About Us
Mission Statement
Free Indian Market (FIM) produces an annual FREE Native Art Show to advance self-sufficiency, and enhances preservation of traditional arts, cultures, and languages; furthermore develops ways to record and preserve Native history, biographies, elders’ stories and traditional teachings.
*Free Indian Market is under fiscal sponsorship of New Mexico Foundation 501(c)(3).
Here are some key aspects of the Free Indian Market:
Connecting Artists with Collectors: Over 500 Indigenous Artists are provided free booth spaces and thousands of attendees enjoy "Free Admission" in a beautiful park-like setting. The result is a "Family Friendly" atmosphere where new friendships and Free Trade may flourish.
Cultural preservation: Family booth spaces invite Native grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren to share in a family friendly environment. As a result, Native languages are spoken in public, cultural heritage is celebrated and traditional arts are promoted side-by-side with contemporary arts, encouraging creative innovations.
Economic empowerment: The philosophy of the Market is to provides a "hand up," rather than a "hand out." The show provides opportunities to achieve economic self-sufficiency as "professional artists."
The Free Indian Market plays a significant role in promoting Native American art and culture, and its legacy continues to inspire initiatives supporting indigenous artists and communities.
Board of Director
Chair: Gregory Schaaf, Ph.D.
Vice Chair: Michael Snodgrass
Secretary/Treasurer: Angie Schaaf
Bruce Bernstein, Ph.D.
Jane Buchsbaum
William Buchsbaum
Dr. Leon Evans
Brenda Shears
Elders Council
Ricardo Cate (Kewa)
Marcellus and Elizabeth Medina (Zia)
Randy and Jen Moquino (Zia/Tesuque)
Robert Tenorio (Kewa)
Sedelio Tenorio (Kewa)
Joseph Trujillo (Cochiti/Taos)