ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

The Historic Santa Fe Foundation is excited to announce a new exhibition at the El Zaguán gallery, titled "Refuge: Precise Papercuts for Chaotic Times." This exhibition features recent works by local artist and educator Bette Yozell, highlighting her captivating explorations in the intricate and meditative art form of papercutting. Yozell’s work explores how precision can offer a personal sanctuary during tumultuous times, reflecting the complexities of the modern world.

Bette Yozell's diverse artistic career provides a rich context for her current work. She has transitioned from stained glass, painting, and printmaking to papercutting, resulting in a unique body of work characterized by clean, bold silhouettes and intricate patterns. Her pieces often explore the natural landscapes of Northern New Mexico, showcasing animals, tranquil spaces, and evocative personal memories.

"I have always been drawn to media that present technical challenges," states Yozell. After years of collecting unique papers, she seized an opportunity for intense focus in the studio to explore this new medium. Her current process involves combining these papers with bold black silhouettes and experimenting with 3D shadow boxes, presenting new challenges that continue to inspire her.

"Making art has always been the thread connecting everything I do and much of what I wish to preserve from my visual experiences. I feel blessed to engage in this work," she reflects.

Contact: Anne Kelly at anne@historicsantafe.org or call 505.983.2567 for more information.

About the Artist:

Ms. Yozell has an extensive background in art education, having studied at the Tyler School of Art in Rome and the Boston Museum School, as well as earning a BS in Art Education from Tufts University. Her teaching career began in Boston in the early 1970s and later took her to Copenhagen, Denmark, where she exhibited widely throughout Europe.

Upon returning to the U.S., she settled in Santa Fe and taught at the College of Santa Fe before serving as the Chair of the Art Department at Santa Fe Prep School for 27 years. Since retiring from teaching in 2011, Ms. Yozell has dedicated herself to working full-time in her studio.