Santa Fe Airport Features Works by Jan Butchofsky in “Fire: Ceremony & Spectacle” Exhibition

I’m thrilled to share that five of my photographs from the Ceremony collection are currently on display at the Santa Fe Regional Airport as part of the Fire: Ceremony & Spectacle exhibition. Running from Friday, August 9th through Thursday, October 24th, this show features a selection of powerful works by artists from across Santa Fe, all reflecting on our deep and complex relationship with fire.

Curated by the Santa Fe Gallery Association in collaboration with the City of Santa Fe Arts & Culture Department, this exhibition explores the force of fire—both destructive and transformative. From lightning strikes and campfires to lava flows and a candle’s flicker, fire has inspired awe and reverence throughout human history. Here in New Mexico, where burn scars mark the landscape, fire symbolizes resilience, rebirth, and a connection to the natural and spiritual world.

The five photographs I’ve contributed to this exhibition are part of my Ceremony series, a deeply personal project rooted in my connection to Southern New Mexico and the homelands of the Mescalero Apache. I was invited as an honored guest to witness and photograph two Coming of Age Ceremonies of Mescalero Apache maidens. These sacred and private ceremonies were an incredible opportunity to observe and capture moments of cultural and spiritual significance. Through these images, I hope to convey the reverence, preparation, and emotion surrounding these ancient traditions.

As an artist, my work focuses on travel and culture, and I strive to create images that resonate with spontaneity and authenticity while respecting the people and traditions I document. The photographs featured in this exhibition offer a glimpse into the heart of these ceremonies, aligning with the larger theme of fire’s transformative power—both in the natural world and in the human spirit.

If you’re traveling through the Santa Fe Regional Airport, I encourage you to take a moment to experience the Fire: Ceremony & Spectacle exhibition and explore the diverse works that highlight the spirit and resilience of our community.

For more about the exhibition, please visit santafegalleryassociation.org/fire.