INDIAN MARKET: Here you will find general history and information on the annual Santa Fe Indian Market. Special features on the market include the Indian Market Awards, the Indian Market food vendors, and the Indian Market Ceremonial Dances. Indian Market showcases about 1,200 area American Indian artists whose mediums include painting, poetry, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and woven materials. It is Santa Fe’s single largest tourist attraction, drawing an estimated 100,000 visitors annually.
A beautiful example of the kind of authentic hand-crafted pottery that can be found each year at the world famous Indian Market in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico.Indian Market Judging and Awards

Judging the many talented artists at Indian Market is not an easy task. After a day of viewing and evaluating hundreds of artists the judges have a difficult job indeed.

The Judging Process
The classifications are:
• Painting and Graphics
• Kachina Dolls, Kachina Sculpture and Carved Dolls
• Weaving and Baskets
• Sculpture
• Jewelry
• Diversified Art Forms (Bead and Quill Work)
• Youth Art

Thirty-five judges are divided into teams, each of which is responsible for judging all the work in one of the classifications. The day begins with awarding first, second and third place ribbons to catagory winners. Best of Category winners then advance to compete for Best of Division. Best of Classification is determined from these winners. Winners at all levels receive cash prizes.

Some years an award for Best of Show is given to one lucky recipient. An independent team of judges makes the final determination for Best of Show. These judges are called in at the end of the day and only view the seven Best of Classification winners. Comprised of artists, museum people, collectors, and gallery owners, this independent panel of experts truly represent the highest expertise of the art world. They consider the aesthetics of the work, the impact it has on the art discipline, innovative and traditional technique, the work’s emotional impact, and its colors and materials.

Back to Indian Market History



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