Virtual Celebrations

SWAIA’s Virtual Indian Market brought hundreds of artists online, many for the first time.

After the pandemic forced SWAIA to abandon its plans for an in-person Santa Fe Indian Market, the organization quickly began planning what would become Virtual Indian Market. The goal was to celebrate the artists and their works, and to facilitate purchases through an online platform. SWAIA accomplished that and then much, much more.

Virtual Grand Award
Glenda McKay (Inglalik Athabascan), Harpoon Head with Sheath and Emergency Whistle

Virtual Indian Market Jewelry Award
Farrell Pacheco (Santo Domingo Pueblo), The Daughters of Mother Earth

Not only did the organization increase membership by 144 percent, it also brought hundreds of Native American artists online, many of them for the first time. More than 450 artists participated in the Virtual Indian Market, which ran throughout August, and of those only 77 had existing websites when they signed up. “In so many cases, artists went from no online presence to a complete website,” said SWAIA executive director Kim Peone during the first week of Virtual Market. “It’s wonderful to hear stories of artists connecting with their collectors for the first time in this way.”

Virtual Indian Market Pottery Award
Shirley M. Brauker (Little River Band of Ottowa), Missing Sisters

Virtual Indian Market Paintings/Drawings/Graphics/Photography Award
Everton Tsosie (Navajo), The Last of the Pure

The virtual marketplace was powered by Artspan, and sponsored by the Clark Hulings Fund, which aims to get artists more connected to the market and their collectors. And even though Virtual Indian Market is over, the artists will be able to have an online presence for a full calendar year as SWAIA programming continues online. “We are hoping to attract more participants: artists who have been tracking and evaluating the virtual market. We hope these artists will make the decision to come onboard with us because this is something that we will continue to promote. We will continue to have events throughout the year to drive people to the artists’ websites,” says Peone.

Virtual Indian Market Pueblo Wooden Carvings Award
Ronald Honyumptewa (Hopi), The Message from a Butterfly

Virtual Indian Market Sculpture Award
Ira Lujan (Taos Pueblo), Parrot

Not only did artists get online, but they were selling. “A number of artists even sold out on the first day,” Peone adds, “which we love to hear.”

In addition to the art, SWAIA also offered online versions of its famous fashion show, an opening party and several fundraising events that benefit the organization and its mission.

Virtual Indian Market Textiles Award
Lola Cody (Navajo), Two Gray Hills Navajo Rug

Virtual Indian Market Youth Award
TobyMae Patricio (Acoma Pueblo), Hunting Canteen

This year’s top award was the Virtual Grand Award, which was awarded to Glenda McKay (Inglalik Athabascan) for her Harpoon Head with Sheath and Emergency Whistle.

Santa Fe Indian Market’s 99th year will be postponed until August 2021, with the centennial market scheduled for 2022. A Virtual Winter Indian Market is planned for November 27.