Each August, the historic city of Santa Fe, NM, becomes the Santa Fe Indian Market, enveloping the town’s central Plaza and surrounding streets. In addition, hundreds of gallery openings, art shows, and related events take place during the weekend of Indian Market and during the two weeks immediately preceding it. Indian art collectors and artists from around the world make the pilgrimage to Santa Fe, whether they intend to buy or not. The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) sponsors the event, which is estimated to bring more than 80,000 people and over $100 million in revenues to the state and region. Read more about the history of the market here.
SWAIA celebrated its 92nd annual market in 2013 and honored Santa Domingo potter Crucita Melchor with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Crucita Melchor is the daughter of Santana Melchor, the renowned matriarch of a family of Pueblo Indian potters. She has been making pots since the 1950s. She designs them using ancient forms and decorations, including black- and brick-colored motifs, and has received numerous awards for her work. Enjoy this 5:29 video of her talking about her work and her family.
