Bob Smith
The International Folk Art Market is back and bigger than its pre-COVID size.
If you’ve been around these parts for a while, you’ve probably found yourself stuck in traffic related to the International Folk Art Market (IFAM). And look, we know there are a lot of markets going on in any given Santa Fe summer, but this one provides a more global offering. Santa Fe loves our Spanish and Indian Markets, no doubt, but sometimes we need to mix it up a little and add some international art into our browsing habits. Plus, after a few years of pandemic-spurred reduced and canceled everything, 2022′s Folk Art Market is returning to its original sprawling format, with some additions.
“During COVID, we did focus groups to determine what the community wanted out of IFAM,” Adrienne Murray, director of marketing and community engagement for IFAM, says. “Out of the under-40 group, we found there was a big desire to make the market accessible outside of working hours and to bring in the community more.”
IFAM 2022′s most exciting addition might just be its new Night Market. Stroll under the setting sun to partake in hundreds of vendors spread across Museum Hill, and you’ll see jewelry via Kazakhstan, baskets from Namibia, textiles from Uzbekistani artists and glorious Mexican ceramics. Music from Colombian hip-hop group Kombilesa will become a centerpiece to the new element, too. Hailing from the village of San Basilio de Panenque, they perform in both Palenquero (San Basilio’s traditional language) and in Spanish, using music as a method to preserve the Palenquero language.
Adding to the 48 different countries and 164 selected artists, local institutions like Paseo Pottery and the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center are slated to host demonstrations in pottery and textiles, respectively. Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery is also scheduled to appear with various cocktails and beers, plus Wisefool New Mexico is bringing circus acts into the fray and you’ll find food trucks such as Jambo Café, Raaga-Go and Platero Fry Bread & Navajo Tacos.
“This whole thing is almost entirely volunteer-led [with] people who are working as cashiers or even as translators,” Murray continues. “We’re so incredibly grateful to them. We’ve had people who’ve been volunteering yearly since [the market] started.”
The International Folk Art Market was founded in 2004, and this year, the staff is expecting roughly 16,000 visitors—a pretty big step up from last year’s mid-COVID 9,000. Since its start, market staff estimates, artists have earned somewhere in the neighborhood of $34 million. Pro tip? Park at the Midtown Campus and take the free shuttle over to Museum Hill.
Folk Art Night Market:
6-9 pm Saturday, July 9. $20.
International Folk Art Market:
Various times, Thursday, July 6-Sunday, July 10. $15-$85. Museum Hill, 710 Camino Lejo. (505) 992-7600
