In 1997, Indian Market began a Fashion Showcase, a juried clothing show open to artists working in wearable art, sewing, weaving and beadwork. A youth market occupies nearby Cathedral Park. Admission to the market is free. The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Inc. has presented Indian Market since 1922. The market has become a driving force in setting prices and standards for first-class American Indian art.
Artists cherish the awards for the prestige they carry.
Since the market draws about 80,000 visitors, expect crowds. Having seen what they want, collectors line up long before the booths open for a chance to purchase the winning pieces. During Indian Market, parking downtown is at a premium, and the city runs shuttles from outlying lots to reduce downtown congestion and frustration. Vintage cars are on display at the annual Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast. Special shows and gala openings in most of Santa Fe's galleries and exhibits in Sweeney Center and many area hotels also are part of Indian Market weekend.