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    The 2002 Santa Fe Indian Market officially opens Saturday, August 17, but the buzz starts long before. After more than 80 years, the excitement that comes with Indian Market still flows strong. Some 1,200 of the top Native American artists in the country assemble here, bringing pieces they've created especially for this show, the biggest market of its kind anywhere. Santa Fe's Plaza fills with 600 booths. The city's population, normally about 60,000, increases to 100,000 or more. Buyers arrive, hoping to take home something unique and beautiful-jewelry, pottery, painting, photographs, drums, beadwork, etchings and much more. The show features artists from reservation towns and urban studios, from Alaska to Wisconsin. They introduce new works, meet old friends and see what their peers-the best of the best-have been up to. Add the auxiliary fun-a preview of award winners, a sparkling benefit auction, the crowd-pleasing Native clothing show and more-and you've got the recipe for decades of success. Indian Market is produced by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), a not-for-profit organization established in 1922 to support and strengthen American Indian cultures. SWAIA focuses on educational programs and art-oriented events that encourage cultural preservation, intercultural understanding and economic opportunities for American Indians. Indian Market, the oldest juried show of its type, is SWAIA's preeminent event. 2002 Fellowship Winners Edaakie says he and his family have been on the waiting list for an Indian Market booth for a number of years (selection for the show is highly competitive), and he's pleased that the fellowship now allows him to participate. Edaakie will show stone- and shell-inlay animal and bird designs, including iridescent hummingbirds, used in jewelry including necklaces and concho belts. He will spend his fellowship money on showcases for a gallery studio where his family and other Zuni artists can sell their work. "Also, I'll pay artists to demonstrate their craft to the community," he says. Another winner, Morris Muskett, a self-taught weaver, is one of a few males who weave in the Navajo tradition. He works full time as a civil engineer. "I was very surprised when [SWAIA] called me," he notes. "I couldn't believe it. The fellowships are so competitive. I'd tried before and been turned down. One reason SWAIA is there is to foster Native art and innovation, to offer the best to the world. I think they want to help bring the weaving that's shown at Indian Market to new heights, and they are helping by nurturing artists who want to do different things," Muskett says  A Volunteer Army "Our volunteers are local people and out-of-towners who don't want to be just tourists," explains Blackwell. "We always have room for new faces. If they're into the art, volunteers like working during the judging because they get to see the work as it arrives. If they like hoopla and the media, they enjoy the preview and auction. That's exciting and fun." Volunteers range from college students to people in their 70s. "We have plenty of Native Americans who volunteer, mainly from the Pueblos, and we'd like to have more," she adds. People who want to help should inquire early. "By mid-July we have to be pretty much set. But we can also use a few extra people." What's Happening When & Where Thursday evening: SWAIA honors its Lifetime Achievement winners (whose names were not available in time for our deadline) and the 2002 Fellowship winners. This invitation-only event at a private gallery allows the organization's top donors, special guests and sponsors to meet the winners and see their art. Friday, August 16: During this long-awaited judging day, seasoned eyes and hands select the winning entries in many divisions. Winners receive cash awards and the prized Santa Fe Indian Market ribbons that can increase an artist's prestige--and sales. Finally, judges make the prestigious Best of Show selection. Last year's honor went to a lovely silvery-black micaceous pot by Nambe Pueblo artist Lonnie Vigil. Friday evening: Head to Sweeney Center to preview prize winners, check out other treasures that will be on the Plaza the next morning, and participate in an exciting SWAIA benefit silent auction of some 50 works in a wide range of media, donated by the artists. The "sneak peek" begins at 5 p.m. for VIP SWAIA members; the doors open to general SWAIA members at 7 p.m. (memberships are sold at the door). The artist who created the poster for the 2002 Indian Market-a mystery at press time-will be on hand to sign copies. The preview ends at 9 p.m. so the artists can gather their work and be ready for opening morning.
Saturday evening brings the
live SWAIA auction, and another silent auction. This year's probable
theme is "Route 66," with Keith Secola and the Wild
Band of Indians, best known for their hit song "NDN Cars,"
tentatively lined up to provide the tunes. The auction's centerpiece
is a Triumph TR-6 convertible. Donated by the La Fonda hotel
through SWAIA board member emeritus Sam Ballen and his wife,
Ethel, the car has been painted by Dan Namingha and accessorized
by Marcus Amerman, Upton Ethelbah Jr., Connie If the Triumph doesn't tempt you, how about art by other prominent SWAIA artists or the chance to purchase a maquette version of the acclaimed Popé sculpture by Cliff Fragua? Expect admission in the $100 range. The event usually starts at about 6 p.m., La Fonda. Sunday, August 18: As Market continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., don't miss the Native American Clothing Contest, usually held in the morning on the Plaza. A colorful array of traditional and contemporary clothing turns the stage into a fashion experience. In addition to its visual splendor, the free show helps teach the audience about differences among Native American cultures. In addition to these scheduled events, throughout the weekend Market-goers can visit the Youth Market (an area set aside for about a dozen artists under 18 years of age), and drop by the demonstration booths to see arts and crafts being made. Also on hand are education booths set up by other nonprofit organizations and institutions, and the Book Booth, where authors discuss their recent releases on Native subject matter and sign copies for the public. And for the munchies, chow down on Navajo tacos, mutton stew, roasted corn and other Indian and Southwestern fare. For more information on the
Santa Fe Market, call SWAIA at 505/983-5220 or visit .
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Anne Hillerman is the co-author of The Insiders' Guide to Santa Fe and the founder of Wordharvest writers' workshops. She has written for many major magazines on New Mexico subjects and was an editor for many years with the Albuquerque Journal North. |
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Saturday,
August 17: 7 a.m. marks the beginning of Indian Market sales.
The most serious buyers gather before the cool dawn outside their
favorite artist's booth to get first crack at the new and/or
award-winning pieces. Energize your shopping with a breakfast
burrito and a cup of coffee from the food booths outside Sweeney
Center.
Native Roots &
Rhythms 2002
Artist Auction Silverware
Set