The International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe is on! The opening ceremony welcomed 180 artists from small villages in six continents looking like a mini olympic opening. This three-day event has been called the best art market in the United States by USA Today. It generates more income for some artists than they make in one year, taking home an average of $19,000 each, which can be life changing for many from countries where the average income is less than $3 per day. Most of the artists are entrepreneurs and this helps them to grow art cooperatives, finance health care, education, cultural institutions and fresh water in their communities. It must have been overwhelming for some who have never been out of their villages to travel on a plane and be welcomed by thousands of people snapping pictures and dancing to the rhythm of a Malian musician.
I am one of the 2000 volunteers. Am I going to help artists in their booths? No. Sell food, collect payment for sales or give out water? No. My job is to drive a golf cart to transport people who can’t walk from the shuttle to the entrance. Not a golfer, I had to go through a training to learn how to manage the darn thing which can slide backward or lurch forward with no warning. This might sound like a Seinfeld episode, but I assure you that the practice was essential.
Folk Art Market is a weekend filled with music and laughter, sharing cultures, supporting artistic creations and learning about each other’s stories. It is a visit with humanity at its finest highlighting new friendships and appreciation for artists and their work, people caring about improving lives far away. The world comes together under the blazing Santa Fe sun this weekend and I am thrilled to be a part of it!
That sounds fantastic, Ellie! Have a great time and thinking of you zipping around in all of that beauty and helping people see some great art.