Local Artists Attend 96th Santa Fe Indian Market

The 96th Annual Santa Fe Indian Market hosted by the Southwest Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) was held on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20, 2017. Several Mohawks attended this year, all marking this year's experience as a success and an experience not soon to be forgotten. The Santa Fe Indian Market is very competitive, prestigious and the largest art forum for Native Americans across Turtle Island to attend. Artists must submit an application to enter and all artwork is 'juried' by a panel for acceptance. The Indian Market began in 1922 and attracts over 100,000 visitors from all over the world to buy art directly from roughly 900 artists from 200 plus federally recognized Tribes from the U.S. and Canada.

The Indian Market provides a rare opportunity to meet Native artists and learn about contemporary Indian arts and cultures. Quality and authenticity are the hallmarks of the Santa Fe Indian Market, which is produced by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), a non-profit organization that promotes Native art and artists.

Multi-media artist Carla Hemlock, basketmaker Ann Mitchell, along with artists Roger Perkins and Niio Perkins attended the Santa Fe Indian Market. All have returned home, Carla to Kahnawake, Roger to California and Ann and Niio to Akwesasne.

Carla Hemlock (Kahnawake Mohawk) won an Innovation Award last year for a photo transfer quilt that used the historical reference of George Washington and the Sullivan-Clinton Campaign to destroy the Iroquois Confederacy. This year she was awarded the Best of Class VIII: Beadwork & Quillwork for her extensive beadwork on a long red jacket, top hat, and purse. The ensemble differs from her past entries of large quilts and cradleboards with husband Babe Hemlock.

Roger Perkins, born and raised in Akwesasne, moved to California several years ago. There his artwork took on a new wave what he describes as California Powowpopart.

Roger shared his experience there stating, "It was exhausting and amazing! Soaking up all the fresh contemporary art, and friends and family is always a plus. This was only my second year. 2016 was my first year and surprisingly I was awarded a blue ribbon for my digital piece I call now my "Blue Ribbon Bear".

He added, "Seeing the best art of a thousand Indian artists is truly impressive and pushes me to raise the bar creatively. The Indian Market is the peak place for success and inspiration for me! By the way, this year I sold a record 27 pieces of my Powowpopart."

Roger's sister, Niio Perkins attended as well.

She stated, "There are so many wonderful things to say about Santa Fe Indian Market. Everyone in attendance is a lover of arts and culture. It is definitely an experience to remember! This year I focused on beaded jewelry. It's become the most popular medium I've worked with. It's also easy to travel with, something to consider when you are traveling so far."

When asked how the Market affects her artwork, she had this to say, "The approach on my art work – I think at every event all artists leave with gaining a new perspective on their work, it's ever evolving. Different events in life impact our art: politics, economy, history, and emotions. And as I get more comfortable with who I am as an artist, it's easier to embrace those life changes."

Ann Mitchell has in just a few years emerged as a Master Basketweaver using unusual weaves, colors, and a reflection of nature in her unique baskets. This is Mitchell's first year at the Indian Market, walking away with a well-deserved Santa Fe Indian Market Honorable Mention Ribbon in Basketry for her birch bark basket with flowers.