MAGIC IN SANTA FE

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, NM to represent Tanana Silk from Madagascar. After more than a year of varying degrees of lock down in my home city of Toronto, the trip was a feast for the senses in every capacity.

I was so impressed with how the show organizers managed to pull off an amazing international event, despite all of the challenges that COVID 19 continues to bring.

The event started off on a high on opening night when a large scale wild silk wall-hanging from Tanana was purchased by the International Folk Art Museum for their permanent collection. The museum is an absolute must-visit in Santa Fe.

With retail just starting to re-open here in North America, it was such a treat to take in all of different products from around the world - textures and colors galore!

Clockwise, from top left corner: Julio Laja Chichicaxtle, detail of Otomi embroidery (Mexico), exquisite detailing on woven silk scarves from Pachan Premjibhai Siju (India), hand-stitched detailing from Chinalai Modern (Thailand), indigo-heaven from the cooperative Djiguiyaso (Mali) and vetiver nest baskets by Marie Rasoanantenaina of Tahiana Creation (Madagascar).

But most of all, it was the ability to connect face to face with the makers in person that made the event such a tonic for the soul.

Above, left to right: Mother-daughter team - Maki Aizama & Tsuyo Onodera of Japan, Porfirio Gutierrez of Oaxaca, Mexico and Somporn Intaraprayong of Thailand.