Storm clouds at end of day, Indian Market
Destination: Santa Fe Indian Market
Held the third weekend in August every year, the Santa Fe Indian Market celebrated its 90th birthday in 2011. Over at the Tahoma Blog, I wrote about Geronima Cruz Montoya, an artist who was six years old when the Market started, grew up to be an artist and teacher, and still paints and exhibits at Indian Market. The Santa Fe Indian Market is the largest and most prestigious showing of American Indian art held anywhere in the world. It is a great place to get an introduction to the many different cultures and styles of art that we have across this continent.
Today I’d like to give you some tips for enjoying Indian Market. It is not too early to plan for next year, is it?
1. Avoid high-priced hotels and rent an apartment from HomeAway or VRBO. And rent early. The apartment we found, big enough for at least four people, had a view to die for from the balcony and was decorated to the max with Southwestern art.
"Our" Home Away Apartment
The fully equipped kitchen and the comfy beds guaranteed a cozy home away from home that was perfect for those moments when we were not busy with Market activities. This apartment is close to the Plaza (allegedly walking distance, but save your feet for walking up and down the rows of booths. Drive and park near the Plaza.) This condo was reasonably priced–not hiked up just for the special event. ($158 per night, including taxes.)
2. Because we had an apartment, we did not have to worry about shoehorning into the Santa Fe restaurants. We visited the nearby Sunflower Market and Albertson’s and for under $100, fed three people most meals for four days. Yes, they have fantastic restaurants in Santa Fe, and if you want to try them out, I recommend coming early or staying after the Market, because getting in during the busy market time is quite a challenge.
3. Believe it or not, perusing the art of the 1100 artists, and watching some great entertainment at the Market is FREE. But if you have never been before, you might want to spring for $50 to go to the Preview showing on Friday night when the prizes are announced. The admission charge includes membership into SWAIA, (Southwest Association for Indian Arts) the sponsoring organization.
See pictures of some of the art available in this post at Tahoma Blog.
4. Pick up a guide to the Market on Friday so you can plan ahead, and particularly so you can see where you want to park. There are plenty of parking places near the Plaza, but they generally cost $10 a day. With some, you can show your receipt and come back in depending on availability. We like the one directly behind the Cathedral, entered from Paseo de Peralta.
5. The market runs from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday morning until 5:00 pm. If you come a few days early, you can take advantage of tie-ins at galleries throughout town (there are hundreds) and at the wonderful museums like the Wheelwright, the Indian Arts and Culture Museum, or the Folk Arts Museum on Museum Hill a few miles away from the center of town or the New Mexico Museum of Art on the Plaza, or the Georgia O’Keefe and other museums near the Plaza.
Entrance to Adobe Gallery on Canyon Road
Speaking of tie-ins at galleries, Adobe Gallery is currently running an exhibit of paintings by Quincy Tahoma and held a reception for Charnell and me on opening night of the show–Thursday before the Market weekend.
The Tahoma paintings at Adobe Gallery
6. Wear comfy shoes and carry a lightweight bag to gather any items you can’t resist buying. Don’t forget your camera. Vendors sell water and coffee and other essentials to keep body together, but expect to take breaks whenever you have a chance to sit down. Restaurants around the Plaza, including those in the historic La Fonda, a former Harvey Hotel are open during the Market.
Sign for Bookstore and Cafe
7. As a book lover, you’ll also want to make a stop at Collected Works, just three short blocks from the Plaza take the street that runs past the Baskins Robbins store on the SW corner of the Plaza and turn left on Galisteo Street. But save your appetite for the delicious pastries, coffees and teas served in the Bookstore’s Cafe.
Collected Works Bookstore Cafe Area
Here’s a slide show overview of a few of the treats for the eye at Santa Fe’s 90th Indian Market–pottery, painting, fiber art, jewelry, costumes, and skateboarding(?), ending with the rainbow that led to this pot of gold.
Most of the photos in this post were taken by Ken Badertscher or Vera Marie Badertscher. Charnell Havens is the photographer that captured the beautiful rainbow. All rights reserved on all photos. Please ask before copying.
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About the Author:
A freelance writer who loves to travel. When she is not traveling she is reading about travel. When she is not reading or traveling, she is sharing with the readers of A Traveler's Library, recreating her family's past at Ancestors In Aprons. She writes frequently for Reel Life With Jane and other websites. Also co-author of a biography, Quincy Tahoma, The Life and Legacy of a Navajo Artist. Contact Vera Marie by e-mail.
Vera Marie Badertscher – who has written 684 posts on A Traveler's Library.
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Tags: Adobe Gallery, American Indians, Collected Works Bookstore, HomeAway, New Mexico, Quincy Tahoma, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Indian Market, Southwest, USA, VRBO
I’ve always wanted to visit the Indian Market in Santa Fe. From the looks of your pictures, I should schedule a visit for next year.
Donna Hull would like you to read..Saturday’s scene: Ribbons of Color
I think you and Alan would love Indian Market, and I highly advise staying at the terrific apartment we rented from HomeAway.
Love these tips- my daughter checked out the home away for her honeymoon- she loved it!
Love the bookstores you find everywhere you go!!
Connie would like you to read..August 20th 2011- Here comes the Bride
Connie: Wel of COURSE I find bookstores–they are kind of magnetic, aren’t they?
Great tips. I love Santa Fe. Any tips on where to eat?
MyKidsEatSquid would like you to read..DIY flower pepper
I’m woefully behind the times when it comes on places to eat in Santa Fe, since I’m always there to WORK, so I’m trying to get by cheaply. Ken and I never miss stopping in Bernallilo to eat at the Range Cafe, packed with art and an innovative menu. There’s a couple elsewhere, but they just aren’t the same! My favorite splurge dinner (which isn’t by far the most expensive or trendy place) is the Pink Adobe–lots of character and charm. It is always fun to eat at La Fonda hotel because of the history and the people watching is fantastic. It’s one of those places where you feel like you could see anyone you’ve ever known walk in. Finally, for blue corn pancakes and good old fashioned breakfast, the Plaza Cafe, with big windows looking right out on the Plaza is one of my favorites.
I haven’t been to Santa Fe since my family left New Mexico in 2000, but this brings back so many images from our time there: the stucco buidlings, the food, the rainbows. It’s very different from most other places in the country but offers a refreshing change of scenery.
I haven’t been to Santa Fe since my family left New Mexico in 2000, but this brings back so many images from our time there: the stucco buidlings, the food, the rainbows. It’s very different from most other places in the country but offers a refreshing change of scenery.
How can you bear to stay away for so long, Susan? I agree, it is unique in a world of cookie-cutter American big-box fast-food highway-sign travel.
What gorgeous photos! This event sounds like a blast, and so cool that you rented an apartment and were able to eat on such a great budget.
Jane Boursaw would like you to read..Breakfast at Tiffany’s on Blu-Ray: Happy 50th Anniversary
I love those Indian corn necklaces in the slideshow… it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that I’ve got one in orange, of course. I hope you had time for at least one good meal in Santa Fe – maybe breakfast at Cafe Pasqual’s?
Casey would like you to read..To Have, to Hold, and to Bite Your Head Off
These are some great tips and it looks like a fun event! My mother would have LOVED this!
Living Large would like you to read..Living Large Tip of the Week: Throwing out Plastic Containers
Thank you to Vera and Charnell for this lovely article and for including the condo pictured above.
We take care of the condo in the photo for our friends who live in Texas. There is no minimum stay. The two websites for finding this and their other very similar condo are:
http://www.vrbo.com/157160 or HomeAway.com/228600
http://www.vrbo.com/157170 or HomeAway.com/228602
We welcome you back soon, Vera. Fall is splendid too!
[...] See tips for enjoying Indian market, and more photos at A Traveler’s Library. [...]
Sounds like such a great event! Was there a minimum number of days for your Home Away stay? Would have liked to attend the reception and see the art.
Alexandra would like you to read..A Dozen Pre-Hurricane Worries
These are great tips. We were in town the week leading up to this, but left on Thursday. I would like to be able to attend in future years.
NoPotCoooking would like you to read..Salmon with an Interesting Sauce
what FUN!! i do love renting homes or apartments. it’s so much easier. thanks for the great tips!
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