Jenny's View

August 2022

Dear Friends,

We, who are also celebrating our current building's 100th Anniversary this year, understand that operating any organization for 100 years is no small feat. It requires a commitment to place, people, mission, and authenticity. For a century, La Fonda has been captivated by the magic of creative expression as a tool for unity and understanding. We, along with the thousands of visitors drawn to Santa Fe for Indian Market each year, value the chance to meet indigenous artists from across New Mexico and the country during this festive annual meeting of creative minds. 

Now a century old, the Santa Fe Indian Market continues the important work of honoring Native American Art, the communities that inspire its creation and the artists that continue to inspire us. Indian Market highlights artists from over 220 U.S. federally recognized tribes and First Nations' Tribes of Canada. Free and open to the public, the market is a gathering place for retrospection and dreams, and creativity is on full display across the entire city in the hundreds of curated artist booths lining the streets just outside our doorstep.  And, don’t miss the latest Indigenous Fashion as designers showcase the best the year’s First Nation threads on the runway during SWAIA’s Centennial Gala Party, Shiny Drop (Aug 20). Click here to buy tickets.  I hope to see you at one of the many events lined up this year! 

La Fonda is thrilled to welcome back Sovereign Santa Fe for the fourth year in a row. The annual art event is curated by the talented Diné artist and friend of La Fonda, Tony Abeyta. Sovereign Santa Fe features creative Native American artists whose work highlights NewSchool Native American Arts and its relationship between traditional and contemporary.  Organized by Gregory Farah of FaraHNHeight Fine Art, the exhibit will take place in the Lumpkins Ballroom August 18-21, 2022. 

Sovereign Santa Fe donates a portion of sales to various philanthropic fundraisers supporting and promoting Native American rights and cultures. This year, proceeds will benefit The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW). La Fonda believes strongly in the organization’s mission: to stop violence against Native women and children by advocating for social change in our communities.  

Part of La Fonda’s ongoing Centennial celebration occurring this year is our extremely popular Centennial Speaker Series. Please join us in the Lumpkins Ballroom on August 26 from 2-4pm, for our August conversation:  Indigenous Art of La Fonda. I am deeply honored to welcome some of my all-time favorite artists: Cara Romero, Marla Allison, Cody Sanderson, and Jordan Craig for a rich conversation to be moderated by Brian Vallo, the former Governor of the Pueblo of Acoma, about La Fonda’s unique collection of indigenous art.  

There is endless talent on display in Santa Fe this month and we cannot wait to share it with you. Please join me as we celebrate SWAIA’s 100 years of Indigenous art!  

Nitsaago Ahéhéé,

Jenny