Blue Rain Gallery is proud to present Banana Republic of Raven, a bold and timely solo exhibition by internationally acclaimed glass artist Preston Singletary, on view from August 15 through August 30, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This show marks the third chapter in an extraordinary artistic collaboration between Singletary and bestselling author Garth Stein; an imaginative pairing that reimagines traditional Tlingit oral narratives for a contemporary world.
Singletary’s latest body of work fuses his mastery of blown and sand-carved glass with layered storytelling, rich in satire and symbolism. Through the lens of Raven, the clever shape-shifter and truth-seeker of Tlingit legend, Singletary and Stein explore themes of ecological collapse, cultural identity, and the absurdities of late capitalism.
A Trickster’s Tale for Our Times
In this latest chapter of their bold and imaginative collaboration, artist Preston Singletary and author Garth Stein deliver another mythic tale from the irreverent mind of Raven, a trickster, a truth-seeker, and an eternal optimist in a world gone sideways.
Nature is out of tune: tides crash without rhythm, killer whales strut in salmon-bone bonnets, and sharks rebrand humans as “Chickens of the Sea.” Corporate fishermen tempt Raven with a lifetime supply of flavor-enhanced, genetically modified salmon—in exchange for his soul.
Torn between hunger and higher purpose, Raven sets off in search of something simpler: peace… and maybe a snack. Along the way, he encounters a grieving Mountain Goat in lands stripped bare, a furious Frog King ready to crack the Earth, and a glowing Thunderbird with designs on political power.
Absurd? Yes. Broken? Probably. But despite it all, Raven can’t shake the belief that the world—wild, ridiculous, and wounded—is still worth saving.
The exhibition features an astonishing array of new works: luminous glass sculptures, carved forms, and totemic figures that speak in both reverent and irreverent tones. Each piece is a visual poem, layered with Indigenous cosmology, environmental commentary, and a healthy dose of trickster mischief.
Singletary’s use of glass as a storytelling medium continues to evolve, offering both fragility and strength as metaphors for the times we live in. Whether casting light on ecological exploitation or lampooning corporate greed, the artist’s creations shimmer with urgency, depth, and imagination.
Visitors to the Banana Republic of Raven will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the complete short story by Garth Stein, which accompanies the exhibition. The full tale of Raven’s surreal odyssey, equal parts fable and farce, can be read in the exhibition catalog, available in both print and digital formats.
Banana Republic of Raven is a highlight of Blue Rain Gallery’s Annual Celebration of Native American Art. We invite you to attend the artist lecture on Wednesday, August 13 at 3:00 PM to hear Preston Singletary speak about his creative process, cultural inspiration, and his ongoing partnership with Garth Stein.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the artist in person at the opening reception on Friday, August 15 from 5:00–8:00 PM. Glass blowing demonstrations will be held at the gallery on August 15 and 16 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM—offering visitors a rare glimpse into the technical artistry behind these compelling works.
Location: Blue Rain Gallery, 544 South Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501, (505) 954-9902, www.blueraingallery.com
Step into the Surreal: Preston Singletary’s Banana Republic of Raven Lands at Blue Rain Gallery, August 15–30, 2025 | Santa Fe, New Mexico
Artist Reception: Friday, August 15 from 5:00–8:00 PM
Artist Talk: Wednesday, August 13 at 3:00 PM
Glass Blowing Demonstrations: August 15 & 16, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
About Blue Rain Gallery
Established in 1993, Blue Rain Gallery has dedicated over 30 years to promoting cultural appreciation, blending innovation with tradition, and advocating for artistic diversity. Specializing in regional, Native American, and Studio Glass art, the gallery represents over 50 living artists in various mediums such as ceramics, paintings, bronze, glass, and jewelry. Beyond the gallery, the commitment to meticulous craftsmanship extends to the Blue Rain Print Shop, offering fine art fused with versatile design, and the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast, an intimate exploration of the Santa Fe art world hosted by founder Leroy Garcia.
