Tarek Abdelhay Hafez Abouelenin is a first-time Market who is part of this year’s International Folk Art Alliance (IFAA) Campaign for Artist Sponsorship. IFAA is honored to have him attend, enjoy, and benefit from 2016 International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe. Tarek is a member of the Tentmakers of Cairo, a group of 23…
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The process began in November where nearly 600 artist applicants were reviewed by a Selection Committee of seven folk art experts who have the responsibility to review, discuss, and collectively decide which artists meet IFAA’s criteria: diverse media, country of origin, cultural story, and foremost exceptional quality. This year artists from more than 60 countries…
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July 17, 2015 Dear Friends, The results are in—the 12th Annual International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe lived up to its billing as the #1 art festival in the country and a top 20 must-see event globally! Snapshots follow below. 2015 International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe — The Numbers Participating artists—173 from…
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“In our work, there will always be a philosophy unique to our community and its people that we want to portray as painters. Our objective is to guarantee that the traditions of our community are preserved along with our cultural identity.” —Luis El Estudiante Rodriguez, Painter, El Grupo Bayate At this year’s International Folk Art Market…
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Craft development is the second largest income generator in rural areas, second only to agriculture. It is also, in many cases, a key component to preserving cultural heritage and empowers communities that may otherwise be left way behind in our global economy. According to Lindblad Expeditions, “as travelers we are enriched by these crafts and…
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When Saturnino was only 8 years old, his father taught him to weave on a loom. He worked weeks on this first weaving, carefully pouring his affection into the work. When it was finally completed, Saturnino brought this precious piece to his father, who rolled it up, put it under his arm, and started to…
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From the Desk of Jeff Snell, Chief Executive Officer June 11, 2015 Update: Some good news to share about the Nepalese folk artists! First, the beautiful double crossed and knotted handmade rugs from the Yangma Traditional Weavers Cooperative arrived in Santa Fe! IFAA was pleased to assist this endeavor. Now we just need first-time Market artist and cooperative…
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Have you met Janet Nkubana? She is a representative of Gahaya Links, a network of women weaving a better future through their ancestral arts. Sign up today for a monthly donation, and month by month, you can weave a better future. With your tax-deductible gift to the International Folk Art Alliance, you are making more…
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Artists with the Omba Arts Trust in Namibia shape delicate beads out of shards from ostrich eggshells, following a practice that has been passed along from generation to generation for 200 centuries. The legacy of this artistic expression, and the traditional art forms of many rural cultures in the world, has been extended with the…
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Judy Frater is Founder Director of Somaiya Kala Vidya Institute. The Somaiya Kala Vidya Institute aims to preserve and promote traditions of artisans of Gujarat, and in particular those of Kutch District. This inspiring recap of Market artist, Dahyalal Kudecha’s, first time at the 2014 International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe first appeared on Judy’s…
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Nasrullah comes from a family of glassmakers, creating the famous blue glass of the Herat province in Afghanistan. Following in the ways of his father and grandfather, he uses traditional and ancient techniques to make glass and blow goblets, vases, bowls, and plates. This beautiful and detailed glassware is used to celebrate the Afghan New…
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The International Folk Art Alliance (IFAA) is excited to partner with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise (AAE) on a new Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment to Action. In collaboration with the Aspen Institute, United States Department of State, Kiva, and artist businesses in over 20 countries, this CGI Commitment to Action will fund much-needed micro-loans…
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This year more than 150 artists from 60 countries traveled thousands of miles to Santa Fe, New Mexico to take part in an extraordinary global celebration. Each year, visitors to the Market revel in the beauty and craftsmanship on display. They meet the artists and see first-hand some of the techniques employed and the time…
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