Shopping for the holidays gets a huge boost every winter when The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) hosts its annual Winter Indian Market. Over 150 indigenous vendors, representing artwork from SWAIA’s ten juried classifications, set up shop indoors, along with musical and dance performances, an in-person silent auction, raffles, delicious food and more throughout the weekend. The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts’ Winter Indian Market takes place at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, November 25 – 26, 2023, 9 – 5 p.m.
“Winter Indian Market is a wonderful opportunity for artists, collectors and SWAIA members to gather and support Native American Art and artists by shopping our juried artist seasonal gift market,” said SWAIA’s director of operations, Jamie Schulze. “SWAIA is excited to be hosting the event at the Santa Fe Convention Center where we can accommodate more guests.”
In August of 2022, SWAIA celebrated the centenary Indian Market in Santa Fe. Widely credited with ensuring the survival of Indigenous creativity in America, the movement that started out as a showcase for pottery, jewelry, basketry, and fine art, has blossomed to include such contemporary genres as film and fashion. The former has seen a huge leap in popularity with multiplex and streaming showcases, not just for Indigenous culture, but actors as well. The latter has grown from a historical curiosity to the season’s hottest ticket, introducing not just traditional regalia, but haute couture as well.
The Winter Indian Market is not only a great place to shop for the holidays, but to get in touch with those deep American roots that have been ignored for far too long. In addition to providing a showcase for the best traditional and contemporary Indigenous arts in the world today, it also features an in-person silent auction and a benefit raffle to support SWAIA’s mission. SWAIA creates economic and cultural opportunities for Native North American artists by producing and promoting not only Santa Fe’s renowned Indian Markets – cultivating excellence and innovation across traditional and non-traditional art forms – but by developing programs and events that support, promote and honor Native artists year-round.
Attendees are encouraged to donate a present for SWAIA’s annual holiday gift drive. This year, SWAIA is partnering with the Santa Fe Public Schools – Native American Student Services pre-k through 12th grade – and are requesting new toys and games. Please wrap gifts and label the appropriate age for each item. A designated SWAIA staff member will receive donations on both Saturday and Sunday, during market hours.
Tickets for the 2023 SWAIA Winter Indian Market are $15 per day, or $25 for both days. For more information, visit the website.
This article was posted by David Salcido
