SWAIA’s 102nd Santa Fe Indian Market kicked off this past Friday with an array of events showcasing the talented artists, creatives, designers, and performers from across Indian country. To read the entire list of events, read our article presenting the line-up of festivities here.
SWAIA took to Instagram to announce and congratulate the SWAIA Best of Show and Best of Classification winners.
The 2024 Best of Classification winners are:
– BEST OF SHOW: Dan Vallo, BOOTH PAL N 261
– Jewelry: Sarah Aragon, BOOTH FR S 323
– Pottery: Garrett Maho, BOOTH LIN E 713 (sold out his entire booth within two hours of opening)
– 2D: Johnson Yazzie, BOOTH CAT 920
– Wooden Pueblo Figurative Carvings: Arthur Holmes Jr., BOOTH PAL N 215
– Sculpture: Ryan Benally, BOOTH PLZ 97
– Textiles: Isabel Gonzales, BOOTH PAL S 215
– Diverse Arts: Dan Vallo, BOOTH PAL N 261
– Beadwork/Quillwork: Monica Raphael, BOOTH PAL N 216
– Youth: Aydrian Day, BOOTH LIN W 750
– Basketry: Caleb Hoffman, BOOTH STF P 524
The winners’ work was featured at the General Preview at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.
Aside from the amazing visual artistry, there were amazing live performances from over a dozen talented musicians and performers.
The 2024 performer line-up included:
– Red Feather Woman (Rose Red Elk)
– Artificial Red
– Twin Rivers (Adrian Wall & Ed Kabotie)
– Charly Lowry
– Jacob Shije
– Jir Project
– Lightning Boy Foundation
– Tony Duncan
– Larry Yazzie
– G Precious
– Ryedale Largo & Dine Navajo Dancers
– and more.
The performances took place on both the Plaza and Cathedral stages for the entirety of Saturday and Sunday. Sunday’s final performance concluded with a closing prayer.
Speaking of performances, the SWAIA Native Fashion Show, held on Sunday evening, was headlined by Taboo (Shoshone/Hopi) from The Black Eyed Peas. He kicked off the prestigious show with the help of PJ Vegas and Eric Michael Hernandez.
Taboo performed hits such as ‘I Gotta Feeling,’ ‘Pump It,’ and ‘Where is the Love?’ before the designs even graced the stage. He also expressed the love and admiration he has for his Grandmother, who he calls his Matriarch. The entire night was filled with Native and Indigenous joy and an appreciation for the talented artists, creators, performers, and curators who made Santa Fe Indian Market 2024 such a success.
We’re already counting down the days until we see you all at the next SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market!