Santa Fe's August Art Wonderland: Native Treasures and Must-See Events
Even with its long days, summer flies by quickly. Yet in Santa Fe, our vibrant arts events ensure the season reaches its peak. As a local enthusiast, I'll savor the off-season weather at home, as August delivers an exceptional lineup of unmissable art experiences.
SWAIA Indian Market is the largest Native Arts festival in the country.
Santa Fe boasts a centuries-old legacy in Native art and culture. From baskets and beads to paintings, pottery, jewelry, and clothing, these creations evolved from practical use into highly coveted collector's items. The SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market, now in its 93rd year, returns August 18-24, drawing artists and visitors coast to coast.
The entire town transforms for this celebration. After years of attendance, I still eagerly don my finest attire. The crowd's stunning silver and turquoise displays inspire hunts for Concho belts or dangling earrings.
Turquoise earrings come in every shade.
Featuring artists nationwide, the Market showcases Penobscot baskets alongside Pueblo pottery, Haida carvings near Hopi kachinas, Navajo rugs, and vibrant paintings. Bring your discerning collector's eye—you won't be disappointed.
Meet Native Art Star Kevin Red Star—in Print and in Person
Renowned Western painter Kevin Red Star, a Crow artist from Lodge Grass, Montana, visits Santa Fe during Indian Market. Drawing from family heritage, he crafts contemporary works cherished by collectors. An early student at the Institute of American Indian Arts, he also studied at the San Francisco Art Institute on scholarship.
Imagine this painting on your wall—it's available for purchase. “Dancers (The Red Star Brothers)” by Kevin Red Star (Photo Credit: Kitty Leaken)
His experiences highlighted political and social issues in Native life, shaping his art. Red Star shares, “I hope to accomplish something for the American Indian and achieve personal satisfaction through creative expression.”
Meet him August 20 at Collected Works Books for a signing of the stunning new book Kevin Red Star Crow Indian Artist by Daniel Gibson and Kitty Leaken; proceeds benefit SWAIA. An opening reception for his new exhibit and another signing follow at Windsor Betts Gallery on August 22.
Discover the Indigenous Fine Art Market (IFAM)
IFAM, the Indigenous Fine Art Market, takes place in the Santa Fe Railyard August 21-23, coinciding with Indian Market for double the inspiration. IFAM spotlights artists outside SWAIA's categories, representing over 565 Native American nations, Canadian First Nations, and indigenous Hawaiian creators. Its roster has expanded rapidly.
Between the historic images and compelling story, this book is a treasure. (Photo Credit: Kitty Leaken)
IFAM features "Red Star, Rising Star" on August 21, where Kevin Red Star mentors young Muscogee artist George Alexander. They'll create live art with music by Brian Frejo; the piece will be raffled, with a book signing benefiting IFAM. The Market operates 10 a.m.–5 p.m. both days, with Railyard stage entertainment noon-10 p.m. Friday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday.
Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams: A Stunning Hawaiian Pairing
Both artists cherished New Mexico, making their pairing ideal at the O’Keeffe Museum's exhibit Georgia O’Keeffe & Ansel Adams: The Hawaii Pictures. Their works capture native flora, evoking an authentic sense of place.
“Papaya Tree, Oil on Canvas,” collection of the Honolulu Museum of Art; Gift of the Georgia O’Keeffe Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Georgia O’Keeffe Museum)
Surprisingly, O’Keeffe painted for the Hawaiian Pineapple Company in 1939, producing lush tropical scenes contrasting her Southwestern style. Adams visited on commissions in 1948 and 1957, his landscapes reflecting his deep land connection. Catch this exhibit before it closes September 17.
End Summer with Exclusive Santa Fe Art Adventures
Santa Fe proves summer's magic endures. Dive into Native treasures and artistic gems—pack home vivid memories. When August's arts arrive, come to Santa Fe and let the inspiration unfold.
