Mix it Up

Posted by Tim Kassiotis in Santa Fe

Before you attend the October MIX, here are some take-aways from the last one. Taking place the third Thursday of almost every month, Santa Fe Mix is a social event full of mingling, splashy cocktails, art, and making connections.  The mission of Santa Fe Mixes is to bring together all the “young” people in Santa Fe and provide a space for people to network, share ideas, develop business strategies, or collaborate on art.

At this point you’re probably thinking “Really? A social gathering in Santa Fe? I’d rather go to a party at the nursing home”.  Don’t be so quick to judge. The Sept. 19 Mix was full of emphatic conversation, loud music and splashy drinks that brought out the socialite in a city full of introverts.

Sticky MIX was held at Matthew Gray’s studio at 821 W San Mateo Road.  It’s that giant loft studio attached to Chocolate Maven. The name was inspired by Mathew’s work on display, which consisted of six sculptures made from hard cast candy and four large format photographs of other sugar creations. Each sculpture or photograph was lit with a flood light, presenting the vibrant sugar coated works with an ominous tone.

Dozens of mixers gathered around the food table, eagerly waiting for the next full plate of refreshments. Chocolate Maven provided the catering; making sure every one had a bite of one of their exquisite finger sandwiches, cookies, or signature chocolates.  Downstairs Dj Aztec Sol spun records and dropped beats, making sure that the Mix was elevated from a normal gallery opening to party status.

One of the main purposes of a Santa Fe Mix is to collect data. This is done primarily with surveys handed out at the door. Although not mandatory to get in, filling out the survey gets one a free drink. The surveys usually contain a series of simple questions. Last month MIX asked for opinions relating to revitalizing the St. Michael’s Drive corridor, and how to improve it. Which is more important to you? Safety improvements for cross walks, give St. Mike’s a better visual identity, or generating more green space of St. Michael’s Drive?  Have an answer? Congratulations, if you were at the Mix, you would have a free drink by now.

For more information about this or other Santa Fe mixes, visit  the MIX website or find them on Facebook.