SWAIA Winter Market

The winter SWAIA Indian Market, held at the La Fonda hotel on December 14 to 16, brought in record crowds and strong sales again this year.

SANTA FE, NM

The SWAIA Winter Indian Market—smaller and more intimate than its summer cousin—took place two weeks before Christmas at the legendary La Fonda on the Plaza hotel in Santa Fe. The festive lobby decorations, complete with a Christmas tree, giant gingerbread house and lifesized manger scene, contributed to the holiday feel of the market. The holiday theme extended to the artists as well as potters from pueblos like Acoma and Zia brought ornaments to sell and jewelers brought work that made for great gifts.

“The venue is just so cheerful,” says local Santa Fean Rein Salazar. “It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stick around to talk and celebrate with everyone. I look forward to coming every year to enjoy the ambiance and buy from my favorite artists.”

Nearly 150 artists participated in this year’s event, bringing a variety of work that ranged in price from $10 to $10,000. Nearly 2,500 eager collectors attended the event and many artists reported strong sales both Saturday and Sunday.

“This is a great event,” says jeweler Matagi Sorensen. “I did as well here as I did during the summer Indian Market!”

On Saturday and Sunday, Adrian Wall, Shelley Morningsong & Fabian Fontanelle, Robert Tree Cody and the Pueblo Enchantment Dancers performed for the crowds.

1. Ira Wilson and Penny Singer. Photo by Kaela Waldenstein. 2. Carson Vicente. Photo by Terrance Clifford. 3. Collectors gather at Glendora Frauga’s booth. Photo by Terrance Clifford. 4. Collectors with their copy of the December/january 2019 issue of Native American Art. 5. Kathleen Wall speaks with a guest. Photo by Terrance Clifford. 6. Artist Nocona Burgess. Photo by Terrance Clifford. 7. Matagi Sorensen, Kathleen Wall and Jody Naranjo. 8. Jeweler Bo Joe. 9. Potter Johnathan Naranjo. 10. Sculptor Greyshoes (Upton S. Ethelbah Jr.). 1 2 3