Dear Friends,

The Southwestern Association of Indian Arts organizes one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Santa Fe Indian Market, happening this August 17th & 18th. The iconic market brings together artists, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate and honor Native American art and culture through an array of artistic mediums – including fashion! The much-anticipated Indigenous Fashion Show will take place on Sunday, August 18 at the Santa Fe Convention Center, but the fashion celebration really kicks off on the 17th during the opening gala at Santa Fe’s newest museum, Vladem Contemporary. This year, SWAIA’s annual fundraising gala has evolved into a less formal and more celebratory scene and will feature fashion shows, freeze modeling and exclusive auctions of unparalleled artworks. Buy tickets here before they’re gone!  

With artists from over 220 federally recognized tribes and First Nations’ tribes of Canada and the United States, there’s no shortage of creative energy in town – and not to mention our hotel lobby! This year don’t miss the opportunity to check out the custom Indian Bobber Motorcycle, donated by Indian Motorcycles to SWAIA for auction at their annual gala event. The motorcycle is designed by La Fonda friends and artists Cody Sanderson and Kenneth Johnson. The bike is painted candy apple red and features delicate gold leaf design elements and a hand-twisted, custom cross bar. The intricate design elements pop on the unique canvas of aluminum and steel. Don’t miss it! You can learn more here.

La Fonda welcomes back the hip arts collective, Sovereign Santa Fe for the sixth year in a row. Sovereign Santa Fe features Native American artists whose work highlights contemporary Native American Arts and its relationship between traditional and new design philosophies.  Organized by Gregory Farah of FaraHNHeight Fine Art, the event takes place in the Lumpkins Ballroom August 16-18, and of course, it is free and open to the public as well as our guests!

Also this month, we look forward to hosting a dynamic evening dedicated to celebrating and supporting the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) – one of our favorite arts education institutions! Join IAIA leadership, alum artists, students, supporters, and friends, like me, for a night filled with art, cuisine, entertainment, and a shared commitment to providing essential scholarship support for IAIA students. I hope to see you! Purchase tickets here. The gala will be held on our beautiful La Terraza and features a silent and online auction along with a live auction showcasing one-of-a-kind works by contemporary Indigenous artists.

I had an absolute blast at the SITE Santa Fe fundraiser event last month, sponsored by La Fonda! It was a wonderful evening where locals came out in droves to support our beloved contemporary art house. The highlight for me was spending time with the many creatives of Santa Fe, including my friend and New Mexico Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham. It was wonderful to see our community rally together in support of such creativity displayed by exhibition artists, Teresita Fernández and Robert Smithson. Events like these showcase the vibrant and passionate cultural spirit that makes Santa Fe so special.

Santa Feans demonstrated their local love in the Santa Fe Reporter’s annual readers’ choice awards and the results had us beaming! We’re thrilled to earn the top spot as #1 Best Lodging twelve years running!  La Fiesta Lounge landed the #2 spot for Best Hotel Bar and Detours #2 Best Gift Shop.  Thanks for the love, Santa Fe!

Looking ahead, make sure to mark your calendars for the Fred Harvey History Weekend, slated for October 26th this year. This annual event is a must-attend for history buffs, Fred Heads (here’s looking at you, Stephen Fried) and foodies alike. Be sure not to miss the Fred Harvey Foodie Dinner and Auction, where you can indulge in a culinary journey inspired by the legendary Fred Harvey. The evening promises to deliver delightful dishes, Harvey stories, repartee by the incomparable Chef Johnny Vee, and the chance to celebrate with friends. I hope you can make it.

With love,
Jenny