New Video Series Offers Behind the Scenes Look at Indian Market 2010

There's no denying it--another year has passed!  Native American artists all over the country are frantically preparing for, what has been termed, "the Christmas season" in the Native arts world--the 2010 SWAIA Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

This year, Market runs from August 21 through the 22nd.  And it's not just the artists who are preparing for Market, it's SWAIA, it's the dealers, and even the collectors are eagerly awaiting their arrival in New Mexico to have first pick at their favorite artist's wares.  Many of them even arrive at Midnight on Friday so that they can camp out in front of artists' booths.

The way is certainly long and grueling for everyone.

"Will I have money to make it to Santa Fe?"  "What type of pottery should I feature in the gallery during my Indian Market show?"
"Can I afford my booth fee?" 
"Am I going to be able to score one of her pieces this year?"
"Why can't I stop adding stuff to this pot?"  "When is the right time to put my brush down, take a deep breath and know I did a good job?"

All these questions are asked as artists, dealers, and collectors make their way down the road..."The ROAD to Indian Market," a new series coming to Uncle Paulie's World art and culture blog in August. Stay tuned! 

In the meantime, watch a teaser for the series HERE:

Diné Penny: The Other Singer of Fashion

If I had to pick one word to describe Diné (Navajo) fashion designer Penny Singer, it would be "unique." She has a one-of-a-kind personality mixed with one-of-a-kind fashion sense.   She effectively balances motherhood with work and creates fashion that is both beautiful and functional.  In the last ten years, she has solidly established herself in the Native American art market and is a familiar face at all of the top shows.  Her peers love her and she is a favorite in the Native art scene in Santa Fe.  Did I mention that her laugh is infectious?

Singer is a master craftsperson with fabric and a thread and needle.  She takes the basics of sewing and elevates them to fine art of the highest quality.

I ran into Penny at the 2010 Native Treasures show and finally managed to coax her to go on camera.  She's a natural at talking about her work. What did she have to say?  Find out HERE!

Native American Contemporary Fashion Shows its Thunder For Benefit Runway Event

(Photo: Design by Patricia Michaels)

When you think of the Southwest and its fashion, concho belts, cowboy hats and boots, Pendleton coats and textile clothing come to mind. What you might not know is that New Mexico is also home to some top designers who are taking the Native American spirit and infusing it into contemporary fashion.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week...Fug-geh-uh-bow-it!  This coming weekend, Santa Fe will play host to a very special fashion show, Thunder Run, which will be just as much fun and benefit a very special charity.

The evening also celebrates the publication of the second edition of Thunder Magazine, Fashion!, Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino’s print property, which is published by the Pueblo of Pojoaque and its Governor George Rivera. The magazine showcases the best of Native fashion and art, and celebrates the triumphs of Native Americans from tribes all over New Mexico.

Chic Native threads by Michelle Tapia Browning, Patricia Michaels, Penny Singer, Pilar Agoyo and Jerry Ingram meet complimentary delish hors d’oeuvres and cocktails for a night of fashionista frolic. Be sure to bring your checkbook, though, since guests will have the opportunity to enter a raffle to win great fashion and accessories from participating designers, as well as concert tickets, accommodations and spa treatments at Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino.  Most importantly, you can help kids by making a donation that will benefit the Northern New Mexico Boys and Girls Clubs.

If you're like me, and your middle name is "free, comp, discount," don't be fashionably late!  The first 100 people to arrive will receive a goodie bag filled with copies of the Thunder Magazine Fashion! and Medicine Mountain body lotion, a signature offering of Buffalo Thunder Resort’s luxurious Wo’P’in Spa.

Come see why the perfect mix of contemporary and traditional design is making the Native fashion scene explode.  The catwalk action takes place on Saturday, January 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Tewa Grand Ballroom at the Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino (30 Buffalo Thunder Trail, Santa Fe, NM. Highway 84/285). This event is free to the public, but reservations are highly recommended. Call 877-THUNDER / 877-848-6337. Ask for "Thunder Run."