Santa Fe Indian Market facts for kids
The Santa Fe Indian Market is a huge art event held every year in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It happens on the weekend after the third Thursday in August. About 150,000 people from all over the world come to see it! The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) organizes this special market. It shows off amazing art from 1,200 of the best Native American artists from many different tribes.
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How the Market Started
Early Days: The 1920s
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The very first Indian Market was called the Southwest Indian Fair and Industrial Arts and Crafts Exhibition. It was part of the Fiesta de Santa Fe in 1922. A person named Rose Dougan first thought of having a fair where Native American artists could compete.
Edgar L. Hewett, who was the director of the Museum of New Mexico, saw these early fairs as a way to learn about different cultures. The events took place inside the National Guard Armory, and people paid to get in. At first, the main art forms were Pueblo pottery, Navajo textiles, and Pueblo Flatstyle paintings. These paintings were often made by artists from places like the Santa Fe Indian School.
Judges, including museum staff and later Native artists, would pick the best art and give out prizes. The artists who made the pottery were not usually there to sell their work. These early markets also aimed to make sure the quality of Pueblo pottery stayed high.
Changes in the 1930s
In 1936, the New Mexico Association on Indian Affairs took over the event. For a few years before that, the events were held in different pueblos, not in Santa Fe. Maria Chabot helped bring the market back to Santa Fe. The association also helped artists get to Santa Fe and put "labels of approval" on the best artworks. Today, the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) runs the market.
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The Market in the 2020s
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the market changed. In August 2020, it became a virtual event online. Kimberly Peone, the director at the time, led this change.
In 2021, the market was a mix of in-person and online events. Only 600 artists could have booths in person. The other 500 artists who were chosen could take part online. For the first time, people had to buy tickets to attend in person. In August 2022, the Santa Fe Indian Market went back to being fully in-person again.
Who Leads SWAIA?
Many people have helped lead SWAIA over the years. Kenneth Chapman helped start the fair. The first Native American person to lead SWAIA was Ramona Sakiestewa (Hopi). She is a textile artist and designer. She led the group from 1980 to 1982 without pay. At that time, SWAIA only had one paid employee. Ramona raised enough money so that the next leader could have a salary.
Later leaders included John Torres Nez (Diné) and Dallin Maybee (Northern Arapaho/Seneca). Ira Wilson (Diné) was director from 2018 to 2019. Kim Peone (Colville Confederated Tribes/Eastern Band Cherokee) was director from 2020 to 2023. Jaime Shultze (Northern Cheyenne/Sisseton Wahpeton) became the interim director in 2023 and then the permanent director later that year.
What Art Can You See?
The market shows off many kinds of art. You can find pottery, jewelry, woven textiles, paintings, sculptures, beadwork, baskets, and other traditional and modern works. It is the oldest and largest art show in the United States where Native American art is judged. The market brings in more than $19 million to the economy.
Since 2014, the market has also included a special fashion show. This event has grown bigger each year. In 2022, there were two fashion shows at the Santa Fe Convention Center. More than 1,000 people watched each night! Famous models like Amber Midthunder and Zahn McClarnon walked the runway. Amber-Dawn Bear Robe (Siksika Nation) is the person who started and directs SWAIA's Indigenous Fashion Show.
How Art is Chosen
Artists set up their booths around the Santa Fe Plaza and on nearby streets. They sell their art directly to the public. To be part of the market, artists must show proof that they are enrolled in one of the federally recognized tribes. Their artwork must also meet high standards for quality and use real materials. Art experts judge the work and give out awards and prize money in different categories.
Awards and Shopping
The night before the market opens, SWAIA members can see a preview of the winning artworks. This helps potential buyers see the best pieces before the market officially opens. Many buyers arrive very early in the morning. It's common for artists to sell out of their work within just a few hours!
See also
