This weekend was the 104th SWAIA (Southwestern Association of Indian Arts) Indian Market on and around the Plaza in Santa Fe.  According to the SWAIA website, it is the world's largest Native American Art market.  To say it is very nearly overwhelming is an understatement.  The depth and quality of work displayed and sold is quite incredible indeed.  The art ranges from what would be considered traditional to contemporary. During our first market 54 years ago (and to be honest, we thought it was your basic arts and crafts fair), it was raining!  Imagine that.  But being in August, I would guess it has rained during the market at least half the 104 years.   This year was dry, and thankfully for all involved, the air did not carry the smoke northern New Mexico has been experiencing the last couple of weeks.  

It was delightfully cooler than expected when we walked into the Plaza Saturday morning.  Even at 7:30 a. m. (with no sales allowed until the opening time of 8), crowds were starting to form, flowing from booth to booth.  I suspect this may the one time during any given year that some of the artists see one another, since 200 tribal nations from throughout the United States and Canada are represented.  Friendships are renewed and greetings exchanged during the earlier hours before serious shopping commences.  This block of time also gave me and any other photographers the opportunity to find compelling subjects to shoot without having to needle our way through groups booths.      

One of the first things that caught my eye on Lincoln Avenue was a fine display of pottery from Acoma Pueblo potter Felisha Patricio.  The geometry and precision of the design makes each piece pop.  

Indian Market 2026 - pottery by Felisha Patricio - Acoma Pueblo
 

Walking back toward the Plaza, a familiar shape presented itself on the side of Mike Toya's booth.  He gives a number of Star Wars elements his own Jemez Pueblo treatment.   

Indian Market 2026 - Millenium Falcon by Mike Toya, Jemez Pueblo

The blend of traditional and modern are also apparent in the work of multi-media artist Keith Edaakie, of Zuni Pueblo.  Skateboards make a perfect palette for his designs.    

Indian Market 2026 - skateboard art by Keith Edaakie, Zuni Pueblo
 

Indian Market 2026 - skateboard art 1 by Keith Edaakie and Leanne Lee, Zuni Pueblo

Keith's wife, Leanne, is also an artist who works with pen and ink, acrylics, and watercolor, as well as photography.  

Indian Market 2026 - skateboard art 2 by Keith Edaakie and Leanne Lee, Zuni Pueblo

There is usually at least one thing that is a total surprise at Indian Market.  "What the heck?"  came out of my mouth when I saw this.  It was something totally unexpected.  Not exactly part of the Indian Market itself, but parked appropriately in the electric vehicle charging spot outside the Santa Fe County offices,  the Tesla Cybertruck was adorned with multi-themed and messaged work by artist William DeBilzan, owner of DeBilzan Gallery on Palace Avenue.  
  

Indian Market 2026 - Tesla Cybertruck with treatment by DeBilzan 1 Indian Market 2026 - Tesla Cybertruck with treatment by DeBilzan 3

Friends and readers, this must be the end of today's blog, but there is more coming next week.  Here is a photographic teaser of some of the work that will be featured next week, from yet another multi-talented artist (including beader) Eli Snow.

Thanks to Carol and Larry, Christina, Tim, Ann A., Sara W., Jean & Sam, TTT, M. Fred, Gustavo, Catherine, and Marilyn G. for your comments last week.  

until next Monday

DB

a passion for the image©