Santa Fe NM - Part 2 - International Folk Art Market

The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market is celebrating its 10th year.  This year, there were over 50 countries represented in more than 150 booths.  Many of the artists are from very poor countries, and it is difficult to obtain passports and visas for them since they do not represent the average type of traveler.  Visas are not granted if it is felt they are a "return risk." Many artists are sponsored by organizations or individuals who help with their expenses and other challenges that occur.  16,000 - 20,000 people attend the market each year.

The posters behind the booths where you pay state:

It’s not a market.  It’s a miracle.

 

90% of sales go home with the artists and their organizations.  These sales often represent 10x what they might earn in one year in their country, improving lives and sustaining traditions.

The average income for the artists is $17,000 for the three-day market.  Not only does this income help their individual families but many artists help their communities as well. 

The market is held on "Museum Hill" and there is no parking in that area during the market.  They have an amazingly efficient shuttle bus service from remote areas and an army of cheerful, helpful volunteers.  We arrived a little before the opening time and this is the line.  Once it opened, we reached the entrance in just a few minutes.  They clearly have done this before and it is so organized.

The quality and the variety of items were amazing.  I took pictures of a few booths just to give you the feel of the market - lots of color and very festive.

This is Lliya Kazakov from Kazakhstan.  I bought a hammered silver pendant from him.  He didn't really speak much English but was very nice and very talented.  His work is his family's only source of income.

This gentleman is chip carving.  He did beautiful work and Alan enjoyed watching him.  How he could work with all those people around is amazing.

A wire and bead flamingo.  Cathy, it was way too large for your motorhome, but I sure thought about it for you.

A beaded elephant and lion.  The women who beaded these animals are very oppressed in their village.  The money they have been able to earn has helped to gain them "status" and they are being treated somewhat better in their own village.