Honoring Heritage: Two Decades of Indigenous Artistry at Native Treasures

Photo © Mateo Perez

Honoring Heritage: Two Decades of Indigenous Artistry at Native Treasures

Native Treasures Art Market, a revered platform showcasing the finest Indigenous art, proudly announces its 20th anniversary celebration. For two decades, Native Treasures has served as a beacon for preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous artists.

Native Treasures Art Market takes place over Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 25 through Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Since its inception in 2004, Native Treasures has provided a unique space where artists can showcase their talents, share their stories, and connect with art enthusiasts and collectors. This milestone anniversary commemorates the market’s longevity and underscores its enduring commitment to fostering appreciation and understanding of Indigenous art forms.

Over the years, Native Treasures has become synonymous with excellence, featuring a diverse array of traditional and contemporary artwork spanning painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, textiles, and more. Each piece reflects the artists’ unique perspectives, techniques, and cultural identities, offering visitors an immersive journey into Indigenous artistry.

The 20th-anniversary celebration of Native Treasures Art Market promises to be a momentous occasion. Attendees can expect to engage with renowned artists, discover new talents, and acquire exceptional pieces that embody the spirits of Indigenous creativity.

In addition to the Native Treasures Art Market, the Native Treasures Night Market takes place on Friday, May 24, and is a unique opportunity to shop at the market early while enjoying delicious refreshments and live music. The MIAC Living Treasure Ceremony will take place during this event, honoring the 2024 MIAC Living Treasure, Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), and the 2024 Legacy Award recipient Martha Arquero (Cochiti Pueblo).

Michaels is known for her haute couture designs. Growing up in New Mexico, she was surrounded by beauty—in culture, landscape, and art, all of which influenced her design aesthetic. She became widely known through participation in the Emmy Award-winning season 11 of “Project Runway” in 2012. Based in Taos, her career as a designer has taken her to faraway places like New York and Paris. In June 2023, she dressed actress Tantoo Cardinal for the Cannes Film Festival to premiere “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Michaels will be celebrated with a solo exhibition in the spring of 2024.

MIAC’s annual Living Treasure award honors Native artists who have made outstanding artistic contributions to the field of Indigenous arts and culture. Afterward, more than 180 artists will be selling their works from 6 to 8 p.m. MIAC partners with the Museum of New Mexico Foundation—proceeds support the museum’s programs, and participating artists keep 100 percent of their sales from the market.

Celebrate 20 years of creativity, culture, and community at Native Treasures Art Market, where every piece tells a story, and every purchase makes a difference.

For more information, visit Native Treasures – MNMF (museumfoundation.org) or follow Native Treasures on social media @NativeTreasuresArtMarket.

About Native Treasures Art Market

Native Treasures Art Market is a premier showcase of Indigenous Art dedicated to preserving and promoting the diverse cultural heritage of Indigenous Artists worldwide. For two decades, Native Treasures has provided a platform for artists to share their talents, stories, and traditions with the world.

About the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and our donors. The mission of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology is to serve as a center of stewardship, knowledge, and understanding of the artistic, cultural, and intellectual achievements of the diverse peoples of the Native South.