SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – The International Folk Art Market is headed for another banner year, and dozens of artisans – many from developing countries – are reaping the benefits as they work to start their own businesses and improve their communities.
Now in its 12th year, the three-day market entered its final stretch Sunday.
Thousands of people crowded onto Santa Fe’s Museum Hill to browse the booths of more than 150 artists from around the globe. Up for sale: everything from hand-woven baskets and intricately carved gourds to rugs made of recycled clothes and ceramics glazed using centuries-old techniques.
Organizers say more than $700,000 in art was sold in less than four hours during the first night, a 12 percent increase over 2014.
“It’s wonderful,” market co-founder Judy Espinar said Saturday afternoon as she looked across the crowd. “It’s nice to hear people are enjoying it, as we work so hard to make it happen.”