Each year, Sovereign Santa Fe strives to elevate “new school” Native American artists—those who are unequivocally breaking the mold, pushing past boundaries and trying new things.
“The SSF mission from the jump-off has, and always will be, to specifically platform and promote the dynamism of living working contemporary Native artists that are at the forefront of their particular perspective and medium,” says Gregory Farah of FaraHNHeight Fine Art, who organizes the event. “We strive to showcase the process and evolution of what is contemporary Native art. Its fluidity, its genre bending ability, and the caliber and skill set of its participants that deserve their place amongst universal fine art.”
Craig George (Navajo (Diné)), Nizhóní Nation #1, oil on linen, 24 x 20 in.
Part of the three-day event is the Native fashion show Sovereignly Fit, running August 14 to 15; the Sovereign Marketplace on the Mezzanine, a four-day art market from August 14 to 17; and the Sovereign Santa Fe 2026 Fine Art Expo, August 14 to 16.
“Sovereign Marketplace on the Mezzanine will feature over 20 individual contemporary Native artisan vendors displaying their handmade original works such as two- and three-dimensionsal art, wood carvings, jewelry [and more]. More than half of the participating vendors have been with the exhibition for the last five years,” says Farah.
True Archdale (Assiniboine), Ascension (Rez Rocket), acrylic and ink on canvas, 40 x 20 in.
Gregory Lomayesva (Hopi), Hopi Pop #3, acrylic and mixed media on stretch canvas, 40 x 40 in.
Artists at Sovereign Marketplace include Kristin Gentry (Choctaw Nation), Jacqueline Johnson (Acoma/Navajo (Diné)), Elton Manygoats (Navajo (Diné)), Arvo Mikkanen (Kiowa/Comanche) and Donovan Yazzie (Navajo (Diné)), among others.
“The Sovereign Santa Fe show literally would not exist if it wasn’t for SWAIA Indian Market, and all of the other incredible gallery shows and satellite exhibitions throughout Santa Fe during Santa Fe Indian Market. Our team has so much reverence and appreciation for all promoters and producers of incredible Native American talent. There’s a place for all of it. I just wish it was more than one weekend,” says Farah. “We want our event to enhance, not compete. We want [visitors and collectors] to see all the different aspects of Indigenous creativity from the traditional arts to the contemporary and everything in between.”
Derayna DeClay (White Mountain Apache), HumSumFun, 2023, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 18 x 20 in.
Sovereign Santa Fe is a collaborative effort between FaraHNHeight Fine Art, art advisor Tony Abeyta (Navajo (Diné)), La Fonda on the Plaza, the Contemporary Native American Arts Group, Towering Stone, Sacred Defense Fund and all of the fine artists represented during the event. —
August 14-17, 2026
Sovereign Santa Fe
La Fonda on the Plaza 100 E. San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
www.farahnheight.com
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