THE TRADITIONAL SPANISH MARKET OF SANTA FE
History and Artists of 2010

Foreword
     
            The Traditional Spanish Market of Santa Fe is an event known throughout the world. While those hearing the name may not understand the larger purpose of the Market, the name itself brings up visions of colorful art, Latin music, and spicy Spanish food. From the first competition and exhibition by eleven artists in 1926, this event has showcased the traditional art of New Mexico and brought millions to Santa Fe.
      Every July, excitement mounts around the arrival of the annual Spanish Market. The artists open their booths on Saturday morning, many still exuberant from the award ceremony held the night before where collectors and admirers alike gathered to view what the artists considered to be their best work. Market brings thousands of friends and guests to fill the Santa Fe Plaza and surrounding streets with excitement and anticipation, vying for the next unique acquisition for a private or museum collection.
      As you walk around the Market, you can’t help salivating over the artwork, there is a feast for the soul presented at each booth. It is this soul food that keeps visitors coming back year after year, to see the menu that is constantly changing and progressing for the visitors’ impeccable taste. Each collector knows that their acquisitions at Spanish Market are sure to evoke interest and questions from those who have never had the good fortune of experiencing this momentous New Mexico celebration. Questions and comments like “Where in the world did you get that? I’ve never seen anything so beautiful! Where is it from?” People are often shocked when told that the art is from the Traditional Spanish Market, which is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of art, heritage, and culture of New Mexico.
      Eighty-six years ago, the founders of the Spanish Colonial Arts Society created an organization that has gone on to sponsor the Market for 60 years, establish the nine-year old Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, and annually offer many educational programs to both children and adults. Their vision of preserving and promoting the traditional art forms of New Mexico has served as an inspiration to thousands of artists and visitors over the years. We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the Society and this book is a testament to the Society members, and the artists who work to preserve the art and share it with the world.
      It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of the oldest and largest juried show of Hispanic art in the United States. The Market features unique, one-of-a-kind art pieces found only in New Mexico. It showcases the craftsmanship of more than 300 local Hispanic artisans working in this rich 400-year-old tradition.
      Here in the pages of this book, you will be able to read and learn more about the Society, the Museum, the Market and, most important, the artisans who are featured each year. On behalf of all the artists in the Spanish Market, I invite you to celebrate our rich history and help us secure a bright future for this remarkable tradition that is always evolving.
      Come to Market, and bring your friends!
     
      —Arthur Lopez, Spanish Market Artist Liaison Chair