How turquoise became synonymous with New Mexico

 

Sacred to Indigenous people, beloved by collectors, one blue-green stone has huge cultural cachet in the “Land of Enchantment.”

by Jennifer Barger

—LINK

 

“The natural rock is more connected to mother earth, with no middleman,” says Muskett. “The stone’s softness can affect how I cut it, but even if it breaks, I grind the turquoise up and use it in prayers.”

(Why Oaxaca, Mexico is reviving its “pottery of the night.”)
 

Travelers hunting for turquoise souvenirs in New Mexico and around the Southwest generally come seeking authenticity, both in materials and makers. Though the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 is meant to protect against “Santa fake” Indigenous artifacts, it’s hardly ever enforced.

There’s no central organization vetting Indigenous crafts, but shoppers can seek galleries and shops that post information about which artists from which Indigenous groups are producing their jewelry. Serious collectors turn up every August for Santa Fe’s Indian Market, which features hundreds of juried Indigenous potters, jewelers, and weavers on and around the historic main plaza.

Yet the most memorable way to purchase New Mexico turquoise might be to go straight to the vendors who set up every day outside Santa Fe’s Palace of the Governors or in the courtyard of Albuquerque’s Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. All these vetted Indigenous artists can share information on both their techniques and traditions.

“People come to New Mexico and see how natural things are interwoven into our culture, and they want a piece of that,” says Muskett. “Buying these bits of the earth for adornment might bring them peace and tranquility.”

 

 

(Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month)

The Enduring Power Of Turquoise Jewelry In Native American Cultures

Good Old Fashioned American Craftsmanship,

The Pasatiempo by Jennifer Levin

“Shipping delays are on the horizon for the holiday season, so “shop local” may just be the gift-giving mantra for 2021. The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) brings back its in-person Winter Indian Market in time to select some fine art and handmade goods by award-winning Native American artists. Held Saturday, Nov. 20, and Sunday, Nov. 21, at La Fonda on the Plaza, the market features 150 of SWAIA’s juried Indigenous artists from the 2021 Santa Fe Indian Market in August. The event also includes an online auction.”

Five Things to Do This Weekend

by Maria Manuela for New Mexico Magazine

 

“Support Indigenous artists at Winter Indian Market, watch New Mexico’s arts stars shine, shop local in Las Cruces, sit with a symphony, and get some fiber.”

SFR Picks- Week of Nov.17

by Alex DeVore for the Santa Fe Reporter

 

 

Another Chance

If you missed out on this year’s return to an in-person Indian Market for whatever reason (travel, tickets, time, temperature, etc.), you’ll have another chance to check out work from Indigenous artists in an admittedly more subdued but no less excellent fashion. The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Winter Indian Market returns to La Fonda on the Plaza with nearly 200 juried artists you might have caught at the big summer market (or not), a silent auction and more. Whether you’re adding to the collection, looking to catch the next big artist or simply love any massive gathering of intensely talented people, you’re bound to find something worth texting people about. It could be like, “OMG. Just saw most byoo-tee-full art of all time.” And then your friend will be like “K,” but you’ll know it was cool and that makes it worth it. (ADV)

 

 

‘I don’t believe in putting myself in a box’ by Kathaleen Roberts

for the Albuquerque Journal

 

 

Her life changed after her fiancee asked her to paint a portrait of Muhammad Ali.

“One day I was at work and she said, ‘I have a surprise for you,’ ” Begaye said. “She said, ‘I started a Facebook page for you.’ ”

By 2017, Begaye was taking her artwork seriously, entering the Santa Fe Indian Market.

“I will always remember a specific powerful moment in June 2017, right after a successful art show,” she stated. “My hands had a buzzing feeling. I looked down at my palms and finally acknowledged the Creator’s gift I was given. This wasn’t just doodling.”

 

 

Winter Indian Market Returns To Santa Fe November 20 – 21

by Cowboys & Indians Editors

“After last year’s Virtual Winter Market, SWAIA is thrilled to be returning to an in-person market at the historic La Fonda Hotel,” said SWAIA executive director Kim Peone. Approximately 200 of SWAIA’s juried Indigenous artists from the 2021 Santa Fe Indian Market will be featured.

This year’s Winter Indian Market will also include a silent auction to raise funds to support SWAIA’s Indigenous art community.

If you’re there in person, bring an unwrapped present to donate to SWAIA’s holiday gift drive, to be donated to the Santa Fe Indigenous Center.

 

Santa Fe Indian Market is pleased to announce this year’s Best of Show, Best of Class and Special Award winners in a variety of classifications. For 99 years, Santa Fe Indian Market, the world’s largest and most prestigious Native American art market, has awarded Best of Show winners to the nation’s most exceptional artists in a variety of juried categories.

Thirty experts in various media spent all day Thursday, August 19, reviewing and critiquing this year’s entries to determine the winners. The announcement of Best of Show and Best of Class winners was made public at the Best of Show Luncheon on Friday afternoon.

This year’s overall Best of Show winner is Rhonda Holy Bear’s (Cheyenne River Sioux) Doll, “Lakota Honor- Sees the Horses Woman.”

All Best of Show winners’ phenomenal artwork will be available this weekend during Santa Fe Indian Market— beginning with the Sneak Preview on Friday night from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe Convention Center. This is the public’s first opportunity to see this year’s award-winning artwork. The General Preview, 4:30-6:30 p.m., immediately follows the Sneak Preview.

This year’s Best of Class winners by classification are:

Class I: Jewelry
Denise Wallace (Chugach Sugpiaq)
“Origins, Roots and Sources”

Class II: Pottery
Robert Patricio (Pueblo of Acoma)
“Raining Dawn to Dusk”

Class III: Painting, Drawing, Graphics & Photography
Thomas Tapia (Pueblo of Tesuque)
Watercolor, “Buffalo Elk Dance”

Class IV: Wooden Pueblo Figurative Carving & Sculpture
Arthur Holmes Jr. (Hopi)
Carving, “Broken Arrow”

Class V: Sculpture
Raymond Chee Sr. (Navajo/Diné)
Sculpture, “Healing into the Night”

Class VI: Textiles
Tyler Glasses (Navajo/ Diné)
Weaving, “Poncho for Days”

Class VII: Diverse Arts
Dana Warrington (Menominee/ Potawatomi)
Taxidermy, Otter wearing leather, quillwork, beadwork, lapidary, silver, weaving and feathers.
“Defending the Homeland”

Class VIII: Beadwork & Quillwork
Rhonda Holy Bear (Cheyenne River Sioux)
Doll, “Lakota Honor-Sees the Horses Woman”

Class XI: Basketry
Jeremey Frey (Passamaquoddy)
Double wall ash basket, “Malsom (Wolf)”

Class IX: Youth (artists aged 17 and under)
Aydrian Day (Anishinaabe, Lakota, Hochunk)
Beaded elk hide bag, “Mishkiikii Ode (Medicine of the Heart)”

2021 Special Award Winners:
Indigenous Collections Grand Award:
The Winner of this award will be announced at the end of August.

Special Youth Awards:
2nd Place Youth: Kiiyaanni Reeves (Navajo/ Diné)
3rd Place Youth: Mosgadace Casuse (Anishinaabe/ Navajo (Diné)

 

For media inquiries, contact:
Audrey Nadia Rubinstein
505 490 5029
audrey@themetaagency.com