Tap into Winter Market for holiday shopping

By Colleen Keane
Special to the Times

ALBUQUERQUE

The Santa Fe Winter Indian Market is open for business – virtually!

Winter market, an annual event usually held in person, is conducted online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sponsored by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, the market began Nov. 27 and runs to Dec. 11.

This online shopping experience offers the best of Native American art just in time for Christmas.

A variety of exquisite and beautiful creations are featured including basketry, beadwork, quillwork, jewelry, textiles, painting, pottery, woodcutting and sculpture.

There are about 157 artists participating from tribes around the country.

Raymond Goodluck, Shondinii Walters and Peterson Yazzie are among artists from the Navajo Nation.

In his online introduction, Goodluck states that he grew up around rug weavers, painters and silversmiths, which inspired him to create his own works of art.

Goodluck began focusing on painting a few years ago after working for 20 years as an ironworker in New York City.

Many of his stunning images are of historic tribal leaders. He honors Chief Joseph of the Wal-lam-wat-kain (Wallowa) band of Nez Perce in “Persistent to the End.” “Happiness for My People” is a lingering image of an elder’s wishes.

“I’m blessed to have come upon my passion,” Goodluck said. “I’m happy and blessed to share my paintings with the world. Thank you very much for your support, encouragement and your prayers.”

Walters is from Tuba City. Her bright and wonderous works of painting, sculpture and jewelry are also inspired by her family and cultural experiences.

“Art is an expression to release thoughts, ideas and emotion,” she said. “Only in my creative space, I’m able to convey my feelings in a visible image for others to see.”

Yazzie is from Greasewood Springs, Arizona. Yazzie begins his work “with a splash of paint sparked by an idea, the rest is completed with intuition and experimentation,” according to a statement about his paintings.

“I approach each piece with an open mind,” he said. “I find art more exciting if it guides me.”

Among other Diné winter market artists are textile designer/artist Penny Singer, painter Penelope Joe, silversmith Nicholas Nez, silversmith Sidney Nez Jr., silversmith Miles Calladitto and woodcarver Randy Brokeshoulder, Diné/Hopi/Absentee Shawnee.

Information: Participating WIM Artists – Santa Fe Indian Market (swaia.org).

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