For five years, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian has hosted its Annual Benefit and Artists’ Market, with 2026 marking the sixth edition. The mission for the Annual Benefit has remained the same: it is a fundraiser to support the Wheelwright Museum’s programming and exhibitions. The Artists’ Market runs concurrently and will feature 20 exceptional Native American artists. Both events are timed around SWAIA’s Santa Fe Indian Market.
Randall Chitto (Mississippi Band of Choctaw), clay, 8 x 13 in
Nancy Steedman, the museum’s interim executive director, says, “Collectors [for the Artists’ Market] will find prominent jewelers, painters, weavers and potters, year after year, and 2026 is no different. The line to purchase pieces from people like Cippy Crazyhorse and Gail Bird/Yazzie Johnson starts before the gates even open. This outdoor market offers free admission and features the opportunity to purchase from both established and emerging artists.”
Ken Williams (Northern Arapaho/Cattaraugus Seneca), the museum’s Case Trading Post Shop manager, adds, “People visit, see outstanding art and chat in the Trading Post. Everyone should come to check out what the artists have brought, but remember to come early! Gracias Madre will be on site during the event. The menu features Mexican comfort food and all things chile.”
Artist Once Known, vintage Hopi basket, 11½ in.
Artists to watch for include Janice Black Elk Jim (Rosebud Lakota), Dylan Coriz (Santo Domingo), Felicia Fragua (Jemez), Jonah Hill (Hopi/Quechuan), Kevin Honyouti (Hopi), Harold Littlebird (Laguna/Santo Domingo), Raynard Lalo (Hopi), Shanna Lalo Patterson (Hopi), Jackie Sevier (Northern Arapaho), Deanna Tenorio (Santo Domingo/Pomo) and many more.
The museum’s largest fundraiser, the Benefit Sale, offers the opportunity to shop for unique and vintage works of art. The benefit features jewelry, pottery, textiles, paintings and much more, amounting to nearly 500 pieces available to purchase. All proceeds directly support the museum, including programming, new acquisitions and exhibitions.
Wes Willie (Navajo (Diné)), bolo, silver, coral, turquoise, gold, 5 in.
Look out for works like vintage Hopi and Navajo/Paiute baskets, pottery by Myrtle Cata (San Juan/San Felipe), clay sculptures by Randall Chitto (Mississippi Band of Choctaw), as well as bolo ties from Wes Willie (Navajo (Diné)) and cuffs from Fritz Casuse (Navajo (Diné)) and Lyndon Tsosie (Navajo (Diné)).
“The museum remains free to all visitors during market days and two fabulous new exhibits should not be missed: Emmi Whitehorse Intimate Landscapes and Silver Honors Stone, the work of Julian Lovato,” says Steedman. “Collectors will find unique pieces that not only enhance their collections, but their purchases directly support the Wheelwright.”
Fritz Casuse (Navajo (Diné)), cuff, silver with semi-precious stones, 3 in. wide, 1 in. opening.
Early-bird tickets for the Benefit Sale on August 12 are available online for $35 to $50. From August 13 to 14, attendees will have free access to both the benefit and the outdoor market, with the market closing out all festivities on August 15. To view additional details and to purchase early-bird tickets, visit the museum website. —
August 12-15, 2026
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
704 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 982-4636, www.wheelwright.org
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