Discover Santa Fe's Contemporary Hispanic Market: A Premier Guide to Vibrant Art and Culture
Santa Fe is renowned worldwide for its annual summer art markets, featuring folk art, Native American pieces, contemporary works, and antiques throughout the season. Yet, one standout event is the Contemporary Hispanic Market—a juried showcase of exceptional talent.
Pottery on display at the Contemporary Hispanic Market. (Photo Courtesy of Hispanic Contemporary Market)
For 32 years, the Contemporary Hispanic Market has carefully selected artists for its juried exhibition, held each July on Lincoln Avenue in the cultural heart of Santa Fe, near the historic Plaza. Participants must be of Hispanic descent and full-time New Mexico residents. Visitors will find traditional wood and stone carvings alongside innovative expressions in painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, weaving, and more.
A market attendee views wood carvings. (Photo Courtesy of Hispanic Contemporary Market)
Ramona Vigil-Eastwood, president of the Contemporary Hispanic Market, explains its uniqueness: “The art is created in New Mexico by Hispanics. It’s a vital way to preserve traditional arts through ancestry while allowing Hispanic artists the freedom to evolve with contemporary trends.” Discover Ramona’s award-winning fine art jewelry at booth number 1.
Participating artists represent a wide variety of mediums. Some even up-cycle and re-purpose items like vinyl records into colorful flowers (Photo Courtesy of Hispanic Contemporary Market)
The 2018 Contemporary Hispanic Market took place July 28-29, adjacent to the Traditional Spanish Market on the same weekend. This convenient side-by-side setup lets visitors explore hundreds of booths, from cutting-edge contemporary techniques to centuries-old traditions.
From Saturday morning opening, streets fill with art enthusiasts—casual browsers and serious collectors alike. Many travel from out of state or abroad to purchase directly from artists, with some booths selling out on day one.
Pick out the perfect piece of art for your collection. (Photo Courtesy of Hispanic Contemporary Market)
Organized 100% by volunteers who meet monthly year-round, the market is a labor of love. Vice President Tony Fernandez shares, “We’re passionate about the arts and feel like family.” Find Tony’s oil paintings at booth 24.
At the Hispanic Contemporary Market you can talk with the artist and buy direct from the creator of the work. (Photo Courtesy of Hispanic Contemporary Market)
Free to the public, the 2018 event featured 134 booths of diverse artwork by New Mexico Hispanic artists. Don’t miss the silent auction at the information booth, with donated pieces from participating artists—bid to support the event.
Expect colorful booths and one-of-a-kind art at the Hispanic Contemporary Market. (Photo Courtesy of Hispanic Contemporary Market)
Plan your Santa Fe art market adventure today. Order the Santa Fe Travel Guide and check deals and specials from hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
This article was written in partnership with TOURISM Santa Fe and Sarah Love for the Contemporary Hispanic Market.
