Santa Fe Indian Market Spotlights The Best In Native Art For 98th Year

More than 100,000 visitors from all over the world will descend upon Santa Fe, New Mexico again this August for the 98^th annual Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest and most prestigious juried Native arts show in the world and the largest cultural event in the Southwest.

For lovers of Native art, it’s both the Super Bowl and Christmas morning.

“It is the pinnacle of all Native American art shows,” Ira Wilson, Executive Director of SWAIA, said. “Being a fully juried show ensures only the best art pieces will be available to view or purchase.”

With over 1,100 Native artists from across the United States and Canada selling out of more than 700 booths across 14 city blocks on the historic plaza in Santa Fe, there’s no shortage of material to admire and buy. That material falls into 10 different categories encompassing both traditional and contemporary work: jewelry, pottery, sculpture, textiles, paintings, wooden carvings (kachinas), bead work, baskets and diverse arts, which encompass a variety of items including drums, bows and arrows, cradle boards, etc.

Visitors take advantage of the rare opportunity to buy directly from the artists and learn about contemporary Indian arts and cultures. Quality and authenticity are assured by the SWAIA’s selection process for exhibitors.

Indian Market begins on Saturday, August 17 at 7:00 AM, staying open until 5:00 PM, with Sunday hours from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. It’s not uncommon for collectors to line up early in the morning outside their favorite artist’s booths to have pick of the litter.

Get a jump on the action August 16 from 6:00 PM–8:30 PM when the public is welcomed to a preview of award-winning pieces inside the Santa Fe Community Convention Center at a reduced entrance price.

Also at the convention center, IM: EDGE, a curated, contemporary gallery-style show and sale showcasing artists taking Native art into experimental new directions can be seen Saturday and Sunday.

Debuting in 2014, the Indian Market Haute Couture Fashion Show has exploded in popularity becoming a highlight of the weekend. On August 18 from 4:00 PM–5:00 PM the work of 10 top active Native designers using more than 100 models will pack the convention center.

These are, but a selection of weekend events run by SWAIA. Another entire ecosystem of shows, openings and happenings produced privately throughout town will also be taking place.

Santa Fe’s innumerable art galleries put their best foot forward for Indian Market showcasing their top Native artists. Tony Abeyta at The Owings Gallery. Starr Hardridge at Blue Rain Gallery. Kevin Red Star at Sorrel Sky Gallery to name, but three.

The magnificent La Fonda On the Plaza hotel hosts Sovereign, a contemporary Native American Arts exhibition. Friday and Saturday, visitors can meet over 20 contemporary Native artists while viewing and purchasing their art. The two-day pop-up stays open late both nights until 10:00 PM.

August 14-16 the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, New Mexico’s oldest non-profit, independent museum, welcomes guests to its benefit sale where additional treasures can be found.

At Galerie Züger on Friday and Saturday, don’t miss a unique opportunity to learn more about the incomparable Earl Biss (1947-1998). Lisa Gerstner will be on hand both days signing copies of her Biss biography along with hosting multiple screenings of a new fifteen-minute Biss documentary preview she produced and directed. The gallery also presents a retrospective exhibit of his paintings which, once seen, will not be forgotten.

August 13–16 The Antique American Indian Art Show takes over the El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe in the city’s Railyard with over 70 dealers exhibiting.

All this activity explains how Indian Market generates roughly $100 million in revenues for the City of Santa Fe.

The festivities do have a serious side as well.

“This year we are celebrating the strength of our Native women,” Wilson said. “Our fundraising gala has a theme, Rise and Remember: Honoring the Resilience of Native Women. We will be honoring those who have passed, those who have gone missing and/or murdered, those who are with us fighting for better tomorrows and celebrating our up and coming generations.”

The Gala will raise money for The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women by auctioning 25 hand drums painted by noted Native female artists.

Since 2016, there have been 5,712 reports of missing American Indians and Alaska Native women and girls according to the National Crime Information Center. Murder is the third-leading cause of death among these females and rates of violence on reservations can be up to 10 times higher than the national average according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The epidemic of missing/murdered Native women across the US, Alaska and Canada is astounding,” Wilson said. “It impacts our communities, our tribes, our culture and our history. It is very important we take care of our Native women to continue our story as indigenous peoples.”

For your visit to Indian Market, or any stay in Santa Fe, consider the Inn and Spa at Loretto. Adjacent to the famed Loretto Chapel with its miraculous staircase, the Inn has become one of the most photographed buildings in the state and a Santa Fe icon.

Its location just two blocks from the plaza puts you in the heart of the action while allowing for convenient breaks when your feet or wallet need a rest. There’s great local art to be seen throughout the property as well, in addition to an on-site artist-in-residence program.

You can’t go anywhere in Santa Fe without finding superb art. That includes the state capitol building which houses a stunning collection of original New Mexico art free and open to the public.

Wilson’s best “insider” tip for visitors to Indian Market?

“Buy authentic, buy direct from the artist and most importantly, get to know the artist,” Wilson said. “It is a wonderful way to learn about Native culture and make a human connection. I’ve seen lifelong friendships started at Indian Market. It truly is a wonderful thing to witness.”