After visiting the various booths displaying wares of many Indian artists (and purchasing a few beautiful pieces of jewelry, visual art and crafts) we explored the excellent Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. The permanent exhibits at the museum trace the history, culture and Arts of the pueblo people through the centuries drawing on stories and experiences of native peoples.
Of note was one section of the exhibits dealing with Indian gravesites and archeology with cautionary signs and recordings (in both Tewa and Navajo, as well as English) warning that viewers may wish to bypass particular displays out of respect for their ancestors. A very touching and thoughtful request.
Another appreciated aspect was stories from the curators themselves on how they came to be involved with the museum and the tribes to which they belong.
There were other exhibits dealing with contemporary issues in Indian art, pottery, fashion design and even the influence of comic books and comic art in native culture.
Some of us also went to the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the fabulous Museum of International Folk Art (an unparalleled collection that includes toys, textiles, household goods and religious art) and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, New Mexico's oldest private non-profit museum, emphasizing important Native American art in an eight-sided building inspired by a traditional Navajo hooghan.
After 4pm many of us went back to downtown Santa Fe to walk the Plaza, have a snack, do some shopping and enjoy the wonderful weather (it was clear all day with brilliant blue skies and sunny temperatures in the 70s).
Later in the evening we all met at Los Mayas for New Mexican food, a few margaritas and good conversation. It's curious to think that 24 hours from now we'll be back in New York City...
It has been an amazing time.
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