Dear Friends, 

Santa Fe’s International Folk Art Festival brings together talented artisans from across the globe, transcending borders and fostering a sense of unity through art. This amazing event is set in the heart of Santa Fe’s rich cultural heritage and celebrates the diversity of global craftsmanship and talented traditional artisans. With its commitment to promoting cultural understanding and economic empowerment, the International Folk Art Market exemplifies the power of art to bridge divides and create meaningful connections.  

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This year the market will be held at Santa Fe’s Railyard Park, a central location, and within walking distance of the hotel. It’s one of my favorite markets because it offers a chance to establish friendships with artists the world over – in one afternoon! From Guatemalan weavers to Berber jewelers, Spanish punched tin masters to Indonesian batik printers and Bedouin Indigo artists, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring people and wares! I cannot wait to explore this year’s market! Check out the extensive artist list here. 

 
 

The Railyard district will also be home to the new Vladem Contemporary Art Museum. Just recently Museum Director, Dr. Mark White offered me a sneak preview of the new space. It was impressive! Santa Fe is in for a hip new venue to appreciate art! The New Mexico Museum of Art (NMMOA) Vladem Contemporary affords Santa Feans and visitors to The City Different a new space for contemporary art and is sure to broaden the diversity and reach of the museum’s collection. I’m so excited to enjoy the world-class exhibitions on the horizon. Save the date for the museum’s grand opening September 23rd!

  

La Fonda’s Centennial Speaker Series were so popular, we’ve decided to continue hosting these popular lectures at the hotel.  Join us on July 14th, 2-4pm in La Fonda’s Lumpkins Ballroom for our next History Talk: The House at Otowi Bridge.  With the highly anticipated Oppenheimer film by Christopher Nolan debuting this month, this lecture in particular, is certain to be standing room only! The talk will offer a broad perspective on the lives and work of scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory who created the atomic bomb and highlight the story of Edith Warner, whose home at Otowi Bridge served as a link between ancient communities and the scientists ushering the atomic age. Ellen Bradbury Reid will lead the discussion and filmmakers, Bruce Gelfand and Alton Walpole will talk about the making of a feature film based on this amazing story. Space is limited, so be sure to arrive early.

If you’re into sustainable wines paired with outstanding, locally sourced cuisine then be sure to check out our Winemaker’s Dinner July 12, 2023. Our Willamette Vineyards wine dinner held on our gorgeous Terrace outdoor patio overlooking the Cathedral Basilica de Asisi offers one of the best ways to appreciate the flavors of Santa Fe while learning about the sustainable practices implemented by a top Oregon winery. Learn more here. 

This summer we’re thrilled to again partner with Sovereign Santa Fe for the Contemporary Native American Arts exhibition highlighting indigenous creativity. The exhibit is organized by FaraHNHeight Fine Art and will take place in our Lumpkins Ballroom & Mezzanine August 18-20, 2023.   We love to continue supporting Sovereign, a forward-thinking community of artists that fosters collaboration and critical thinking. This is an extremely popular event and includes free admission for hotel guests. 

And of course, we can’t wait to celebrate with SWAIA during the 2023 Indian Market (Aug 19-20)!  Indian Market displays the best of Native American talent, with representation from tribes throughout the Americas.  It is one of the most popular celebrations of traditional and contemporary Native Art in the world and is one of the highlights of my summer!  Explore this great article in Table Magazine about last year’s market.

Guests staying with us on our concierge level, The Terrace Inn at La Fonda are in for some serious eye candy.  Together with Barbara Felix, I commissioned award-winning SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market artist, Pat Pruitt (Laguna Pueblo/Chiricahua Apache) for a special project specific to the Terrace guest rooms and suites.  Pat’s laser cut, stainless steel displays have been installed against painted turquoise backdrops, creating a juxtaposition of constantly shifting light and airy shadows with fixed clean, sharp metal lines representing traditional pottery. Cleverly titled, Pottery’s Negative Space, these pieces are unlike anything else in our collection and I’m thrilled to share them with visitors to the hotel!

 

To kick off this year’s market and to celebrate La Fonda’s tradition of featuring original art in every room, we’re launching the second edition of our art & history book, In Every Room A Story of the Art, Highlights from the Collection of La Fonda. Join us Thursday, August 17th at 3pm in La Plazuela as we gather with friends and artists to roll out this beautiful new book donning Jordan Craig’s painting “Pink and Red Stripes” on the cover.

 

See you at the markets! 
Jenny