More than a Market

SWAIA offers a slate of events and activities beyond the market on Saturday and Sunday.

When people refer to Santa Fe Indian Market, they are largely referring to the two market days, which are Saturday and Sunday during the third weekend in August. These market days are the centerpieces and starring attractions of the annual event, but what constitutes Santa Fe Indian Market goes well beyond the actual market.

One of the key events for market visitors is the Best of Show Ceremony on Friday, August 15, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Starting at 11:30 a.m., all of the award-winning art will be shown together in a large ballroom. It’s the only time these works of art will ever share a room together, and it provides great opportunities for collectors to strategize their Saturday morning, since so many of the award winners are purchased in the early hours of the market. The best of show award is also announced live in front of the audience. The Best of Show Ceremony is followed by a sneak peek for SWAIA members, and then a viewing for the general public later that afternoon.

Visitors fill Lincoln Avenue near the Santa Fe Plaza during Indian Market. Courtesy SWAIA

On Saturday night, after the first market day, SWAIA hosts the annual gala and live auction, which will take place this year at the convention center. The formal event features top collectors, artists, SWAIA donors and sponsors, designers, models and usually Santa Fe-based celebrities. There is a live auction component that benefits SWAIA with top-quality artwork, and also a fashion show. This year’s featured designer is Patricia Michaels from Taos Pueblo. The festive gala also features food, drinks and music.

Artist Kathleen Wall sets up her artwork prior to judging at a previous Santa Fe Indian Market

On Sunday, at 3 p.m., the SWAIA Native Fashion Show will commence at the convention center. This landmark Indigenous fashion show usually gets national and international media attention, and this year will be no different as five designers present new runway shows. The designers are Penny Singer (Navajo (Diné)), Jontay Kahm (Plains Cree), Lauren Good Day (Arikara/Hidatsa/Blackfeet/Cree), Jamie Okuma (Luiseño/Shoshone-Bannock/Wailaki/Okinawan) and Natasha Ashley-Brokeshoulder (Navajo (Diné)). Visitors are encouraged to get tickets early due to the high demand for this show.

Tony Duncan performs at market. Courtesy Tira Howard / SWAIA.

And then, if all this weren’t enough, there’s basically the rest of Santa Fe that is open to art enthusiasts. Nearly every gallery, museum and art space hosts events in mid-August, some with huge events and activities. Santa Fe truly becomes the center of the art world for a week in August. Don’t miss it. —