Atomic Robot : The Best Ways to Experience the Vibrant Culture at Santa Fe’s Folk Art Fair

The Best Ways to Experience the Vibrant Culture at Santa Fe’s Folk Art Fair

The International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe is a wonderful annual festival that gathers over 100 talented artists from more than 50 countries, all celebrating the beauty of folk art and heritage traditions from around the world. This incredible event offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship and creativity of artisans while fostering economic empowerment in their communities. By attending, you not only enjoy stunning handmade creations but also contribute to vital cooperatives and community projects that uplift countless individuals.

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Join us for a creative journey into the vibrant world of indigo dyeing! You’ll get to experiment with various surface resist dyeing techniques on pieces of cotton fabric. Watch as your fabric transforms from pristine white to a lush green, before settling into a stunning deep indigo blue through the magic of oxidation. If you’ve ever been curious about pottery, we invite you to try your hand at the pottery wheel. You’ll learn to shape clay into beautiful round ceramic pieces, and feel free to explore other forms your imagination inspires! We’re thrilled to partner with the Museum of International Folk Art for some hands-on fun! Drawing inspiration from the incredible South African telephone wire weavers, you’ll get to create your very own Wire Sculpture under the guidance of the talented MOIFA Education Team. Their mission is all about fostering connections through creativity and celebrating artistic traditions. In another exciting activity, you’ll experience the joy of botanical printing. Using a pounding technique, you’ll extract colors from seasonal flowers and plants native to New Mexico, and then print their beautiful impressions onto specially prepared cotton fabric. Together, we'll work on a vibrant “Global Fiber Art Map,” showcasing our lovely nature-inspired designs.

And don’t miss the chance to dive into the enchanting world of needle felting! You’ll learn how to transform soft wool fibers into fantastic colorful shapes and figures through friction. Your creations can be added to our collaborative “Global Fiber Art Map,” which was initiated during the botanical printing session.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect this year: **Wednesday, July 9**

**Community Celebration (FREE)**

*Location:* Santa Fe Railyard | *Time:* 6 PM–9 PM Join us for a joyous evening featuring Red Baraat, a vibrant fusion of bhangra, hip-hop, jazz, and punk that will lift your spirits on the Main Stage, proudly sponsored by Nusenda Credit Union. **Thursday, July 10**

**Opening Night Celebration | 6 PM–9 PM**

*Exclusive Early Access for supporters of $1,000 and above.* Be among the first to explore and shop at the Market before it opens to the public! Enjoy an intimate evening with cooler temperatures, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live music in a smaller, more intimate setting. **Friday, July 11**

**Early Bird Market | 8 AM–10 AM | $90**

Get a jump on the weekend by coming early for all-day access! **Friday Market | 10 AM–6 PM | $25**

Timed entry tickets are needed, but don’t worry—they include re-entry! **Saturday, July 12**

**Saturday Market | 10 AM–5 PM | $20**

Don’t forget, timed entry tickets are required, and re-entry is included! **Saturday Night Market | 6 PM–9 PM | $25** Experience the market under the stars! Enjoy a special performance by Cuban poet, rapper, and songwriter Telmary on the Main Stage, sponsored by Nusenda Credit Union. **Sunday, July 13**

**Community Day – Sponsored by New Mexico Tourism Department**

*Time:* 10 AM–4 PM | *FREE* Make sure to grab your timed entry tickets (which also include re-entry) for a delightful community experience.

We can't wait to see you there and celebrate the incredible diversity of folk art together!

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