70-plus restaurants and Santa Fe chefs.

What happened: - The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta named painter Jim Jennings the 2026 Artist of the Year. - The 35th annual Fiesta runs Sept. 23-27, 2026. - Tickets go on sale June 17. - Jennings is a Santa Fe resident of 30 years and is known for landscapes of the American Southwest. - Fiesta Director Mary Hallahan said Jennings captures Northern New Mexico’s natural beauty, luminous skies and creative spirit.

The details: - Jennings’ original artwork will serve as the official image of the 2026 Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta. - The featured piece is titled “Road Trip.” - The artwork will appear in promotional materials, including the commemorative poster. - Jennings is represented in Santa Fe by Acosta Strong Fine Art at 200 Canyon Road. - The piece is a 20-inch by 20-inch oil on canvas. - The artwork will be presented at the Fiesta’s Kickoff Party in mid-September. - The Fiesta will offer a “Buy Now” option for the artwork before the live auction. - Jennings will appear at two poster-signing events during the Fiesta. - Reserve Tasting takes place Thursday, Sept. 24, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. - Grand Tasting takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Marcy Park. - The Fiesta includes wine tastings, seminars, cooking demonstrations, guest-chef luncheons, grilling stations, chile roasting and signature events such as Chile Friday, Phenomenal Femmes Luncheon, The Reserve Tasting and The Grand Tasting. - The organization says the annual five-day Fiesta highlights more than 90 wineries, 70-plus restaurants and Santa Fe chefs. - The Fiesta says the event also supports industry advancement training and children’s education in culinary programming. - More information and updates are available at the Fiesta’s website. - The Fiesta’s social channels include LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Between the lines: - The new “Buy Now” option suggests the Fiesta is broadening access to the featured artwork before auction day. - The annual artist honor reinforces the event’s effort to link culinary tourism with Santa Fe’s broader creative brand. - Jennings’ surreal cloudscapes and high-desert imagery fit the festival’s emphasis on regional identity and place-based storytelling.

What’s next: - Tickets for the 2026 Fiesta go on sale June 17. - Jennings’ artwork will be unveiled at the Kickoff Party in mid-September. - The five-day festival begins Sept. 23 and continues through Sept. 27.