SWAIA’s Santa Fe Indian Market is coming Aug. 22-23. It is one of the largest art markets in the world.
While you can see and buy a huge selection of Native art from incredibly talented artists, there are also many other activities during the Market. I love the Santa Fe Indian Market because of the diverse activities — films, fashion shows, entertainment and Native foods.
Check out this SWAIA video of a market in the past.
The Contemporary Hispanic Market was the same weekend as the Spanish Market. There were dozens of contemporary artists showcasing their work on Lincoln Street in Santa Fe.
I enjoyed visited with the artists, but particularly had fun talking with Devin Vasquez. All of Devin Vasquez’s work just makes me smile. Her enthusiasm for her pieces is also terrific.
She had fun showing customers the ins and outs of her recycled art pieces. Check out the slide show below of both sides of one piece of art and the inside too. I think collectors should keep an eye on this talented teen artist and her business Miss Fortune Couture.
Retablos by Ana E
Simona’s Saints
Youth artists are mentored by adults and participate in the Spanish Market. Two young women were eager to show their artwork. Many youth artists sell out on Saturday, the opening day of the market. The prices are reasonable and it’s a great way to support the young artists. Many of the young artists will jury into the adult market when they get older.
Santero Nicolas Otero of Los Lunas
Perhaps, one of the most sought after items at Santa Fe’s Spanish Market are representations of saints. When they are painted on boards they are called retablos. When they are carved figures they are known as bultos. When men create the images they are known as santeros. Women are called santeras. I stopped by to chat with several of the well-known santeros. If you get to the last day of the Market, tomorrow on Sunday, July 26 take some time to talk with the artists about their processes. See more of Nicolas Otero’s art.
Santero Carlos Rael of Ranchos de Taos loves to go out searching for the raw materials for his pigments.
Santero Carlos Rael makes retablos and bultos.
Santero Carlos Rael has an eye for color and loves to go hunting for the ingredients of his natural pigments.
The Ranchos de Taos artist says he doesn’t leave home without a shovel and pail.
He has a special place in Questa where he retrieves some of the raw materials for his pigments.
Take some time to visit with this artist to learn more about his dedication to traditional painting methods.
He makes both retablos and bultos.
Santero Ruben Gallegos of Albuquerque
As you peruse the Spanish Market you’ll notice that no two santeros create their art in the same way.
Ruben Gallegos of Albuquerque creates bright, vivid retablos.
He’s also know for his eggshell art and his fine miniature paintings.
There are many more talented santeros and santeras. Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, is one of my favorites. Do you have a favorite?
This weekend visitors to the Santa Fe Plaza can enjoy both the Traditional Spanish Market and the Contemporary Hispanic Market. It’s more than two art markets. It’s like a small Fiesta on the Plaza. Listen and dance to Spanish music and stop at one of the food booths to enjoy tasty treats.
Let me know if you’ve ever gone to Spanish Market before in the Comments section below.
Here’s a video from The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper of a previous Market weekend to give you a sample of what the markets are like.
Craig Dan Goseyun’s Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer
Museum Hill not only offers a chance to visit the Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of International Folk Art, but also is where you’ll find one of the most incredible monumental sculptures in the region. Craig Dan Goseyun’s Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer, towers over Milner Plaza as well as visitors (such as myself and a friend on a recent outing). This amazing sculpture seems to change color as the sunsets.
The artist studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. Read more about his years of study and about another sculpture that he made, Follows the Mountain, that now is permanently at a roundabout at Richards Avenue and College Drive.
A few months ago I toured Georgia O’Keffee’s home in Abiquiu. It was a wonderful tour. Those who would like to visit need to pre-register for the tour. Please note that you are not allowed to photograph while on the tour. But I can guarantee that you’ll go home with wonderful memories. Here’s a short video about the famous artist. Enjoy!
Check out these photos that I took at last year’s market. This has to be one of Santa Fe’s most colorful events. Take a bus from downtown to travel to Museum Hill for the Market. Click here to find out more about this year’s market.
The gorgeous hanging flower baskets are back on the Plaza! And on last weekend the big, white plastic tents arrived to mark the beginning of the craft market season in Santa Fe. Last weekend, artists sold a variety items from jewelry to metal sculpture water fountains.
In the weeks to come, we’ll have many more specialty markets and fairs on the Plaza. The big ones to watch your calendars for are: Spanish Market, Indian Market and Folk Art Market.
But even on the weekends when there isn’t a fair or market, do take time to stroll through the Plaza and enjoy the festive baskets of flowers. And during the day there are a few picnic tables, so bring a lunch or buy a treat from one of the Plaza food carts.
If you’re walking along Cathedral Place in Santa Fe, you can’t help but notice the brightly colored posts supporting the portal of The Museum of Contemporary Native American Art.
You can’t miss the burst of color that has been vividly painted by artist Yakita Starr Fields (Cherokee/Creek/Osage). He was born in Oklahoma, but today he lives in New York City and has created large scale works around the country.
He attended the Art Institute of Boston from 2000-2003. And according to sign outside the museum, it was during that time that he became interested in “graffiti aesthetics,” which has continued to influence his work.
To me the work is interesting and like all great art has me wondering about it meanings. I think I will come back and look at up close at the posts a few more times. But right now, I enjoy just seeing the full span of colorful posts.
What do you think about the work?
Experience Santa Fe with Emily 