(above) On Friday evening, the Prismatic Fashion Show turned the main stage lawn into a showcase for models sporting the work of young Native designers like Sun Rose Iron Shell (Lakota)
Santa Fe Indian Market, which takes place during the weekend of August 22–23, is always pushing its own boundaries. Along with its traditional presence on and around the Plaza, this year the Indian Market is also hosting a contemporary show at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. “Although we’re rooted in tradition, Dallin Maybee [SWAIA’s CEO] continues to work toward attracting and exhibiting more contemporary works,” says Rima Krisst, a coordinator at the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), the organization that produces Indian Market. “He’s an artist himself, and he has a great deal of respect for our youth, and for people who are creating very cutting-edge artwork.”
Krisst is particularly proud of a special group of works up for auction at the annual gala on Saturday night at La Fonda hotel: a one-of-a-kind table setting designed by a team of respected potters, glassmakers, beadworkers, silversmiths, basketmakers, and textile artists. Fashion is always one of the market’s biggest draws; this year’s version offers clothing-design fans two shows—a traditional one on the Plaza bandstand Sunday morning, and one dedicated to contemporary pieces in Cathedral Park Saturday afternoon. The contemporary show “features gorgeous items with traditional elements created by some of today’s top Native American designers,” Krisst says, adding that “the makeup and hair are always very edgy and beautiful.” (505-983-5220; swaia.org)
Just in its second year, the grassroots Indigenous Fine Art Market takes place August 20–22 in the Railyard Park. The juried event features more than 350 exhibitors. “It’s run as a cooperative—all of the artists really own a part of it,” says IFAM president and founder John Torres Nez. “And we use the word ‘indigenous’ for a reason, because although we primarily show Native American art, we do invite artists from Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, and other native cultures around the world.” Open until 9 all three evenings, IFAM offers pop-up tribal dance performances, films at Jean Cocteau Cinema, and music that ranges from traditional to hip-hop and heavy metal. (505) 819-3695; indigefam.org