LOVERS – Gilberto Romero

Overseas – Gilberto Romero

Intertwined – Gilberto Romero

Looking Forward – Gilberto Romero

47 Third Street in Historic Monument was the place to be on this Fourth of July.  It was the site for Secret Window’s 1^st Annual Indian Market and Tribal Exposition.  The event started with a private show on Sunday evening for invited guests, and continued on Monday July 4.  Artisans representing the Hopi, Zuni, Santa Clara, Taos, San Ildefonso and Navajo tribes brought authentic handmade jewelry, baskets, drums, pottery, and paintings to the Monument market.   Lane Jensen, and The Yellow House Dancers from Arizona, provided entertainment with their Native American dances which featured their champion hoop dancer Tyrese.

The market was similar in style to the one held at the Palace of the Governor in Santa Fe.  “We wanted to keep the market authentic with the focus on the art and artist talent” said Anthony Archuleta, owner of Secret Window Fine Art Gallery.  “It is important to preserve the integrity and authenticity of the artists and the work they create.”   Well known artists such as Preston & Debra Duwyenie, Andrew & Judith Harvier, Barbara Gonzales  (granddaughter of famous potter Maria Martinez) Caven Gonzales, Glen & Opal Paquin Michael Martinez, George Toya, Caren Gala, and Bobby Bales were among the artists that were represented at this year’s event.  “We were very fortunate to have artists that have their art in the Smithsonian attend our market.  These artists are highly sought after and are extremely hard to secure, and it does help when they are your friends and now family” Archuleta said.  “People buy jewelry not knowing who the artist was or where it came from.   Indian Market gives the buyer a chance to talk directly with the artist and often times will hear the story about the inspiration behind each one-of-a-kind piece, and appreciate the culture and history each artist brings to the show”

The crowd seemed to enjoy and appreciate it as well.  Many local residents usually make a trip to Santa Fe or Taos to seek out turquoise jewelry, or pottery, but now they have another option.  Secret Window plans on making this an annual event for Monument and will expand it even more next year by including additional artisans, entertainment, and food.

Squash Blossom Necklace

Feather Bear w/Turquoise

Echos of the Spirit – Poteet Victory

Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery

Sioux Fox Fetish – Earl Eder