Diné College at SWAIA 2020 Virtual Market

Christine M. Ami

NCAP Grant Manager

COVID-19 has presented our cultural arts and fine arts organizations with the challenge of transitioning to online programs and events. The Santa Fe Indian Market (hosted by SWAIA) is no stranger to this challenge. Early this summer, the SWAIA decided to transition their world renowned market into an online format in order to continue their mission of "bringing Native arts to the world by inspiring artistic excellence, fostering education, and creating meaningful partnerships."

Several of our NCAP family members were juried into the in person event prior to its transition to a virtual format. These 4 individuals decided to take the leap with SWAIA into the realm of online sales. We wanted to give a tremendous shout out to our Diné College faculty and students who are now entering into their 4th week of this virtual market:

-Pottery Instructor: Jared Tso
-Wool Processing Instructor: Tahnibaa Naataanii
-BFA Silversmithing Student: Carlon P. Ami II
-BFA Silversmithing Student: Ephraim "Zefren" Anderson

Click on their names above and you will be routed directly to their SWAIA Artist Page. There you can learn more about them as artists and purchase directly from them via their online booths! While the Virtual Market ends August 31st, the artists' websites will be accessible for an entire year. So stop back in and check on the unique work being produced throughout the next year.

Crystal and I also had an opportunity to sit down and have zoom chats with Jared, Carlon, and Zefren about their experiences being accepted into the market and setting up their virtual SWAIA booths. Check out our conversations below!

Carlon P.  Ami II
Silversmith and 2-D Artist

Jared Tso
Potter

Ephraim "Zefren" Anderson
Silversmith/Weaver

We look forward to supporting our Diné College artists in their cultural and fine arts pursuits. If you are interested in joining the Diné College Bachelor of Fine Arts Programs, be sure to contact the following program coordinators for more information:

Shaina Nez, BFA Coordinator, shainez@dinecollege.edu
Crystal Littleben, Navajo Cultural Arts Program Coordinator, cclittleben@dinecollege.edu