The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts has almost 10,000 pieces of work from 1962 to present day from Indigenous people from across the world. Museum Director Patsy Phillips and Chief Curator Manuela Well-Off-Man join "Conversations Different" to discuss contemporary Native art and what goes into putting the museum's exhibits together. 

The pair talk about current exhibits including "The Stories We Carry," which features contemporary jewelry made by more than 100 Indigenous artists. They also discuss the upcoming exhibit "Dreaming with AI" from Dr. Suzanne Kite (Oglala Lakota) which features installation, performance, and video works that combine machine learning, artificial intelligence and Indigenous knowledge. "Kite’s projects push boundaries formally and thematically and involve concepts that shape the future of contemporary Indigenous art," the museum's website says.

Phillips also discusses how recent grants have strengthened the museum by helping to pay for a full-time staff, offering the ability to create an endowment, and giving the museum the opportunity to offer free admission to visitors on Fridays. 

The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts has almost 10,000 pieces of work from 1962 to present day from Indigenous people from across the world. Museum Director Patsy Phillips and Chief Curator Manuela Well-Off-Man join "Conversations Different" to discuss contemporary Native art and what goes into putting the museum's exhibits together.&nbsp;
The pair talk about current exhibits including "The Stories We Carry," which features contemporary jewelry made by more than 100 Indigenous artists. They also discuss the upcoming exhibit "Dreaming with AI" from Dr. Suzanne Kite (Oglala Lakota) which features installation, performance, and video works that combine machine learning, artificial intelligence and Indigenous knowledge. "Kite&rsquo;s projects push boundaries formally and thematically and involve concepts that shape the future of contemporary Indigenous art," the museum's website says.
Phillips also discusses how recent grants have strengthened the museum by helping to pay for a full-time staff, offering the ability to create an endowment, and giving the museum the opportunity to offer free admission to visitors on Fridays.&nbsp;

Conversations Different is presented by the Santa Fe New Mexican and features host Inez Russell Gomez in provocative talks with local and regional personalities shaping the landscape of Northern New Mexico.

Inez Russell Gomez is Opinion Page Editor at the Santa Fe New Mexican with decades of experience writing and editing the news in America's oldest capital city.

Conversations Different is presented by the Santa Fe New Mexican and features host Inez Russell Gomez in provocative talks with local and regional personalities shaping the landscape of Northern New Mexico.
Inez Russell Gomez is Opinion Page Editor at the Santa Fe New Mexican with decades of experience writing and editing the news in America's oldest capital city.

Conversations Different with Inez Russell Gomez

 IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts director, chief curator discuss new exhibits and grant impacts

The newspaper industry isn’t what it used to be.  

Over the last decade, publications across the country and here in New Mexico have declined, facing inevitable closures because of financial woes and corporate and private interests mandating restructures.  

According to the Medill School’s 2025 State of Local News report, more than two newspapers closed per week last year, adding to what’s called a “news desert.” The term describes a lack of news coverage in communities where there is little to no media presence. The long-term effects are wide from disengaged citizens to unchecked local governments.   

Organizations have started digital outlets to help fill those coverage gaps amid a changing consumer landscape. The Santa Fe New Mexican, a 176-year-old newspaper, is about to do the same in one of those markets.  

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by The Santa Fe New Mexican’s Executive Editor Bill Church to discuss the paper’s bold expansion to Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico. The two discuss why the move is justified for the family-owned company and what new and longtime readers can expect.  

In the episode, Church talks about efforts to create a robust publication that will have professional journalists staffed in that part of the state to cover key issues. Julia Gentin is among the first reporters to be hired.  

Russell Gomez also asks Church about The New Mexican’s own digital growth and products which he says has helped attract a broader state-wide audience.  

More information about the new outlet, including an official name, will be released soon.

The newspaper&nbsp;industry&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;what it used to be.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Over the last decade, publications across the country and here in New Mexico have declined, facing inevitable closures because of financial woes and corporate and private interests mandating restructures.&nbsp;&nbsp;
According to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Medill&nbsp;School&rsquo;s&nbsp;2025 State of Local News&nbsp;<a href="https://localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/projects/state-of-local-news/2025/report/">report</a>,&nbsp;more than two newspapers closed per week last&nbsp;year,&nbsp;adding to&nbsp;what&rsquo;s&nbsp;called a&nbsp;&ldquo;news desert.&rdquo;&nbsp;The&nbsp;term&nbsp;describes&nbsp;a lack of news coverage&nbsp;in communities&nbsp;where there&nbsp;is&nbsp;little&nbsp;to no&nbsp;media presence.&nbsp;The long-term effects are&nbsp;wide from&nbsp;disengaged citizens&nbsp;to&nbsp;unchecked&nbsp;local governments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Organizations have started digital outlets to help fill those coverage gaps amid a changing consumer landscape. The Santa Fe New Mexican, a 176-year-old&nbsp;newspaper,&nbsp;is about to do the same&nbsp;in&nbsp;one of those&nbsp;markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;
On the latest podcast episode of &ldquo;Conversations Different,&rdquo; host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by&nbsp;The Santa Fe New Mexican&rsquo;s Executive Editor Bill Church to discuss the paper&rsquo;s bold expansion to Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico. The two discuss why the move is justified for the family-owned company and what new and longtime readers can expect.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In the episode, Church talks about&nbsp;efforts to&nbsp;create a robust&nbsp;publication&nbsp;that will have&nbsp;professional journalists staffed&nbsp;in that part of the state&nbsp;to cover&nbsp;key&nbsp;issues.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/were-hiring-expanding-into-southern-new-mexico/article_e6044f01-638d-4772-ac4d-33a412cc1d70.html">Julia Gentin</a>&nbsp;is among the first&nbsp;reporters to&nbsp;be hired.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Russell Gomez&nbsp;also&nbsp;asks Church about&nbsp;The New Mexican&rsquo;s own digital growth and products which he says has helped attract a broader state-wide audience.&nbsp;&nbsp;
More information&nbsp;about the new&nbsp;outlet, including an official name, will be released&nbsp;soon.

Bill Church of 'The New Mexican’ discusses the paper’s expansion to Southern New Mexico and reaching readers

If you are on social media, particularly Facebook and TikTok, you may have come across Nité Marquez’s cooking videos. The Taos-based chef uses those platforms to share his passion for cooking, which has drawn thousands of views and followers along the way.  

On his pages, you’ll find tutorials on how to make a variety of authentic New Mexican dishes from stacked red chile enchiladas to classic desserts like natillas. The tutorials have helped people connect with their culture while remembering times when their own family members made these same recipes.   

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Marquez to talk about his journey as a chef. Marquez discusses the people and circumstances that brought him into the kitchen at just 5-years-old and explains how those memories unknowingly trained him for the profession.  

Before going viral on social media, Marquez was a full-time chef, working in restaurants such as Lambert’s, The Stakeout and El Monte Sagrado. He reflects on those experiences and what it was like working for some of Taos’ esteemed eateries. He became an educator, and his students suggested taking to TikTok — and he took off. 

In the episode, he also talks about the significance of preserving cultural recipes, especially for future generations. One way he hopes to do his part is by releasing a series of cookbooks showcasing his recipes. The first edition is in production and will be released soon. More information will be announced on his platforms at a later date.  

Follow his cooking on social media at Nité Marquez or Chef Nité Marquez. 

If you are on social media, particularly Facebook and TikTok, you may have come across Nit&eacute; Marquez&rsquo;s cooking videos. The Taos-based chef uses those platforms to share his passion for cooking, which has drawn thousands of views and followers along the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;
On his pages, you&rsquo;ll find tutorials on how to make a variety of authentic New Mexican dishes from stacked red chile enchiladas to classic desserts like natillas. The tutorials have helped people connect with their culture while remembering times when their own family members made these same recipes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
On the latest podcast episode of &ldquo;Conversations Different,&rdquo; host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Marquez to talk about his journey as a chef. Marquez discusses the people and circumstances that brought him into the kitchen at just 5-years-old and explains how those memories unknowingly trained him for the profession.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Before going viral on social media, Marquez was a full-time chef, working in restaurants such as Lambert&rsquo;s, The Stakeout and El Monte Sagrado. He reflects on those experiences and what it was like working for some of Taos&rsquo; esteemed eateries. He became an educator, and his students suggested taking to TikTok &mdash; and he took off.&nbsp;
In the episode, he also talks about the significance of preserving cultural recipes, especially for future generations. One way he hopes to do his part is by releasing a series of cookbooks showcasing his recipes. The first edition is in production and will be released soon. More information will be announced on his platforms at a later date.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Follow&nbsp;his&nbsp;cooking&nbsp;on social media&nbsp;at&nbsp;Nit&eacute;&nbsp;Marquez or Chef&nbsp;Nit&eacute;&nbsp;Marquez.&nbsp;

Taos chef Nité Marquez shares his journey with cooking, social media stardom and writing cookbooks

Add contemporary dance to the list of experiences you can find in Santa Fe.   

Local company Zeitgeist Dance Theatre is taking the artform to the next level by creating shows that center on emotional human connection in the present moment. The company’s artistic director says the goal is to help audiences see the world more intimately and beyond a reality where day-to-day life keeps people disconnected.   

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Zeitgeist’s artistic director Francisco Gella and apprentice Elena Garcia to discuss the world of contemporary dance and the role it’s played in their creative self-discovery.   

In the episode, Gella elaborates on why he chose to create the dance company while reflecting on what it’s like to choreograph award-winning routines. He notes that intense practice has his dancers working hard to achieve perfection before it’s time to set foot on stage.   

Garcia, a Santa Fe native now attending college, shares her experience with the craft from starting out at the National Dance Institute of New Mexico to being a rising performer alongside Gella. She explains how the opportunity has transformed her life.  

Gella also talks about Zeitgeist’s upcoming panel discussion about its residency event and performances, which include a first-time appearance at The Lensic Theater Aug. 1.  

The discussion will be on July 25 at Zane Bennett Galley in Santa Fe.  

For more information, visit zeitgeistdancetheatre.org.

Add contemporary dance to the list of&nbsp;experiences&nbsp;you can find in Santa Fe.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Local company Zeitgeist Dance Theatre is taking the artform to the next level by creating shows that center on emotional human connection in the present moment. The company&rsquo;s artistic director says the goal is to help audiences see the world more intimately and beyond a reality where day-to-day life keeps people disconnected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
On the latest podcast episode of &ldquo;Conversations Different,&rdquo; host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Zeitgeist&rsquo;s artistic director Francisco Gella and apprentice Elena Garcia to discuss the world of contemporary dance and the role it&rsquo;s played in their creative self-discovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
In the episode, Gella elaborates on why he chose to create the dance company while reflecting on what it&rsquo;s like to choreograph award-winning routines. He notes that intense practice has his dancers working hard to achieve perfection before it&rsquo;s time to set foot on stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Garcia, a Santa Fe native now attending college, shares her experience with the craft from starting out at the National Dance Institute of New Mexico to being a rising performer alongside Gella. She explains how the opportunity has transformed her life.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Gella also talks about Zeitgeist&rsquo;s upcoming panel discussion about its residency event and performances, which include a first-time appearance at The Lensic Theater Aug. 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The&nbsp;discussion&nbsp;will&nbsp;be on&nbsp;July 25&nbsp;at Zane Bennett Galley&nbsp;in Santa Fe.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://zeitgeistdancetheatre.org/">zeitgeistdancetheatre.org</a>.

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts director, chief curator discuss new exhibits and grant impacts

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