I’m stoked to being going to Santa Fe for the first time for market this year. Any tips for a first timer? I’m planning on hitting up the Free Market and probably the Eldardo ballroom in addition to the juried show. I have a list of artists booths I’m planning on and very excited to go to a gallery reception for Preston Singletary (not turquoise and out of my budget but love his work).
Do you dress up when you go to market in your turquoise goodies? Or go subtle. I’ll probably do a little buying and worry about being over dressed affecting the price I’m offered, but don’t know if that’s a legit concern. I don’t grg to wear my treasures that often since I have a casual WFH job
Having been to the market several times in recent years, this is my take.
Eat before you go. You don’t want to get hungry early, and food lines are long.
Take lots of water with you. And maybe some granola bars.
Consider wearing a hat and sunscreen. The New Mexico sun is brutal because of the altitude.
Vendors will take cards, but most prefer cash. So bring $$$.
Wear casual light clothes. Shorts, tank top, sundress, etc. and walking shoes. There is serious walking involved. The market is huge. You will get tired before you can see it all.
@StevesTrail You’re spot on here. For many years, I knew a lot of local antiques/vintage dealers. One woman in particular Never had a price tag on any jewelry, or non-jewelry, that she offered for sale. And she had a terrific eye for antique jewelry, too. I firmly believe that she practiced what you outlined in your 2nd & 3rd paragraphs. Because her “method” of selling annoyed me to no end, I never purchased anything from her.
I’m going to disagree a bit even though I’ve never been to this particular market. I have been to the Eiteljorg Indian Art Market many, many times, and though it is waaaay smaller, it is similar and considered one of the best.
Wear your stuff and ENJOY it. What better place to do so. I always do, and it starts many wonderful conversations. Lots of people are wearing theirs at the Eiteljorg, and I don’t believe it affects prices; it is not a flea market. Many artists have their pieces marked, and those who didn’t told me the price with gobs of people standing there also wanting to know (so what I was wearing didn’t appear to matter). But maybe it’s different here.
I never ask an artist if they can come down on their price; I’ve learned this from Native American artists; they work hard to make their beautiful art, and price it as needed to make a living. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And yes, wear comfortable shoes!
Also, if you love it, BUY it. It may not be there when you get back around. But I don’t buy unless I LOVE it and know I will wear it.
A clarification is needed by me. I was not referring to NA markets as I have never visited one. I was commenting on general things I have seen. Others here are the knowledgeable ones on the NA venues.
If I buy directly from the artist, I pay what they ask. However, anywhere else I do ask if they can do better.
Enjoy your time at SWAIA. Please be sure to share your experience with us when you can.
I’m truly asking this out of curiosity. When you ask if they can do better, do you do that online? Or in a store/gallery/ trading post? And what has been the response you’ve gotten? I’ve never really had the guts to do that in a store.
My husband once overheard a shopkeeper at Cameron Trading Post telling a group of tourists that he could never come down on prices for rugs, because of how little the artists are already making per hour considering the time put into making a rug.
I have haggled when I know the seller is not the artist. At Pow Wows, flea markets and yard sales.
Never do it in shops or from the artist.
In Wisconsin, there are often market areas during Pow Wows. Dealers sell items they purchase for resale. Some of the jewelry offered is considered used.
It is sort a given that items will be priced high and they will come down a little.
I also agree about not haggling when purchasing from the artist.
Some prices at Indian Market will seem high, but the quality is there.
It truly is the premier Native arts market, and only the best jewelers are in attendance.
I haggle online at eBay and Etsy. I have also done this at flea markets, antique stores, and other places. Online, sometimes the seller ignores you. Others may decline or accept your offer or they may make a counter offer.
When I watch items online, if they have been on there six months or longer, I will make them an offer. This is how I have been able to purchase some of my nicer pieces.
I always accept the artist‘a price. Sometimes I have to pass as it is out of my budget. As a matter of fact this happen recently with an artist selling online. They were selling a beautiful Kingman pendant. I asked the price and unfortunately it was out of my budget. They asked me to make an offer and I told them I felt their price was more than fair and didn’t make an offer. They sold it within 24 hours.
I hope this answers your question. If not, let me know.
Prices at SWAIA may be higher to cover the expense of having a booth/overhead? IDK if that’s true, but wouldn’t surprise me. I mean, stores mark up to cover overhead too.
@Jemez2
My friend Rodney told me two years ago that a booth in the plaza was $600.
I’m sure it’s gone up since then.
He’s in the show this year, so I will ask him soon.
At least Mary Tafoya’s prices were definitely lower at the Eiteljorg market then what I saw in stores out west. I’m sure the booths cost less here in Indiana, but then they also have to get a flight out, and a number of the artists told us the plane ticket prices were really high. One artist flew to Oklahoma and then drove to indianapolis.
The first time I went to Santa Fe market, I got into town on Thursday and just focused on the SWAIA and Free Markets, and didn’t realize how much other stuff I was missing out on. It’s really like a week long, city wide Native arts celebration that culminates in the weekend markets. Starting the weekend before there is the Whitehawk show at the convention center, the nation’s largest native focused antique show—definitely worthwhile if you can make it. The Wheelwright museum has their artist market Fri and Saturday, which is a very small but carefully curated group of artists. They also have their benefit consignment sale Wed/Thur/Fri, which they usually get some nice stuff in for. And museum admission is free Thurs-Sat. There is the Pathways festival at Buffalo Thunder Casino Fri-Sun which has it’s own huge artist’s market (and food and performances and a film festival). The artists are not generally as high end as at the SWAIA market, but it’s a lot of fun and a great place to buy some more affordable art. There are gallery receptions throughout the week, sometimes with artist demonstrations or meet and greets. Several upscale galleries from out of town like Tanner’s and Waddell Gallery have pop ups at hotels. As you said the Free Market and the show at the El Dorado are definitely worth checking out as well. And there are the various receptions, Best of Show, etc that SWAIA hosts, and their Native fashion show Sunday afternoon which is very popular. If you can I would try to get a copy of Native American Art Magazine beforehand, which is the official guide to the market, to help plan your trip.
As far as what to wear, I like to dress up and show off my jewelry. Where else will you meet so many people in one place who will actually appreciate it? It will start conversations, both with the artists and other collectors. I don’t get the impression that different people are getting offered different prices (except maybe near the end of the day Sunday if something still hasn’t sold). Agree it’s in poor taste to haggle. Artists will often give you a discount if you can pay cash though, since they don’t have to pay cc fees, so definitely bring some cash (there’s always a line at the ATM on the square). If you want to see everything you will be on your feet all day both days, so definitely wear good footwear and sun protection!
Thanks all! Definitely won’t haggle. Even when I haggle online all I ever do is ask: “Is this your friendliest price?” But my grandma was an artist and my boyfriend is indigenous so understand that one does not treat the market as a flea market. Mostly was worried about tiered pricing if overdressed. Love the advice for the magazine and got the digital download which is how I found about a few cool receptions.
