The Paolo Soleri, named after the visionary architect, is a small amphitheater that is part of the Santa Fe Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Although the theater is small, seating maybe 500 people, it offered one of, it not the best, concert experience in New Mexico. The diverse, and generally well-known acts that toured through the venue every summer were a privilege to see in a setting that was so intimate you literally felt like the artist had invited you personally to attend.
The Indian School has been on a massive demolition streak lately and the next item on the chopping block is the Paolo Soleri. As of this morning [url=http://santafereview.com/2010/06/07/the-paolo-soleris-last-hurrah/]superintendent of the Santa Fe Indian School, Everett Chavez, announced that the Paolo will be demolished, likely by the end of the summer. Mr. Chavez contends that the venue is too expensive to operate and that the growing number of (poorly designed) Indian Casino venues are better venues anyway. Other articles also point out that SFIS is planning/constructing an indoor venue that is much larger adjacent to the Paolo.
For anyone who attended a concert at the Paolo Soleri you can imagine what a tragedy it would be to lose it because of the desire to build a bigger theater or worse yet, move even more of the live music scene to the Indian Casinos, which in general offer a terrible experience. Aside from the experience of the place, Paolo Soleri has very few built works, most of which is part of the Arcosanti complex. His work reflected many of the same ideals and attitudes towards sustainability and "greenness" that are now so trendy today. The relationship of his structures with their site, materials and climate were really amazing and his writings even more so.
As the news of this is still new, plans are being formulated to see what can be done, including getting it deemed a historic site. I will continue to update as possible. In the meantime, there is a Facebook Group that you can show your support by joining.
Well in a country where we still have to worry about people tearing down Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, this isn't a real surprise.
While I haven't been to see this amphitheater, I have been to Soleri's Arcosanti and Cosanti in Phoenix.
I was in my early 20s and was preparing to switch majors from computer science to architecture, I'd never left the Midwest US in my life and wanted an adventure somewhere warm. I have to admit is was a very interesting week living out in the desert, and Soleri has done some rather interesting work. I don't know if I buy the whole arcology thing, but they sure had some fascinating techniques for working with concrete.
Architecture in this country is a commodity, mostly owned by the rich. The same kind of people who junk their cars after 5 years because they want the newer one, and need to get a new cell phone every 3 years because the new iPhone came out, or whatever.
latest word is that a santa fe city councilor is introducing a resolution to halt demolition plans; whether they have any jurisdiction on this piece of indian land remains to be seen.
SFIS quietly and quickly demolished some historic structures a couple of years ago; there's very little good faith left between them and the surrounding community.
Dammit that rrreally sucks! Music venues are what got me into architecture and I have spent a lot of time traveling the country to see great venues. I was in Sante Fe a long time ago and was too young to know the importance of this building... So I didn't check it out.
That really sucks and I guess I'll never get to see the ampitheatre. A trip from Georgia to Sante Fe is just not in the cards this summer.
Alan Watson said he feels "impotent" because he can't do anything to save the historic Paolo Soleri Amphitheater. Watson is the chairman of the state's Cultural Properties Review Committee, which grants official historic status to buildings and sites in the state. Though his board usually has authority over the fate of important buildings in the state, it apparently can't do anything about the "impending probable demolition" of the amphitheater, he said Friday.
"I feel totally helpless," he said. "Authority? We have absolutely none, and there is very little we can do. The more I look at it, the more frustration it is I feel. I have no authority to make any difference. I feel pretty impotent."
The 45-year-old amphitheater, designed by famed architect Paolo Soleri, is on the campus of the Santa Fe Indian School, just off Cerrillos Road. Since rumors began swirling in May that the amphitheater would be torn down, there has been a public outcry to save it, and the committee met Friday to discuss its options. Also on Friday, Soleri issued a statement saying he was "willing to do anything to support the preservation of the theater."
No members of the school's management attended the meeting in the Roundhouse. Santa Fe Indian School superintendent Everett Chavez was unavailable for comment.
Since the SFIS and the amphitheater are on tribal land, they do not fall under the state or city of Santa Fe's jurisdiction, said acting state historic preservation officer Jan V. Biella. Biella said that barring any federal loopholes, the school can do what it wants to historic buildings on its property and the Paolo Soleri Amphitheatre. In 2008, to the consternation of many locals, the school demolished a series of dormitories and classroom buildings designed by architect John Gaw Meem. But locals are acting up to save the Paolo Soleri.
Biella said that in 1987 an application was created, though not submitted, to include the SFIS campus in a historic district. On Friday, Santa Fe City Councilor Patti Bushee said she would like to revive that application in some form. A Facebook fan page, started by 1996 SFIS graduate Frances Abeyta, already has nearly 5,000 fans — more than the venue can hold. Abeyta, in tearful testimony Friday, urged the committee to save the amphitheater.
"I grew up on campus. I think a lot of tribal and pueblo people are feeling this loss," Abeyta said. "I'm feeling heartbroken also."
In a press release from the Cosanti Foundation in Arizona, where Soleri lives, the architect is quoted as recalling recently the circumstances that led to the building of the amphitheater, under the auspices of Lloyd Kiva New, who was then director of the Institute of American Indian Arts. New "was the mover that had the imagination and determination to have the outdoor theater" at the school, Soleri recalled. "The construction began as the cooperation of the school's students headed by Lloyd himself and me ... Imagination was at the origin of the theater, imagination is essential now."
Soleri last visited the theater in 2009 and said at the time that he had "rediscovered the value" of the structure.
On Friday, the Cultural Properties Review Committee passed a resolution to send a letter to school officials with two requests. First, the committee wants to meet with school officials to find out if anything can be done to protect the facility. If there's nothing that can be done, the committee wants to fully document the site. "One of the things we do when we see the end coming is fully document the resource before it disappears," Watson said.
William Pacheco, an employee and a 1994 alumnus of the Santa Fe Indian School, has been spearheading a group of alumni who oppose the destruction of the venue. "It's a landmark, not only to students but to Santa Feans," Pacheco said, adding that the amphitheater was "originally built to celebrate Native American performance art." "It blows me away that they want to tear it down," he said. Since 1965, Pacheco said, the SFIS has hosted all of its high school graduations at the Paolo Soleri Amphitheatre, as well as graduations for other Santa Fe high schools. "For me, it marks an important milestone and the feeling is connected through that (amphitheater)," Pacheco said. "It's a direct expression of the tribal leaders' success when someone graduates."
For Santa Fe promoter Jamie Lenfesty, the loss of the Paolo Soleri also means the loss of one of the great theaters in the state, he said. "This is not attempt to challenge the Indian School. This is a plea," Lenfesty said. "This building has been a part of the community for more than 40 years." But, he said, the loss of the amphitheater also takes away an important concert venue in northern New Mexico that has hosted shows by acts as diverse as rapper Nas, singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett and post-punk rockers the Violent Femmes.
There will be two final shows at the Paolo Soleri Amphitheatre, and one public memorial, this summer. Indie rock band Modest Mouse will play the venue July 9, and Paolo favorite Lovett is scheduled to perform at the last concert of the year on July 29. On June 20, the venue will host the memorial service for former Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall.
Jun 13, 10 7:08 pm ·
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Paolo Soleri amphitheater slated for demolition
_
The Paolo Soleri, named after the visionary architect, is a small amphitheater that is part of the Santa Fe Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Although the theater is small, seating maybe 500 people, it offered one of, it not the best, concert experience in New Mexico. The diverse, and generally well-known acts that toured through the venue every summer were a privilege to see in a setting that was so intimate you literally felt like the artist had invited you personally to attend.
The Indian School has been on a massive demolition streak lately and the next item on the chopping block is the Paolo Soleri. As of this morning [url=http://santafereview.com/2010/06/07/the-paolo-soleris-last-hurrah/]superintendent of the Santa Fe Indian School, Everett Chavez, announced that the Paolo will be demolished, likely by the end of the summer. Mr. Chavez contends that the venue is too expensive to operate and that the growing number of (poorly designed) Indian Casino venues are better venues anyway. Other articles also point out that SFIS is planning/constructing an indoor venue that is much larger adjacent to the Paolo.
For anyone who attended a concert at the Paolo Soleri you can imagine what a tragedy it would be to lose it because of the desire to build a bigger theater or worse yet, move even more of the live music scene to the Indian Casinos, which in general offer a terrible experience. Aside from the experience of the place, Paolo Soleri has very few built works, most of which is part of the Arcosanti complex. His work reflected many of the same ideals and attitudes towards sustainability and "greenness" that are now so trendy today. The relationship of his structures with their site, materials and climate were really amazing and his writings even more so.
As the news of this is still new, plans are being formulated to see what can be done, including getting it deemed a historic site. I will continue to update as possible. In the meantime, there is a Facebook Group that you can show your support by joining.
Well in a country where we still have to worry about people tearing down Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, this isn't a real surprise.
While I haven't been to see this amphitheater, I have been to Soleri's Arcosanti and Cosanti in Phoenix.
I was in my early 20s and was preparing to switch majors from computer science to architecture, I'd never left the Midwest US in my life and wanted an adventure somewhere warm. I have to admit is was a very interesting week living out in the desert, and Soleri has done some rather interesting work. I don't know if I buy the whole arcology thing, but they sure had some fascinating techniques for working with concrete.
Architecture in this country is a commodity, mostly owned by the rich. The same kind of people who junk their cars after 5 years because they want the newer one, and need to get a new cell phone every 3 years because the new iPhone came out, or whatever.
latest word is that a santa fe city councilor is introducing a resolution to halt demolition plans; whether they have any jurisdiction on this piece of indian land remains to be seen.
SFIS quietly and quickly demolished some historic structures a couple of years ago; there's very little good faith left between them and the surrounding community.
Dammit that rrreally sucks! Music venues are what got me into architecture and I have spent a lot of time traveling the country to see great venues. I was in Sante Fe a long time ago and was too young to know the importance of this building... So I didn't check it out.
That really sucks and I guess I'll never get to see the ampitheatre. A trip from Georgia to Sante Fe is just not in the cards this summer.
From yesterdays Albuquerque Journal:
Alan Watson said he feels "impotent" because he can't do anything to save the historic Paolo Soleri Amphitheater. Watson is the chairman of the state's Cultural Properties Review Committee, which grants official historic status to buildings and sites in the state. Though his board usually has authority over the fate of important buildings in the state, it apparently can't do anything about the "impending probable demolition" of the amphitheater, he said Friday.
"I feel totally helpless," he said. "Authority? We have absolutely none, and there is very little we can do. The more I look at it, the more frustration it is I feel. I have no authority to make any difference. I feel pretty impotent."
The 45-year-old amphitheater, designed by famed architect Paolo Soleri, is on the campus of the Santa Fe Indian School, just off Cerrillos Road. Since rumors began swirling in May that the amphitheater would be torn down, there has been a public outcry to save it, and the committee met Friday to discuss its options. Also on Friday, Soleri issued a statement saying he was "willing to do anything to support the preservation of the theater."
No members of the school's management attended the meeting in the Roundhouse. Santa Fe Indian School superintendent Everett Chavez was unavailable for comment.
Since the SFIS and the amphitheater are on tribal land, they do not fall under the state or city of Santa Fe's jurisdiction, said acting state historic preservation officer Jan V. Biella. Biella said that barring any federal loopholes, the school can do what it wants to historic buildings on its property and the Paolo Soleri Amphitheatre. In 2008, to the consternation of many locals, the school demolished a series of dormitories and classroom buildings designed by architect John Gaw Meem. But locals are acting up to save the Paolo Soleri.
Biella said that in 1987 an application was created, though not submitted, to include the SFIS campus in a historic district. On Friday, Santa Fe City Councilor Patti Bushee said she would like to revive that application in some form. A Facebook fan page, started by 1996 SFIS graduate Frances Abeyta, already has nearly 5,000 fans — more than the venue can hold. Abeyta, in tearful testimony Friday, urged the committee to save the amphitheater.
"I grew up on campus. I think a lot of tribal and pueblo people are feeling this loss," Abeyta said. "I'm feeling heartbroken also."
In a press release from the Cosanti Foundation in Arizona, where Soleri lives, the architect is quoted as recalling recently the circumstances that led to the building of the amphitheater, under the auspices of Lloyd Kiva New, who was then director of the Institute of American Indian Arts. New "was the mover that had the imagination and determination to have the outdoor theater" at the school, Soleri recalled. "The construction began as the cooperation of the school's students headed by Lloyd himself and me ... Imagination was at the origin of the theater, imagination is essential now."
Soleri last visited the theater in 2009 and said at the time that he had "rediscovered the value" of the structure.
On Friday, the Cultural Properties Review Committee passed a resolution to send a letter to school officials with two requests. First, the committee wants to meet with school officials to find out if anything can be done to protect the facility. If there's nothing that can be done, the committee wants to fully document the site. "One of the things we do when we see the end coming is fully document the resource before it disappears," Watson said.
William Pacheco, an employee and a 1994 alumnus of the Santa Fe Indian School, has been spearheading a group of alumni who oppose the destruction of the venue. "It's a landmark, not only to students but to Santa Feans," Pacheco said, adding that the amphitheater was "originally built to celebrate Native American performance art." "It blows me away that they want to tear it down," he said. Since 1965, Pacheco said, the SFIS has hosted all of its high school graduations at the Paolo Soleri Amphitheatre, as well as graduations for other Santa Fe high schools. "For me, it marks an important milestone and the feeling is connected through that (amphitheater)," Pacheco said. "It's a direct expression of the tribal leaders' success when someone graduates."
For Santa Fe promoter Jamie Lenfesty, the loss of the Paolo Soleri also means the loss of one of the great theaters in the state, he said. "This is not attempt to challenge the Indian School. This is a plea," Lenfesty said. "This building has been a part of the community for more than 40 years." But, he said, the loss of the amphitheater also takes away an important concert venue in northern New Mexico that has hosted shows by acts as diverse as rapper Nas, singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett and post-punk rockers the Violent Femmes.
There will be two final shows at the Paolo Soleri Amphitheatre, and one public memorial, this summer. Indie rock band Modest Mouse will play the venue July 9, and Paolo favorite Lovett is scheduled to perform at the last concert of the year on July 29. On June 20, the venue will host the memorial service for former Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall.
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