Founded in 2018 by 68 tribal elders and their families, the annual Free Indian Market caters to centuries-old tribal traditions. This entails a free experience for all attendees, as well as a “family booth” reserved for artists and their families. This year’s event boasts more than 500 Native American artists displaying an array of art and objects for sale, including handmade jewelry, pottery, weavings and textiles, sculpture and carvings, paintings and prints.
“Like the ‘good old days,’ each family receives the same free booth space, year after year,” says event producer Gregory Schaaf. “The Free Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, [held at Federal Park], is an annual event that showcases Native American art, culture and community…and offers a platform for Native American artists to sell their work directly to the public.”
Peggy Fontenot (Patawomeck/Potawatomi Descent), Murdered and Missing, beaded loom, matted and framed, 25 x 18 in
Patrons can expect to find incredible gems like Peggy Fontenot’s (Patawomeck/Potawatomi Descent) beaded work, Murdered and Missing. Fontenot, also a photographer and activist, shares, “[This] is a beaded loom piece that I have fashioned in the form of a sampler—traditionally created by girls as a part of their education. Through the sampler, the embroiders would practice their alphabet and numbers while enhancing their sewing skills. Many samplers recorded history. In one such sampler, created in 1830 by 13-year-old Christine Baker at the Choctaw Mission School, you can feel her despair as she laments about never seeing her family again, until they meet in the afterworld. In replicating this style of the sampler, it allows me to educate the audience about Indian boarding schools, while also addressing current issues within Indian Country.”
Artist Shonto Begay (Navajo (Diné)), well known for his paintings of reservation life, also presents fresh works. “I consider each completed piece to be another prayer fulfilled,” he shares. “The light and sound of my childhood hogan remain within me, inspiring my healing and celebrations. My themes are rooted in my experiences. I primarily paint with acrylics, but I’m also exploring new avenues by creating drawings on canvas without using paint.”
Shonto Begay (Navajo (Diné)), Free Indian Market Monarch, acrylic, 18 x 24 in. Photo by Tom Alexander.
Maria Martinez (San Ildefonso, 1887-1980) and Popovi Da (San Ildefonso, 1923-1971), Gunmetal Fired Feather Bowl, ca. 1956-9. Courtesy of King Galleries.
One of Begay’s market pieces, Free Indian Market Monarch, depicts a Native American figure in full regalia and butterfly wings. Begay says, “This was inspired by a photo my manager took. [The painting] captures the vibrant colors, music and languages that uplift me at the market.”
Also presented at this year’s market, is an exciting collection of pottery by the late Maria Martinez (San Ildefonso Pueblo,1887-1980), courtesy of King Galleries, with locations in Santa Fe and Scottsdale, Arizona. “Martinez remains one of the most impactful Native artists of the 20th century,” says gallery owner Charles King. “It is not just her skill as a potter, but as a cultural ambassador for Native art throughout the country and the world. Amazingly, each year her work reaches a broader audience around the world and her story continues.”
Michael “NaNa Ping” Garcia (Pasqua Yaqui), cuff, natural Carico Lake turquoise and sugilite
To see even more impressive works, visit the Free Indian Market at Federal Park in Santa Fe on August 16 and 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. While browsing the artwork, also experience traditional Native American singers and dancers. An event schedule and artist list is available at www.freeindianmarket.org.
The only ticketed experience will be Friday, August 15, for the Free Indian Market Feast from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hotel Santa Fe ballroom. There will be a special honoring ceremony for the world-famous Maria and Julian Martinez family, featuring pueblo singers and dancers. The menu will be a feast of traditional pueblo foods. Call (505) 473-5375 for tickets. —
August 16-17, 2025
7th Annual Free Indian Market
Federal Park
106 S. Federal Place, Santa Fe, NM 87501
www.freeindianmarket.org
Powered by Froala Editor
