We say it every year: get to the booths early, talk with the artists, drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, bring some cash for small purchases and grab business cards for those artists you want to research more later. All of these are great tips, but they are tips for the market.
Here’s another tip: go to all of SWAIA’s programming during market week. The arts organization offers a robust collection of events and activities that celebrate the market, its artists and its supporters.
One early event is the Get Indigenous Film Festival starting on August 15 at the Violet Crown theater near the Santa Fe Railyard. Check the SWAIA website in August to see the film lineup and details.
Peshawn Bread walks the runway wearing designs by Elias Not Afraid during the 2023 gala and fashion show. Photo by Shayla Blatchford.
Another can’t-miss event is the Best of Show Ceremony on Friday, August 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. This is where all the award-winning art is displayed and judged, and where SWAIA officials present awards after everyone has had time to browse the pieces. Dozens of ribbons are given out, but the key ones are the best of class awards and then the prestigious best of show award. Native American Art also gives out an award each year to one deserving artist who exemplifies the spirit of creativity around market. This ceremony is also the only time all the award-winning art will ever share a room; by 6 p.m. the artists are picking up their work to take to their booths. The ceremony is a ticketed event that includes a luncheon. The public will have other opportunities to see the works from 2 to 4 p.m., and then also 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tickets are available on the SWAIA website.
Over in the Santa Fe Plaza, during both market days on Saturday and Sunday, August 17 and 18, will be music and entertainment. These include fancy dancers and hoop dancers, as well as other cultural performances and music.
On Saturday evening, SWAIA will host the gala and live auction component of market. This will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Vladem Contemporary, the New Mexico Museum of Art’s educational space near the Railyard. Not only will there be food, drinks and live entertainment, but SWAIA will present its live auction featuring work from many top artists, including a custom motorcycle from Cody Sanderson and Kenneth Johnson. (See our full coverage of the motorcycle project on Page 124.)
On Sunday, SWAIA turns much of its attention to the fashion show with events kicking off at 1:30 p.m. with a VIP fashion show pre-party. The SWAIA Native Fashion Show will commence at 3 p.m. at the convention center. Artist Kent Monkman will launch the show with a presentation alongside designer Jontay Kahm. “Monkman, renowned for his fashionable alter-ego Miss Chief Eagle-Testickle, creates innovative and provocative art that challenges colonial narratives and highlights Indigenous experiences,” says SWAIA Native Fashion producer Amber-Dawn Bear Robe. “His involvement in the August fashion show adds a layer of artistic excellence and creativity, pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion programming.”
A guest strikes a pose during the 2023 SWAIA gala. Photo by Shayla Blatchford.
The show will also feature an appearance by Grammy Award-winning musician and Black Eyed Peas member, Taboo, who is known for his advocacy of Indigenous representation and rights. Designers will also share the stage with fashion house Balmain Paris, which will unveil its fall collection with SWAIA models. Tickets for the fashion show sell out quickly, so marketgoers are encouraged to visit the SWAIA website to purchase tickets.
For all other schedule and ticket information, visit www.swaia.org.
Around the Market
Friday, August 16, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Best of Show Ceremony & Luncheon
Santa Fe Community Convention Center
Tickets: $250
Friday, August 16, 2-4 p.m.
Sneak Peek of Award-Winning Art
Santa Fe Community Convention Center
Tickets: $100
Friday, August 16, 4:30-6 p.m.
General Preview of Award-Winning Art
Santa Fe Community Convention Center
Tickets: $50
Saturday, August 17, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Santa Fe Indian Market
Santa Fe Plaza
Free
Saturday, August 17, 6-9 p.m.
Gala, Live Auction & Fashion Show
Vladem Contemporary
Tickets: $350
Sunday, August 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Santa Fe Indian Market
Santa Fe Plaza
Free
Sunday, August 18, 1:30-3 p.m.
VIP Fashion Show Pre-Party
Santa Fe Community Convention Center
Tickets: Check website availability
Sunday, August 18, 3-4 p.m.
Indigenous Fashion Show
Santa Fe Community Convention Center
Tickets: Starting at $25
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