We Are The Seeds Event Slated for August in Santa Fe, New Mexico

As I mentioned in my article, August in Santa Fe: SWAIA Indian Market and So Much More, there are events and markets throughout Santa Fe during the Indian Market Week. We Are The Seeds is held in the Santa Fe Railyard, walkable from the Plaza if you like walking!

We Are the Seeds is a 2-day event at the Santa Fe Railyard Park that highlights Indigenous fine art. It’s a festive celebration that includes music, dance, fashion, literary arts, and traditional Native foods.

The event will host approximately 60 artists representing a diversity of cultures and regions. Artists include renowned painter Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (Navajo), innovative potter Brenda Hill (Tuscarora/Choctaw), master jeweler Fidel Bahe (Navajo), award-winning basket weaver Sally Black (Navajo), and high fashion jewelry designer Kristen Dorsey (Chickasaw). During the event, four featured artists will share their art by demonstrating techniques and artistry for visitors.

The Seeds Stage includes Master of Ceremonies Sherenté Harris (Narragansett) and performances by singer songwriter Zachariah Julian (Jicarilla Apache), DJ Celeste Worl (Tlingit), Randy Kemp (Choctaw/Euchee/Muscogee-Creek) with modern flute music, and Pojoaque Youth Hoop Dancers.

Seeds Santa Fe will feature a variety of interactive experiences for visitors including an “Art Creation Station”, a youth workshop, a social dance and dinner, and “Rise to Our Voices” a spoken word poetry workshop for Indigenous women.

We Are the Seeds Santa Fe Event Schedule:

Art Show and Sale

Thursday, August 16, 2018 – 10a-6p Friday, August 17, 2018 – 10a-6p

Performance Stage

Thursday, August 16, 2018 – 11a – 5:30p

Friday, August 17, 2018 – 11a - 9p

We Are the Seeds Social (open to the public) and Benefit Dinner by Jambo Cafe (ticketed)

Thursday, August 16, 2018 – 5:30p 

ACONAV Fashion Event (aconav.com)

Friday, August 17, 2018 – time TBA 

Youth Art Workshop – Screen Printing with Damian Charette

Thursday, August 16, 2018 / Friday, August 17, 2018 – 10a-12p and 2p-4p 

Rise to Our Voices: Spoken Word Poetry Workshop for Indigenous Women with Nicole Kahbah Johnny
Friday, August 17, 2018 – time TBA 

For more information, visit We are the Seeds on Facebook.

Summer in Santa Fe: Arts Calendar - Don't miss an art market or show this year

Here we go again! It’s summer and Santa Fe has an excellent line up of art exhibits and markets. Mark your calendars!

Santa Fe is poised for yet another one-of-a-kind summer season of the city’s centuries-old dedication to the arts. Local art collective Meow Wolf’s exceptionally successful opening of the “House of Eternal Return”—a project backed by best-selling author and resident George R.R. Martin—is just one of many special new opportunities for travelers of all backgrounds.

This summer, Santa Fe hosts dozens of new and traditional markets that showcase a spectrum of artwork to thrill all tastes. Mainstay events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market celebrating a 95^th anniversary and younger but rapidly-expanding and socially-impactful events such as the International Folk Art Market, voted #1 Best Art Festival in the U.S., provide visitors with unrivaled cultural immersion. 

Find a full calendar of events on www.santafe.org including:

Santa Fe Art Trifecta (July 7-17)

This magical ten-day summer stretch is known as the “Santa Fe Art Trifecta” and consists of ART Santa Fe, the International Folk Art Market and SITE Santa Fe. Two of three were voted #1 and #4 in a 2015 USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice poll for Best U.S. Art Festival and all three provide visitors with a glimpse into why the city is universally renowned as both a traditional and contemporary mecca for the arts.

ART Santa Fe (July 7-10)

ART Santa Fe brings collectors together with artists and representatives from dozens of galleries around the world. This event—a four-day juried contemporary art show featuring extraordinary global art, specially curated programming, special events, and entertainment—showcases a variety of modern and contemporary work by both acclaimed masters as well as emerging artists. 

The International Folk Art Market (July 8-10)

The International Folk Art Market, ranked as the “Best Art Festival in America,” is a colorful festival at which hundreds of master folk artists from dozens of countries in addition to tens of thousands of visitors and volunteers congregate on the city’s Museum Hill in what has blossomed into the largest event of its kind. 

As the goal of the Market is to preserve living folk art traditions while creating economic opportunities for folk artists, approximately 90 percent of the sales are allocated to return home with the artists to their native countries. This year, the Market is estimated to generate $3 million in sales, in addition to an $11 million impact for the local economy.

SITE Santa Fe (July 7-17)

This celebrated gallery established the country’s first global contemporary art biennial and in 2016 will open “Much Wider Than a Line,” the second installment in its biennial series “SITElines: New Perspectives on Art of the Americas.” The exhibition will feature 35 artists from 16 countries and 11 new commissions brought together by a team of five international curators. “Much Wider Than a Line” is an articulation of the interconnectedness of the Americas and various shared experiences such as the recognition of colonial legacies, expressions of the vernacular, the influence of indigenous understandings and our relationship to the land.

Traditional Spanish Market (July 30-31)

The Traditional Spanish Market is celebrating its 65^th year and features a wide variety of stunning artwork all handmade in traditional Spanish Colonial style by hundreds of local Hispanic artists. The Market also showcases live music, dance, art demonstrations and delectable regional cuisine.  

Contemporary Hispanic Market (July 30-31)

The Contemporary Hispanic Market showcases original work and individual expression in the mediums of painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, weaving and more. Both the Traditional Spanish Market and Contemporary Hispanic Market are held in the area surrounding Santa Fe’s historic downtown plaza and draw many thousands of visitors to the city formerly known as “New Spain.”

Objects of Art Santa Fe (August 11-14)

Objects of Art Santa Fe is held in Santa Fe’s Railyard district at El Museo Cultural to showcase a wide variety of work including furniture, jewelry, textiles and more courtesy of more than 70 prestigious galleries and exhibitors. 

Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Shows (August 12-15)

These annual shows celebrate their 38^th anniversaries and feature the finest in ethnographic art and historic antique Indian art. Each boasts more than 100 dealers and features a collection of merchandise not found anywhere else in the world.  

The Antique American Indian Art Show (August 16-19)

The Antique American Indian Art Show Santa Fe is the most anticipated show and sale of historic Indian art of the summer art season and brings together nearly 70 of the world’s most knowledgeable experts in American Indian art and thousands of select historic art objects from indigenous cultures throughout North America. The show is in its third year and is the largest of its kind in the world.

Indigenous Fine Art Market (August 18-20)

The Indigenous Fine Art Movement is the Native-owned nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for Native artists by building and promoting market places so artists can sell directly to their clients in beautiful outdoor and indoor settings. IFAM is about sharing the Native narrative with the world through the connections and relationships made with those who experience the art. IFAM’s events and youth, music and literary programs create a greater understanding of the complexity and beauty of Native American culture and people as they evolve and exist today.

Santa Fe Indian Market (August 20-21)

Santa Fe Indian Market, organized by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), celebrates its 95^th anniversary in 2016 and is the largest event of its kind. The market draws more than 100,000 collectors and gallery owners to Santa Fe’s historic downtown plaza as they meet with thousands of artists representing dozens of tribes. Artwork includes a wide selection of jewelry, textiles, baskets, beadwork, quillwork, pueblo wooden carvings, sculptures, drums, hides, leather goods and more. The Market also includes an awards ceremony and a Live Auction Gala, as well as a Native American fashion show, Native Cinema Showcase and performances of indigenous music, dance, storytelling and comedy. An absolute Bucket List event for any traveler.

Wordless Wednesday: The Joy of Santa Fe Indian Market

Jemez Potter Kathleen Wall's Koshares are always a joyful sight at Santa Fe Indian Market

2013 Summer Festivals in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

Summer in Santa Fe is when the city’s reputation as a center of art is at its peak—with one-of-a-kind art markets, an unrivaled opera season, music, new museum exhibitions, and a myriad of special events. Summer weather is warm and inviting, yet deliciously cool in the evenings making al fresco dining a must. It’s the perfect time of year to be outdoors—whether you are hiking in the mountains, playing golf, fly fishing, or strolling charming, historic streets.

Santa Fe Summer’s Major Events:

Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, July 12-14: This event offers captivating art, colorful costumes, exotic music, and unusual flavors. Moreover, attending the market is more than just fun—it supports families and communities in developing countries, keeps traditional arts alive, and spreads good will. Artists are chosen for the quality of their work by a careful jury selection process. Many are from places around the world facing poverty, war, and unrest. Sponsors help pay the way for those who cannot afford the trip to Santa Fe. The handmade items they bring for sale include jewelry, beadwork, carving, textiles, and many imaginative items that Americans seldom see. The market takes place outdoors on Museum Hill and includes music, dancing, and food. This event played a major role in Santa Fe’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City in Folk Art.  Article and Photos

Art Santa Fe, July 11-14: This contemporary market is an international fine art fair representing dozens of galleries and hundreds of artists from across the globe. The salon-booth format, artist styled VIP lounge, opening night Vernissage, prestigious ART Santa Fe presents lecture series and numerous cultural and educational events make the annual fair a comprehensive art experience and a must see for collectors and art browsers alike. Held at the Santa Fe Convention Center.

Santa Fe Spanish Market - Artists' Mass and Procession

Spanish Market, July 27-28: When Spanish settlers came to Santa Fe more than 400 years ago, they brought their art and craft traditions with them. Over the centuries, these traditions were taught to new generations and were a source of pride and connection to their culture. Today, these arts still flourish. Many express faith and religion, while others embellish everyday items. Artists must be from New Mexico or southern Colorado and must go through a strict jury process to show and sell their work at the market. They must also use traditional themes, materials, and methods. The result is a rich and creative variety found nowhere else in the world. Artists and their families man their booths outdoors on the Santa Fe Plaza and love to share their culture as well as their art. There are demonstrations, food, and music and the atmosphere is like a street party. A very popular section of the market showcases young and aspiring artists. Article and Photos

There is also a Contemporary Hispanic Market held on nearby Lincoln Street during the same weekend as Spanish Market. Many of New Mexico’s most respected Hispanic artists show and sell artwork of all kinds. The two simultaneous markets make for a memorable weekend of culturally inspired art. 

Early morning on Saturday is the best shopping at the Indian Market

Indian Market, August 12-18: Indian Market is an immersive experience in Native American art. It is the largest, most prestigious Native American art market in the world and the largest cultural event in the Southwest. More than 1,000 Native artists from all over the United States and Canada show and sell their work. The excitement begins a week before the market begins as artists arrive in town. There are special gallery shows, museum exhibitions, concerts, demonstrations, and the city is abuzz with energy. The preview party draws collectors from around the world the night before the market. The market itself is Saturday and Sunday, takes place outdoors and is centered on the Santa Fe Plaza. The jury process that allows artists into the market and awards prizes is very competitive and only the best are chosen, making the array of art on display just dazzling. There is jewelry, pottery, carving, painting, weaving, and much more. One of the most popular events is the costume competition on Sunday morning. The beautiful, traditional garments in the competition can take years to make. The Indian Market’s popularity encourages many people to secure lodging reservations in advance.  Article and Photos

Santa Fe Opera, June 28-August 24: Even someone who has never heard an opera would find it hard to resist the Santa Fe Opera. First, there’s the spectacular outdoor theater set dramatically in the foothills north of the city. Then there are the user-friendly screens in front of every seat that translate the foreign language lyrics. And finally, there’s the incomparable music, lavish productions, and world-famous stars. All in all, an evening at the Santa Fe Opera is an unforgettable experience. This summer’s season brings a mix of opera favorites, less performed works, and a world premiere. The season opener, The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein by Offenbach is generating opera buzz because of renowned mezzo-soprano Susan Graham’s role as the lead character, an aging countess with a yen for a much younger man. The Marriage of Figaro is ever popular because of its entertaining story of love and deception and its transcendent music by Mozart. La Donna del Lago, The Lady of the Lake, is a romantic masterpiece by Rossini that is rarely performed, partly because the lead role is so difficult. Joyce DiDonnato, who has earned rave reviews for this role in Europe, will sing it in Santa Fe. La Traviata, Verdi’s tragic tale of love between a Parisian courtesan and an aristocrat, is tender and touching, starring Brenda Rae and Michael Fabiano. The world premiere of Oscar by Theodore Morrison is a much anticipated opera event. It tells the story of writer Oscar Wilde, who will be played by dramatic countertenor, David Daniels. Tailgate dinners before performance in the Santa Fe Opera parking lot with its spectacular mountain views are a tradition and range from sandwiches to catered affairs. Besides the season, there are opera apprentice concerts and occasional performances by the stars during their stays in Santa Fe. 

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, July 14-August 19: This internationally known festival fills the summer air with music. Soloists and well-known chamber groups from all over the world gather to collaborate, rehearse, and perform. Some are established musicians, while others are exciting, emerging artists. Concerts over the six-week schedule range from the classics to new, modern works, and even jazz. New compositions commissioned by the festival give musicians an opportunity to work directly with composers. Many of the performances are in the intimate, acoustically rich Saint Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art and others are held in the meticulously renovated Art Deco movie theater that is now the Lensic Center for the Performing Arts. The festival is a real part of the community during its season, offering students the opportunity to learn from the pros in master classes. One feature beloved by locals and visitors alike is the fact that many rehearsals are open and free to the public.

Photography copyright: Elizabeth Rose Photography

August Getaway Itinerary - Santa Fe Indian Market

The first half of this Indian Country itinerary took us from Phoenix to Gallup with a side trip to Zuni. This article, the second part of the itinerary, describes Indian Market week in Santa Fe.

Leaving Gallup on a beautiful Sunday, I drove three hours, through Albuquerque, to central Santa Fe. If you are going to truly enjoy Indian Market, make a reservation in downtown Santa Fe or at a hotel that has shuttle service to Indian Market activities. Another idea, if you plan ahead is to rent a home with Vacation Rentals by owner. Fortunately I have friends within walking distance of the historic Plaza and was able to stay with them for the entire week.

Enjoying Santa Fe

Early in the week, we checked out the exhibitions at the various museums. We stopped in to see the Silver Seduction exhibit at the Folk Art Museum. Also on Museum Hill you can enjoy the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art (a surprisingly small, but nice museum), the Wheelright Musuem (best gift shop)  and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.

Early in the week, is a good time to sample the wonderful restaurants of Santa Fe. When the crowds arrive, it will be hard to get a reservation or a table.

Gallery Openings
Be sure and pick up one of the many Indian Market guides available free throughout Santa Fe. Look for the gallery openings. The openings are an opportunity to see world-class art, meet artists and enjoy some refreshments. Through my presence on Facebook and Twitter, I was invited to a studio open house at the Upper Canyon Road studio of Michael Roanhorse and Mateo Romero (Cochiti). It was there that I learned about Michael's collaborative efforts with Tony Abeyta. Tony is primarily a painter and is now producing a fascinating line of jewelry. Michael Roanhorse is an jewelry artist and is beginning to offer paintings.

At this small gathering I was able to get to know both artists and chat with some of their collectors. I met a fascinating woman named Linda who shares my love of Native American culture and art as well as my interest in Mexican and Central American folk art.

One thing led to another and we found ourselves attending a fund-raiser for Roanhorse for the Cure at La Fonda's beautiful Terraza and more trips to see artists and their work at Blue Rain Gallery.

At Packard's on the Plaza we ran in to Palm Springs artist, Darryl Edwards and an eager group of customers trying on his creative jewelry line (pictured at right).

Both Thursday night and Friday nights Manitou Gallery offered wine and Mariachi Music on their second story balcony. Thursday there was ample seating and we were able to chat with two Navajo women, one a well-known weaver and the other a jewelry maker.

As the week progressed the gallery openings became more prevalent and we ended up having to make a schedule so we were able to attend the parties that were most interesing to us.

Shopping and Enjoying
As the artists and shop representatives arrived in town, there were some that opened early in the week. We visited Silver Rain Jewelry from Albuquerque. They had set up in the Hilton Hotel. By Thursday, the vendors at El Dorado hotel, across the street had filled all the conference rooms and ballrooms. There was so much to see, that we were glad that they had opened early so that shopping there did not conflict with our time at the Saturday/Sunday Indian Market.

Vendors began to set up on side streets (there were not related to the SWAIA artists) and my friend purchased a strand of vintage green turquoise to use in a necklace. We also noticed that the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise was set up outside the Hilton Hotel.

Indian Market
After a week of museums, gallery openings and shopping, you may already be overwhelmed with the Santa Fe experience. But, the best is yet to come on Saturday and Sunday.

Friday night the streets fill with visitors, workers putting up tents and vendors getting ready for their big weekend. By early morning on Saturday the streets literally bustle with pickup trucks, vendors rolling carts and helpers setting up the artists' booths.

Saturday morning dawns and the early shopper at Indian Market (you can go as early as you want but the first purchases cannot be made until 7am) will find the most highly collectible treasures. Some of the top artists sell out during this early-morning frenzy.

Early morning is a great time for everyone to shop. It is cool, most of the tourists are still having their first coffee, and you'll have a great selection. Tip: If you see something you like, purchase it. It may not be there later in the day!

Seeing Indian Market
It's all a bit overwhelming. If you have favorite artists, use the Indian Market guide to find out where their booths are and write the booth numbers down.

Otherwise, just start walking the Plaza and side streets and enjoy the art and artists. You'll find presentations and music in the Plaza at the bandstand. There are several food courts.

Tip: If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, consider lunch at the Hilton Hotel. The restaurant has a soup and salad bar, with hand-carved meats and chili soups. It usually is not crowded, the dining room is cool and restful, and the food is excellent. We had lunch with author, Paula Baxter, and compared notes on shopping and collectible jewelry.

Indian Market is best seen in two days. Some say that by Sunday afternoon shoppers can find some bargains.

Indian Market Alternatives
Not everyone loves Native American jewelry and pottery as much as we do. But never fear, there is plenty going on to suit other interests. How about a Native American film festival... or skateboarding contest? Those events were going on as well. There is usually music in the Plaza and a full schedule of Santa Fe events that weekend as well.

Comments, Questions and Suggestions Welcomed
We would love to hear about your Gallup, Zuni and Santa Fe experiences and welcome suggestions and questions. Just leave a comment here.
More Information:
Native American Art and Jewelry on Examiner.com
SWAIA Website
Santa Fe Hotels