Santa Fe Indian Market
My love of Native American culture began when I was a little girl in the 1970s. My dad and I were active in the Indian Princess program with YMCA – I was Little Twig, and he was Tall Timber. We learned so much about the culture, participated in Native American events, and I was even sworn in as an honorary member of the Havasupai/Navajo tribe. I was hooked!
I also remember when I was 5, my dad brought me a beautiful doll in First Nation dress from Canada, along with a beaded necklace. I still have and treasure both items.
My love of Native American culture began when I was a little girl in the 1970s. My dad and I were active in the Indian Princess program with YMCA – I was Little Twig, and he was Tall Timber.


Fast forward to the present day, when one of my dearest friends moved to Santa Fe. She invited me out to experience the Santa Fe Indian Market, which is THE largest juried fair of Native American art in the world. There are over 1000 vendors, and they represent over 200 tribes from the USA and Canada. They generally have around150K visitors to the market.
DAY 1:
On Friday (the day before the two-day market) we attended the general preview at the convention center, where we were able to see the nominees and award winners for the 103rd market. We viewed quite a range in work, from painting to clothing to jewelry and beyond. I was floored by what I saw, as the diversity in artistry was amazing. Take a peek at some of the work I enjoyed:






DAY 2:
Since I was staying right by the Plaza, the heart of the market, I was awoken by soulful drumming around 8 am, which reverberated in my heart in the best possible way. As we strolled from my hotel, we were immersed in sounds and sights that truly energized me. Within the first five minutes, my friend and I already had purchased pendants from a Navajo designer.
Although I was initially looking for gold jewelry, I was quite instantly equally interested in the silver works as well. You know I love mixing metals!! Given my personal style, I was also looking for pieces that I refer to as “Indian adjacent” or “Indian light.” I already have a few more traditional squash blossom necklaces, so this time I was on the hunt for items that could mix well with my antique and mid-century pieces, creating looks that I could easily wear anywhere from San Francisco to Milan.
Although I was initially looking for gold jewelry, I was quite instantly equally interested in the silver works as well. You know I love mixing metals!!


I was lucky to find three bracelets from three different artists that stack in the loveliest way. The first purchase was made the day before the fair at True West Gallery—a silver inlay cuff by Vincent Gioelli with lime green serpentine and a few carefully placed slices of turquoise and coral. (He also happens to run the gift shop across the street at the museum!)
Next came a chunkier silver and Mediterranean coral cuff from Navajo designer, Eddie Begay, and a fab coral and 14K yellow gold cuff from Henry Nez. I know these will be forever pieces in my jewelry box.

I couldn’t neglect my fingers, so this 18K ring with sugilite, coral, and turquoise was calling my name. This stunner was made by 5th generation jeweler, Melvin Platero. This ring was inspired by Charles Loloma, one of my all-time fave Native American jewelry designers.



Take a look at some of the other work I admired as I wandered the stalls.
Not only are the artists a main attraction, but so are the attendees. Everyone was decked out in Native American jewelry—it was like a fashion show!! The whole feeling was one of great comradery and love of Native American art and spirit.



Not only are the artists a main attraction, but so are the attendees.
was decked out in Native American jewelry—it was like a fashion show!!



DAY 3:
The mood was a bit different today, and I soon found out why. Many artists had completely sold out of their work on Saturday, so their stalls were vacant. Many of the other artists had a fraction of the offerings that they had the day before. I couldn’t have been more thrilled for them!! And…I’m very glad I made my big purchases the day before!
After lunch at the Inn of the Anasazi restaurant (a Rosewood hotel), I headed over to the VIP pre-party for the SWAIA (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts) fashion show. My friend gifted me the VIP ticket, and I was able to sit right in front of the runway. Lucky me!!

It started with a BANG with a solo Native American dance by one of the male models. The show featured five Native American designers, including Jamie Okuma, Penny Singer, Osamuskwasis, Lauren Good Day, and Jotay Kahm. While some looks were purely editorial, others really were wearable fashions – modern, yet with a Native American twist. I truly appreciated that the models came in all shapes and sizes. Such a breath of fresh air!!




Alas, my whirlwind experience in Santa Fe has come to a close. I enjoyed a cocktail at the rooftop bar, The Bell Tower, as I watched the sunset, and I reminisced about all I had seen and all the people I had met. I look forward to my next visit!