Tommy Maccione: Santa Fe Artist known as El Diferente.

History in Santa Fe

From his arrival in 1951, until he passed away four decades later, Tommy Maccione was known as “El Diferente.” Rain or shine, the disheveled artist and his easel became regular fixtures around town. On more than one occasion the authorities would pay a visit to his home after receiving numerous complaints for his menagerie of dogs and cats on his property. Unable to keep up with their care, the artist often traded his paintings for veterinary visits and pet food. Maccione also got involved in politics and ran for mayor of Santa Fe during several elections and one year he even ran for U.S. president. He also participated in the Santa Fe Fiesta parade in outlandish costumes that matched his colorful personality. Today, his impressionist paintings are sold in fine art galleries for thousands of dollars.

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