Santa Fe Team Prepares for World’s Largest Folk Art Market

Santa Fe, NM – The world’s largest folk art market will take place July 6-10 in Santa Fe, NM. The 18^th International Folk Art Market will return to its full footprint with more than 150 artisans representing 49 countries, an inaugural Night Market, and world music, dance, and food. 

“The Market is a magical event, bringing together master artists from around the world, scores of amazing and committed volunteers, and thousands of enthusiastic guests from across the country and our own community. We’re looking forward to not only bringing the Market that we all adore back to Santa Fe, but also introducing new aspects for our guests to enjoy,” said Melissa Mann, IFAM CEO.

One new aspect the IFAM team plans to introduce is the Night Market, which will take place on Saturday, July 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can visit artist stalls in the evening hours and with the added enjoyment of live music, including a performance by Colombian Hip Hop group Kombilesa Mi. From village of San Basilio de Palenque, Kombilesa, Mi performs in a mixture of Spanish and Palenquero (the traditional language of the village).

Along with many returning favorites, 38 first-time participants are joining this summer. Six US-born artists nominated by NM museum and cultural institution partners across a variety of media will also participate. Another highlight is the return of the Innovation Inspiration tent, generously sponsored by JoAnn and Bob Balzer, underscoring that folk art is a living discipline, constantly changing and transforming.

Guests can now purchase tickets for the market at IFAM’s website. Ticket prices and schedules are as follows: Thursday Early Bird (9 a.m. – 11 a.m.) $85; Thursday (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) $30; Friday (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) $25; Saturday (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) $20; Saturday Night Market (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.) $20; IFAM Community Sunday (11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) $15. Educators and First Responders enter Market free on Sunday 7/10.  All tickets have a processing fee of $2 and tickets for guests 16 and younger are free. 

In addition to IFAM’s team, more than 1,800 volunteers from around the country help bring the event to life each year. Currently, more volunteers are needed for a variety of roles and responsibilities.  Those interested in volunteering for this year’s event should visit the volunteer webpage. “From handypersons, to greeters, to cashiers, to interpreters and more, we have a job for everyone who wants to be a part of a part of an upbeat and meaningful cultural celebration and market,” said Francesca Glaspell, IFAM marketing and community engagement coordinator.

About

The International Folk Art Market Santa Fe is a non-profit operating in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Museum of New Mexico Foundation and the City of Santa Fe.

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