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The Faces of Folk Art – Santa Fe Folk Art Market

August 20152 min readBy Santa Fe Selection
The Faces of Folk Art – Santa Fe Folk Art Market

Each year, the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market brings to town an amazing display of folk art from around the world. As many as 150 display booths cover Milner Plaza at Museum Hill or The Railyard. Thousands of visitors flock to explore the wonderful art from continents near and far.

Santa Fe International Folk Art Market Entrance, 2015.
Santa Fe International Folk Art Market Entrance, 2015.

As I wandered through a sea of folk, from booth to booth, country to country, I was struck by the beauty and uniqueness of the myriad faces of the artists and representatives. Many wore traditional dress that tells something of their art and culture. For those of us with a traveler's spirit, it's nice to stir appreciation for the cultural diversity that still exits in today's increasingly "global" environment.

Just one tent of booths at the market on Museum Hill.
This is just one side of one tent of booths at the market on Museum Hill.

I took hundreds of photos but here are a select few to take you around the world. I hope you enjoy the trip.

Vietnam - Ta May Ly
Vietnam - Ta May Ly. Red Dao embroidered textiles, tunics, clothing, bridal and ceremonial scarves, headdresses, hats, necklaces.

This three-day event has grown in popularity since its beginnings in 2004. It is now one of the many wonderful annual markets and events happening during Santa Fe summers. If you're planning to visit the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, be sure to get your tickets in advance, if you can. They usually go on sale in early May via their website, and the Folk Art Alliance recommend booking through the website as the preferred method to ensure you have tickets. It is usually held the second weekend in July, but check this link for current dates, more info and for the link to purchase tickets.

Uganda
Ghana -  Recycled glass beads from bottles symbolize wealth and status in Krobo culture.

I also recommend you book your hotel rooms as early as you can. Click this link for a list of preferred lodging.

Hungary
Transylvanian-Hungarian painted and carved furniture, home accessories and crosses.

FREE 2026 Mini Guide Map: If you'd like my FREE Mini Guide Map of Santa Fe & surrounding areas, with my curated lists of things to do, where to eat, play, shop, explore, send me your U.S. or Canadian mailing address via email to info@santafeselection.com Free if mailed within the U.S. or Canada

Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan-Kazakh jewelry; carved, ornamented boxes, mirrors and hair ornaments.
India
India - Meghuben Rabari- Embroidered applique, patchwork shawls, bags, dolls, wall hangings & accessories.
Guatamala
Guatamala - Carmen Maldonado Garcia - Hooked rugs with traditional Mayan and alfombras designs.
Kenya
Kenya - Maasai bead jewelry, beaded clothing and accessories.
Israel
Israel- Naama Al Sana. Negev Bedouin embroidered dresses, bags and home accessories.
Mexico
Mexico - Guadalupe Hermosillo Escobar: Forged metal roof crosses of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan - Aigul Zhanserikova - Works of wool felt and silk, pillows, scarves, bags and clothing.
Mali
Mali -  Mohamed El Maouloud Ag Hamid: Sterling silver Tuareg jewelry and leather boxes.
Spain
Spain- Jewelry of silver filagre and pendants of tiny dried flowers.
Lao PDR
Lao PDR - Tai Lue, Katu and Phoutai textiles; Yao Mien embroideries.
Nigeria
Nigeria - Handmade leather cushions, bags, accessories.
Peru
Peru - Hand carved gourds.
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste, Indonesia. Woven textiles, clothing, scarves and boxes.
South Africa
South Africa -  Nomvuselelo LadyPeace Mavundla: Creates accessories, baskets and bowls using colorful telephone wire.
LadyPeace
Mexico - Silvia Medina Hernandez. Clay bowls, vases & cookware.
Mexico - Silvia Medina Hernandez. Clay bowls, vases & cookware.
Mexico-Pottery2
backstrapweaving philippines
Philippines. Backstrap loom weaving textiles.
Philippines. Backstrap loom weaving textiles.
Namibia
Namibia - Basketry, ostrich eggshell and PVC jewelry, and beaded art cloths.
Tibet. Kalsang Tashi. Thangka paintings.
Tibet. Kalsang Tashi holding a work in progress. Thangka paintings.
Guatamala
Huichol Indian, Mexico - Rosy Valadez, helping her brother, Rafael Cilau Valadez with his booth of Wixarika yarn paintings.
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