The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian is entering the 46th year of its annual Benefit Event, the largest fundraiser for future exhibitions, educational programming and general operations at the Santa Fe-based museum. The event is held during the heart of the Santa Fe Indian Market, always running the Thursday and Friday before the Market begins.
Mike Bird Romero (Ohkay Owingeh), 10-rib cuff, sterling silver with turquoise stone
Maria Martinez (1886-1980, San Ildefonso), blackware bowl with Avanyu design
“Last year was so challenging. We did a series of mini sales because we could be open, but not very much,” says Jean Higgins, director of the Wheelwright Museum. “So we’re really excited to be able to bring this back to our constituency and our city and be a part of the Indian Market events. It’s a really important part of what happens every August...We have some really well-known artists’ work available for sale. Most of the works are donated or consigned to us. If they don’t sell, the generous donors often donate them to us.”
Cippy Crazy Horse (Cochiti), sterling silver bracelet with stamp-work
Included in this year’s event are hundreds of works for sale in Native American jewelry, pottery, textiles, baskets, paintings and folk art by some of the foremost contemporary and historic Native artists, including Norbert Peshlakai, Maria Martinez, Mike Bird Romero and many others. “We’re being very careful to be safe...and make sure everyone continues to be protected,” Higgins adds. The Benefit Event will be held in the Mary Wheelwright Library, adjacent to the museum, beginning with a ticketed Early Bird viewing on Wednesday, August 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. General admission is free to the public and runs Thursday, August 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, August 20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Norbert Peshlakai (Navajo), miniature silver seed pot with stamp-work
Perry Shorty (Navajo), concha belt with conchas and butterflies, stamp-work on brown leather
“Also, the museum is in its 84th year, so next year will really be a big year...We’re proud to serve and educate the public on Native American artists and the beautiful art they create,” says Higgins. All day Friday and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, an Artist Market will be running outside on the museum grounds in conjunction with the Benefit Event. The Artist Market will feature around 15 artists who will be on site. “It’s a pretty amazing list,” she adds. “Very well-known artists like Yazzie Johnson, Cippy Crazy Horse [and more]...people we have worked with for a very long time.”
August 18-20, 2021
The Annual Benefit Event
Wheelwright Museum of the American India
704 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 982-4636, www.wheelwright.org
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