Jenny's View

July 2022

Dear Friends,

During the festive International Folk Art Festival, now in its 18th year, La Fonda opens our doors to the entire globe – welcoming artists and crafts people from over 48 countries for a festive celebration of art and creativity (July 6-10). This year IFAM hosts 164 artists, and of those, 38 are first-time market attendees.  I cannot wait to reunite with old friends and make new ones! Check out the extensive artist list here.

It has been an honor to serve as the Board Chair of IFAM this year.  During my tenure with the organization, I have gained a deep understanding of the connectedness to artisans worldwide and the power of art and culture to broaden understanding and impact global peace. I have learned to see art everywhere – in the textures and colors of fabrics, in intricate wood carvings on furnishings, in the varied colors of stones in jewelry, in the metal work forged in doorframes and gates, and even in its presence in the tools used to carry water and cut hair. It is everywhere – and through exchanges with the talented artisans that visit the market each year, I have gained a deeper appreciation of the rich and dynamic stories behind the art I encounter. There is magic involved when interacting with handmade objects – that is why this festival is so special, and why I will forever hold IFAM near and dear to my heart.

During the Manhattan Project, this region was certainly at the center of initiatives that prompted the end of WWII. Join us on July 8th, 2-4pm in La Fonda’s Lumpkins Ballroom for our next Centennial Speaker Series: Bridge to the Atomic Age: From Los Alamos to the House at Otowi Bridge.  This 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.  Keynote, Ellen Bradbury Reid will lead the discussion and introduce one of my college professors who is also a dear friend, historian Dr. James K. Hopkins and filmmakers, Bruce Gelfand and Alton Walpole. Space is limited, so be sure to arrive early.

The 70th Annual Traditional Spanish Market — the oldest and largest juried Spanish Market in the United States — is slated outside our front door, for July 30th & 31st, 2022. This year, the market organizers have launched an entire week focused on the music, artistic process and traditions connected to Spanish art to celebrate their milestone anniversary.  Explore the Viva La Cultura! event schedule and plan to immerse yourself in traditions that span centuries.  And don’t miss the FREE preview event on Friday, July 29 at 5pm at the Santa Fe Convention Center.

 

This summer we’re thrilled to again partner with Sovereign Santa Fe for the Contemporary Native American Arts exhibition highlighting innovative indigenous creativity and curated by our friend and artist, Tony Abeyta. The exhibit is organized by FaraHNHeight Fine Art and will take place in our Lumpkins Ballroom & Mezzanine August 18-21, 2022.   We love to continue supporting Sovereign, a forward-thinking community of artists that fosters collaboration and critical thinking. This is a popular event and includes free admission for hotel guests.

And let’s not forget that our community partners and friends at the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) and New Mexico Magazine join us in the ranks of Santa Fe institutions marking Centennial anniversaries! 

Don’t miss this month’s issue of New Mexico Magazine — kicking off their 100-year celebration! This month’s feature honors the many celebratory turns around the sun by so many of our state’s iconic institutions.  Not to mention, every issue features high caliber photography and articles that shine bright on the Land of Enchantment’s legends and lore.

We can’t wait to celebrate with SWAIA during the 2022 Indian Market (Aug 21-21)! Indian Market is one of my all-time favorite events of the year.  Who doesn’t love reuniting with dear friends while surrounded by innovative art and design?   Indian Market showcases 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.

I invite you to be part of this amazing summer line-up and stay at the center of the action — at La Fonda!

See you at the markets!
Jenny