Photos Caitlin Elizabeth
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ituated in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic Railyard district, Casa Nova is a dynamic upmarket shop highly regarded for its unique blend of art, craft and contemporary design. Perhaps best described as “New African,” the house style is urban, edgy and vibrant with echoes of traditional Africa. Owner Natalie Fitz-Gerald likes to refer to her shop as a “visual feast.” Creating a medley of cultural fusion, she personally sources her stock from primarily African countries, though other regions of the world are also represented. “I was born in South Africa,” she notes, “and for many years I admired all the wonderful art being created in rural cooperatives. I knew I wanted to open a store one day and sell those exceptional products.”
The cornerstone of Casa Nova’s trading ethos is the support and nurturing of local artists, craftspeople and designers. Empowering artisans and artists, and thus creating sustainable employment, is an integral part of Casa Nova’s business ethos. To this end, Casa Nova assists with product development and design by collaborating with local craftspeople. The result is innovative, finely-made work. Fitz-Gerald’s co-conspirator is the evereffervescent Nelly-Joy Irakoze, a Burundi native who previously ran a Santa Fe bed and breakfast. “The best thing about Casa Nova is the joy I feel when I walk in the door,” she says. “I am very fortunate to be part of this amazing gallery, and am happy to be surrounded every day by the unique art and craft Casa Nova offers. It brings me back home each time I enter Casa Nova!” Casa Nova’s inventory of textiles, tribal art and home décor range from elegantly
functional to leading-edge contemporary. Noted throughout the store is the use of black and white with accented color. Black and white are two of the most emotive visuals in nature. The melding or juxtaposition of these two shades can be either simple or complex, and offer endless opportunities that other color schemes just don’t manage to generate. Figurative sculptures and adorable knit zebra dolls adorn geometric bedding; elegantly shaped ceramics twist and spire with delicate white lines; chic throw-pillows add a softening touch to any room. By combining the starkness of black and white with the world of African color, Casa Nova offers the best of the continent’s artistic talent. Casa Nova by Natalie The Art of Living and Living With Art 530 S. Guadalupe St. 505.983.8558 CasaNovaGallery.com