Join us for an evening shaped by curiosity, connection, and shared support for SITE SANTA FE.

On the occasion of our 2026 Annual Benefit, SITE SANTA FE is thrilled to honor Candice Hopkins (citizen of Carcross/Tagish First Nation), Executive Director and Chief Curator of Forge Project and curator of Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969. Throughout her career, Candice’s incisive exploration of the intersections of history, contemporary art, and Indigeneity has brought forth thoughtful, revelatory, and internationally acclaimed curatorial projects. Her previous work with SITE SANTA FE has included co-curating two International Biennials—SITElines 2014: Unsettled Landscapes and SITElines 2018: Casa tomada—and presenting an array of public programs, performances, and talks over the years. It is our great pleasure to recognize Candice’s visionary leadership as we present her latest dynamic and multifaceted exhibition, Indian Theater, at SITE SANTA FE.

This year, we are embracing the spirit of artistic experimentation and live performance central to Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969 and inviting guests to participate in a roving culinary experience amidst an active landscape of art and gathering.

Each course of this progressive dinner features the artistry of a celebrated chef:

• Crystal Wahpepah (Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma)
• Justin Pioche (Diné)
• Norma Naranjo (Ohkay Owingeh)
• Walter Whitewater (Diné)
• Brian Yazzie (Diné)

Performances include hoop dance by Lightning Boy Foundation, an activation of Nicholas Galanin’s White Carver, and the evening will culminate in a dance party with musical guests The Halluci Nation known for their award winning and energizing dj sets.

The Evening

6 PM: Cocktail hour in the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Lobby, first and second courses, performance by Lightning Boy Foundation

7 PM: Welcome and honoring of Candice Hopkins

7:30 PM: Open galleries, second and third courses served in the Marlene Nathan Meyerson Auditorium and Wallerstein Family Courtyard

8:30 PM: Dessert in the Auditorium and Courtyard

9 PM: Musical Performance by The Halluci Nation!

The Halluci Nation

Formed by Bear Witness and Tim “2oolman” Hill, Ottawa-based The Halluci Nation emerged as a visionary music collective that through their artistry impacts how Indigenous people are seen. Their latest sounds move beyond the club to hard hitting dub-step and drum & bass tracks and further experiments with cross-genre collaborations. Through groundbreaking stage shows and ever-changing visuals, The Halluci Nation creates a multimedia experience that reflects modern Indigenous identity.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Vanguard – $25,000
Marti Meyerson and Jamie Hooper
Gavin Berger and Craig Berggren
Andrew Rudnick
Carl and Marilynn Thoma
Clearstead Avalon Trust
Jeanne and Mickey Klein
Anonymous

Visionary $15,000
Becky and David Gochman; Diane and Werner Grob; Marsha and Robert Jones; Helen Kornblum; Ted Kornblum; Metamorphosis; Rosina Yue

Activator $5,000
Adobe Star Vacation Properties; The Agency; Michael Blum and Mika Van Winkle; The Chicago Woodman Foundation; Jane and Leland Englebardt; Eye of the Horno; John-Mark Horton; Courtney Finch Taylor and Scott Taylor; Pat Hall; Peter Blum Gallery; Kate Sheerin; Marianne Sundquist | High Desert Table; Ellen and Bill Taubman

Innovator $2,500
Elizabeth and James Baskin; JoAnn and Bob Balzer; Century Bank; Scott Allocco and Douglas Clark; Design Warehouse; Elizabeth Glassman; Francis J. Greenburger Family Foundation; Horizon Art Advisory; Anne and Loren Kieve; Pie Projects Contemporary Art; John Rochester and Lawrence Fodor; Lenny Eber and Diane Rubin; Trotta-Bono Contemporary; Zane Bennett Galleries

Collaborator
El Rey Court; Hotel Glorieta; Hotel Santa Fe; The Kitchen Table Santa Fe

Host Committee

Marti Meyerson, Co-Chair
Jeffrey Gibson, Co-Chair
Becky Gochman, Co-Chair
Gavin Berger and Craig Berggren, Co-Chairs
Scott Allocco
Del Curfman
Felipe J. Estudillo Colón
Evan Feldman
Nicholas Galanin
Yon Hudson and Alex Hanna
Marsha Jones
Helen Kornblum
Nicola Lopez
Henry R. Muñoz III
Takeo Royer
Andrew Rudnick
Kristian Stiles
James Trotta-Bono

FAQ

Will there be assigned seats for dinner?
No

Will there be tables and chairs?
YES! There will be tables and chairs, lounge seats, hightop tables, and plenty of places to gather, enjoy the food, and connect with other guests.

What is the event schedule?
At check-in, each guest will receive a program that provides an overview of the evening. This will include wayfinding information, performance times, and details about each dinner course and chef.

Will there be valet service?
Guests will be guided to local parking around SITE SANTA FE. From there, guests will be shuttled to the entrance. Shuttles will be operating all evening so guests may come and go as they please.

SITE SANTA FE’s Annual Benefit seeks to build and strengthen our community of support, gathering patrons around our institution’s artist-centric mission and raising essential funds to continue the exhibitions, education initiatives, and community programming that have positioned SITE as a beacon and a changemaker in the contemporary art world.