Collectors will have even more to sink their teeth into this summer at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in Santa Fe, which has a variety of events planned around the month of August to coincide with the SWAIA Indian Market. Contemporary Indigenous art exhibitions like Visualizing K’é: New Works by Marwin Begaye; Gestural In Form (featuring new works by Virgil Ortiz); and various other market events and programming enhance the celebrations around Native American art that take place every year in the City Different.
Ric Charlie (Navajo (Diné)), silver bracelet with gold patina. Photo by Neebinnaukzhik Southall (Anishinaabe).
Jonathan Black (Navajo (Diné)), woven basket with butterflies. Photo by Neebinnaukzhik Southall (Anishinaabe).
Among one of the most prominent events the Wheelwright Museum will be hosting is the Annual Benefit Sale, the museum’s largest fundraiser that supports future exhibitions, educational programming and general operations at the 88-year-old institution. Enthusiasts of Indigenous art, from the seasoned connoisseur to the casual collector, will be able to explore pottery, jewelry, basketry and more.
Wes Willie (Navajo (Diné)), silver inlaid bolo tie and bracelet. Photo by Neebinnaukzhik Southall (Anishinaabe).
“This year [is] a time of excitement with new shows, artists workshops, and of course, the Benefit Sale and the Artists’ Market. With Santa Fe Indian Market all around us, and our own distinctive contributions, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” says Henrietta Lidchi, Wheelwright Museum executive director. “Our Benefit Sale features vintage and contemporary artworks, generously donated, for sale. It is our most important fundraiser of the year. On Friday, we open our Artists’ Market. All the profits go to the artists themselves, but we benefit from the opportunity to show their dazzling work, and the joy and excitement of all who visit.”
Visitors explore jewelry at a past Benefit Sale.
Cippy Crazyhorse (Cochiti Pueblo), silver bracelet with turquoise. Photo by Neebinnaukzhik Southall (Anishinaabe).
The Artists’ Market will include works by Kevin Honyouti, Ronald Honyouti, Felicia Fragua, Yazzie Johnson, Jonah Hill, Shanna Lalo Patterson, Janice Black Elk-Jim and more.
An “Early Bird” afternoon for the Benefit Sale takes place August 13 from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets are currently available online for $35 to $50. Admission on all other days of the Benefit Sale is free to the public and runs August 14 to 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The Wheelwright Museum’s Case Trading Post will host its fifth annual open air Artists’ Market on Friday, August 15, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market provides an opportunity to purchase new works from established and upcoming artists. Admission to the Artists’ Market is also free. For more information and to purchase early bird tickets, visit wheelwright.org. —
August 14-16, 2025
Annual Benefit Sale and Market
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
704 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 982-4636, wheelwright.org
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