Artist S.M. Chavez

Born and raised amidst the rich cultural tapestry of the American Southwest, Native New Mexican artist S.M. Chavez (Sean Michael Chavez) paints a unique vision bridging tradition and innovation. He melds the old with the new, nodding to historic masters such as the Taos Society of Artists while simultaneously embracing the future of Western art. Primarily known for his depiction of the Vaquero, his soothing sense of color and exceptional design firmly places his work within the best of contemporary western art.

Represented by Santa Fe’s Acosta Strong Fine Art on Canyon Road, he continues to sell out solo shows and participates in several museum exhibitions nationally — venues include The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Albuquerque Museum of Art, The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, The Couse-Sharp Historic Site, The Briscoe Western Art Museum and The Coors Western Art Show, where he was recognized as one of three award recipients in 2024.

S.M. Chavez will be participating in the 2025 Prix de West at The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

National and regional publications featuring his work include: Western Art Collector (Cover Image August 2024), Southwest Art, Wild West Magazine, New Mexico Magazine, Santa Fe Magazine, Western Art & Architecture, and Fine Art Connoisseur.

“It is ironic that the history of the Vaquero is a hidden one. Without the Vaquero, the west and the cowboy as we know it doesn’t exist and neither does western art. It is my honor to be painting this subject with the same sense of duty and connection to place that the original cowboy must have felt. The work must be done. It’s a passion. I’m happy to be doing it.”

Acosta-Strong Fine Art
200 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
www.acostastrong.com
(505) 453-1825
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I could not be more thrilled to be represented by Santa Fe gallery, Acosta Strong Fine Art. The gallery showcases both Historic and Contemporary art with western themes. I’m honored to be showing within the same space as the Taos Masters and Santa Fe Cinco Pintores – the artists responsible for making Santa Fe and New Mexico the art destination that it is today.

solo exhibitions
Grand Horizons, Acosta-Strong Fine Art, August 2023 – SOLD OUT
ICONS, Acosta-Strong Fine Art, August 2022 – SOLD OUT
The West, Acosta-Strong Fine Art, 2021 – SOLD OUT
Revelation, Acosta-Strong Fine Art, 2019 – SOLD OUT
New Landscapes, Warren Fine Art, 2018
New Landscapes, Sara Smith Contemporary, 2017