Earlier chapters

by Mike Schwarcz, text and art

Cece was now fully engaged in the launch of SpACE Santa Fe. The opening was now official, November 1st, which meant finalizing furnishings, landscaping, and a myriad other details. Alissa was in town early doing groundwork for PR events. To ensure positive reviews, generous perks, including exclusive parties, swag bags and more were made available to the invited art critics and others who mattered. The pressure was on Miguel also, to move into the new studio, or, what he called The Zoo. He begrudgingly did, gambling that he could get a reprieve from Aisha for good behavior once the premiere was over.
It was the final stretch, and SpACE was blowing out all the stops coercing celebrity artists and regular celebrities, including the Governor, to attend, assuring additional press coverage. Aisha had pulled some strings to gather, and exhibit for the first time, Georgia O'Keeffe's works that had seldom or never been seen in public before. They were hanging alongside works by Miguel Angelo. No artist Miguel knew would complain about that. Suddenly he felt incredibly proud, while recognizing it was all Aisha's doing.
In the 70s O'Keeffe struggled with failing vision. She returned to the emotional symbolism of circles and spirals. A number of these deeply personal watercolor and paper works stayed tucked away in her private collection and were never exhibited publicly until Aisha's arm twisting finally made it happen. There were also celebrities and celebrity artists expected, including Gene Hackett, a Hollywood movie star transplant, and others from New York.

"By the way, Hayden sent word, all of yours are all spoken for." Aisha told Miguel.
"Oh. Really, spoken for? What does that mean? "
"He's got a plan, but I don't know what it is. He works in mysterious ways, that one."
"Speaking of. Is there any chance he'll show up? If so, I need to be prepared."
"I doubt it, Art Basel Miami is only a month away; it's the big money event of the year, he never misses it. But, I'll verify with Mary to be sure."
Miguel held up his hands, all fingers crossed on each of them.
Aisha changed the subject. "We're blazing new territory, you're the local draw, the rising artist who's taking off. Alissa is working with the PR team, creating content daily to keep the show, and its connection to Halloween, and Day of the Dead alive."
"More fodder for the mill, right?" Miguel understood from Cece that PR and Press was ninety percent of what SpACE did.
"Oh, and I'm starting to hear people calling you Miguelangelo. These one name artists are catchy, like Banksy. I just want you to know it wasn't my idea, but don't be surprised if I call you that."
"That may be the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard, but what do I know," Miguel said, understanding there was little he could do about it.
"It's part of building your brand value— a unique name, along with a history of solid shows and strong sales."
Aisha pulled Miguel close to whisper in his ear. "I've decided I want our painting to remain our secret for now. Do you mind?"
No, I think you're right. Let's keep the focus where it belongs." He pinched her bottom, smiling.
"Don't be so cheeky, behave!" she admonished him.
Aisha was working hard to convince Miguel to occupy the new studio, at least until the show ended.
"Just act like you're painting, the punters will never know the difference, I promise."
"Not sure I'd be able to keep a straight face."
The day of the opening, Aisha finally heard back from Mary about Hayden's plans. He was going to Miami, as usual, not Santa Fe. She went to let Miguel know, after sending a text warning Rachel.

On the eve of The Day of the Dead, SpACE Santa Fe Gallery opened its premier exhibition. Featuring giant spotlights, sparklers, and fireworks, it had all the props of a Hollywood blockbuster, including the stars. Everything was perfect. The premiere was announced out front. On a rented, portable marquee.

Second Billing? What the hell, I'll take it Miguel decided when he saw it.
Two artists. One living. One not.

Miguel, Cece, and Aisha all spoke to the sizable crowd before the doors opened for the exhibit. There were no smoke machines or paintings to be lit on fire, but Miguel's prior exhibition was still fresh on everyone's mind, even the Governor mentioned it when they chatted.
When Ron asked her for a price on a piece, Cece explained. "A price tag is never displayed. The prospective buyer will have to meet the gallery's criteria for a qualified buyer before he is told a price and allowed to purchase a piece. And the price won't be negotiable."
Unsatisfied, Ron prodded Miguel with the same question. Miguel replied with what he had only learned a few days before; they were all "spoken for" which he took to mean, they were Hayden's.
"I don't have any proof, but I overheard Rookwood tell Aisha he was going to bury all my paintings. Something about there not being enough time before the show."
"Whatever he meant, it's not surprising, the market seems to be collapsing lately."
"You wouldn't think so by the attendance tonight."
"Yea, you're officially an event!" Ron proclaimed, pointing two index fingers at him.
"Boy, things can surely change in a few months, can't they?"
"Tell you what; I had a lot more fun at the last show."
Aisha found them. "Duty calls, I'm afraid." She took Miguel's arm and steered him inside to welcome the late arriving Goodmans.
"Quite the crowd." Mary stood close to George who was wedged between two potted palms, as they surveyed the room.
"Miguel, Mary and George were instrumental in pulling together the O'Keeffe pieces; they actually own a few of them. It couldn't have happened without them." Aisaha said.
"To be in such esteemed company, I feel unworthy." Miguel humbly bowed to them. Excusing them, Aisha ushered him back inside to meet with a handful of art critics from newspapers and other media.

That's how most of the evening went for him, pulled from one group to another, feted and fawned over, asked ridiculous questions about motivation, and art market conditions. He soldiered on, sneaking out when possible for fresh air, and tokes to help cope with the nonstop drone of art-speak.
Turnout had been strong, as expected. Miguel got a signed photo of himself and the Governor shaking hands. He felt like the whole town had turned out to size him up.
At evening's end, there were mixed feelings all around. Miguel was melancholy, mainly because he knew his time with Aisha was drawing to a close, and he couldn't accept that it was over between them.
Aisha was confused. Weighing her evolving Plan B against the status quo, she was still uncertain of her next move, much less the direction of her life.
Cece was excited to see her career moving ahead at such a clip. Her new gallery key symbolic to her of a new beginning. Cece was relieved that the premiere had gone to plan, just like Roger was going to plan.

Miguel spent the night at Aisha's after the show, but didn't want to get too used to it, knowing she would eventually return to New York. He was actively avoiding that reality. They sat on the deck, talking about the future.
"So, two big successes in a row for you. Congratulations."
"Three counting the Four Seasons."
He beamed. "Yes, but I meant business wise."
"I know what you mean. It's just that every time I think of our first night I smile."
Aisha was warming up to Miguel even more. He made her feel good, safe. He was funny. She sensed he was honest, even though he probably exaggerated, like most men.
"I've decided I'm not going back to the old house, too many memories. I want a fresh start."
"Can I help you house hunt?" Aishe rubbed her hands together.
"Of course, I'd like that. But, how much longer will you actually be here?"
"A week at the most."
"No chance of commuting huh?"
"Not very likely at the moment."
"That sucks, you in New York and me in Santa Fe."
"So beyond that, we have no plans?" Aisha asked.
"I guess I'll finish your portrait, but I'd rather you were here also."
"I'll be back. Or you'll visit me in New York. Help me hang my new painting? Maybe for Christmas?"
"I'd like that.
"Now until the end of the year is the height of the season, when the money is made. Hayden will be distracted by that. Let's see what happens in the next month or so. I think we'll see each other sooner than later."

The rest of November, Miguel had planned to spend in the zoo enclosure performing for the tourists. Fortunately, in Santa Fe, the winter months generally find the ski slopes are more popular than the galleries. He wanted to finish the paintings he owed SpACE as soon as possible, giving him the breathing room to consider other options if necessary. He wanted Aisha in his life, and he had decided he would forsake SpACE if required to make that happen. He had to deliver the paintings, he didn't want any lingering strings attached to Hayden.

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To be continued

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