WHAT: Sante Fe Indian Market
WHEN: August 18-19, 2007
WHERE: Sante Fe, New Mexico
ADMISSION: Free to the market, other entertainment has fees.
Organizers of the annual Santa Fe Indian Market describe the upcoming event
as the most prestigious Native American arts show in the world. It is noted as a showcase for quality artwork, not cheap imitation trinkets made in foreign countries that can be found at swap meets. More than 1,000 Native American artists from across the United States are expected.
The market takes place Aug. 18-19 (2007) at the Santa Fe Plaza in New Mexico’s
capital city, Santa Fe.
About 100,000
buyers, collectors and gallery owners from all over the world pour into the
New Mexican city for a chance to peruse arts and crafts, and meet and
purchase directly from the artists.
Michael Cerletti, New Mexico’s tourism secretary, said the event is one of
wonder and beauty.
“The Santa Fe Indian Market gives New Mexicans and their visitors a genuine
cultural experience and is an integral part of life in the Land of
Enchantment,” he said.
The outdoor market will feature the work of Native American artists who
represent nearly 100 tribes and pueblos. Visitors will also get to see
demonstrations of tribal and artistic traditions.
Other scheduled activities include booksignings by authors and
opportunities to sample choice Native American foods.
People can experience the best of Native American culture by seeing the
clothing contest, tasting fry bread and visiting with participating youths
throughout the market, said Bruce Bernstein, of the Southwestern
Association for Indian Arts, the event sponsor.
Vincent Kaydahzinne, a sculptor who lives in Artesia, N.M., also has taken
part in the market in past years.
“I’m a stonecarver and I also work with bronze,” he said. “I sold several
pieces at last year’s market, and I plan to be there from the 17th to the
19th.”
A Native American Clothing Contest will be conducted from 9 a.m. to noon
Aug. 19 at the Santa Fe Plaza gazebo. Participants will showcase
traditional and contemporary styles.
Food vendors will be set up in the adjacent First National Bank parking
lot.
Admission to the 86th annual market is free, but other events require a
fatter wallet, such as the Aug. 18 auction gala at the La Fonda Hotel at
$135 per person or $1,250 per table, and the Best of Show event Aug. 17 at
the Museo Cultural de Santa Fe at $200 for those with $250-plus SWAIA
memberships.
Marvin Oliver, the market’s 2007 poster artist, will sign posters for SWAIA
members at the $500-level and above.
Santa Fe is about a five-hour drive from El Paso. For those who prefer to
fly, airlines have daily flights to Albuquerque, from which Santa Fe is
about another hour by vehicle.
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SOURCE:
Diana Washington Valdez may be reached at dvaldez@elpasotimes.com or by phone at 546-6140.
AUTHOR: Diana Washington Valdez / El Paso Times