Santa Fe Indian Market fuses tradition with art

For nearly a century, American Indian jewelers, potters and other artists have been gathering in the heart of northern New Mexico to show off their creations at one of the nation’s most prestigious art markets.

The annual Santa Fe Indian Market will begin Saturday as organizers push ahead with raising the bar for showcasing what they say are the best examples of art that has evolved from centuriesold traditions.

Some artists and their families have participated for years, but this marks the first time organizers have shifted entirely to a juried application process that has resulted in fierce competition.

Organizers say the result is more fair than the system that used to exist, said Dallin Maybee, chief operating officer of the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, which presents the market each year.

“The process allows us to jury and select people simply based on the weight and competitiveness of their work. Tribal affiliation, age, medium — it doesn’t factor in anymore,” he said.

About 935 artists were selected this year. Many are from pueblos throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation, while others are traveling from as far as Alaska, Montana, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Events related to Native film, literature and fashion are scheduled throughout the week leading up to the market. Here are some more things to know: File, Phil Karshis / Courtesy of SWAIA / Santa Fe Indian Market via AP

Two participants in the Female Adult category of the Santa Fe Indian Market Fashion Challenge of the Native American Clothing Contest are shown at the Santa Fe Indian Market.

he said. “We do have art forms that are very old in terms of techniques and materials but for decades and decades our artists have been exploring new ways of presenting those things.”

In 2015, the market started the Edge Contemporary Show for those Native artists focused on fine art with a more modern flair.

Acknowledging the popularity of the contemporary work, he said: “We’ll keep moving in those directions. I think there’s room and space for all the different types of art forms to find a place at Indian Market.”

That will be followed Sunday by a clothing competition in which models will show off traditional and contemporary styles.