JACCI GRUNINGER, COO, International Folk Art Market
Hello, Los Alamos! While I am absolutely loving my time working with the International Folk Art Market (IFAM) this year, I have to admit—I miss seeing all your friendly faces at the Senior Centers and around town. There is a specific energy in Los Alamos that is hard to replicate, but I’ve found a vibrant, global version of it here that I can’t wait to share with you.
Most of you are likely familiar with the magic of the Market itself. It is a kaleidoscope of color, tradition, and talent, bringing together over 150 artists from every corner of the globe to Santa Fe. It’s the world’s largest exhibition of its kind, where you can buy a beaded masterpiece from Kenya or a delicate ceramic from Uzbekistan directly from the person who created it.
But while the shopping and the vibrant atmosphere get the headlines, there is a “hidden gem” of the weekend that I think the community of Los Alamos will particularly love: the IFAM Cultural Lecture Series.
If the Market is the “heart” of the event, the lecture series is the “mind.” These sessions offer a deep dive into the stories behind the stitches. This year’s lineup is particularly upbeat and inspiring, focusing on how folk art isn’t just a relic of the past, but a living, breathing tool for social change and economic empowerment.
Why You Should Make the Drive
For those who love to learn the why behind the how, these lectures are a must. Here is what makes them so special: – First-Hand Stories: You’ll hear directly from the artists about how their craft preserves their heritage in a rapidly changing world. – Expert Insights: Renowned anthropologists and curators join the conversation to provide global context. – Interactive Q&As: You can satisfy your curiosity by asking the tough questions about sustainability, dyes, and traditional techniques.
Join Us in Santa Fe July 9-12, 2026
Whether you’re a long-time IFAM devotee or a first-timer, I encourage you to look beyond the booths this year. Come for the incredible art, but stay for the stories. It’s an upbeat, eye-opening experience that reminds us just how connected we all are through the universal language of creativity.
Here’s the lineup: – Friday, 7/10 1 pm Nevada Wier (award-winning photographer) & Boyd Matson (Host of National Geographic Explorer) – Friday, 7/10, 3 pm Renee Neblett of Kokrobitey Institute, Ghana – Saturday, 7/11, 11 am Sonica Sarna of Project Thrive, India – Saturday, 7/11, 1 pm Rodman Primack & Rudy Weissenberg (co-founders of AD100 design and AGO Interiors)
I hope to see a caravan of Los Alamos folks heading down the hill this July! It would be wonderful to bridge my two favorite worlds for a weekend of culture, art, and learning.
Tickets are on sale NOW.
