Photographed by Shayla Blatchfordbrings in thousands of global tourists and collectors to the city. Visitors flock to the streets around the city’s main plaza, where hundreds of Indigenous artists from different tribes across North America showcase and sell their new works in their respective booths. This weekend, the 99th annual outdoor market returned once again, andwas as present as ever.
Indian Market weekend is a big tourism event for the city, but the occasion represents something much more important for the participating artists and artisans. Business aside, it’s a time for the Native American community to come back together, visit with friends and family, and get inspired by each other’s creativity. And this year, after a canceled 2020 event and a long time apart due to COVID-19, that spirit of connection was needed more than ever.
Though there were fewer visitors, many artists still did surprisingly well in sales; it seems shoppers were ready to spend. For instance,—a Diné textile artist and first-time shower at the market—says she got many future rug orders from the event and looks forward to returning next year for its centennial year. “As a working artist, the market is important so that I could meet new and current customers in person. It gives them and me a personable connection,” says Glasses.