The New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair started in 1962 and was held in Old Town Albuquerque as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of New Mexico’s statehood. New Mexico Governor Ed Mecham and Potter Maria Martinez were the ribbon cutters at the first event. A few years later the fair was moved to the State Fairgrounds when it outgrew Old Town, and has been held there ever since.The New Mexico Arts & Crafts fair recognizes that the arts are a unique and intriguing part of our culture. This is why the fair has been a valuable and viable destination for art enthusiasts for 55 years. The fair has provided many well-known artists with beginning opportunities for their art careers. We pride ourselves on continuing to encourage emerging artists to show and sell their work as our state continues to thrive as an arts destination. Despite the proliferation of new art shows, the fair only accepts artists residing in New Mexico, which allows the money our artists earn to directly impact the New Mexico economy.“I exhibited in the fair for the first time in 1974 and sold my first painting there, which is why I sponsor the ‘Outstanding First-time Exhibitor Award.’ Giving this award each year has given me the opportunity to see first-hand how much the fair does for aspiring artists. Time and time again I hear their gratitude for having been given the opportunity to show their work at a professional level. There are usually 35 to 50 first-timers each year, which adds up to lots of doors that have been opened for lots of talented artists.” -Dan Stouffer, Artist“If it wasn’t for the New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair I would not be an artist, gallery owner, and put on my annual art show.” -Mary Ann Weems, Artist, Gallery Owner, Art Show Executive.The New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair, a recipient of the 2007 Bravos Award for ‘Outstanding Arts Organization,’ is the only art show open exclusively to artists and craftspeople from New Mexico. Every year the fair presents over 170 established and emerging New Mexico artisans, and is the premier art event to present the most talented New Mexicans. This year we are adding limited New Mexico products and foods to the fair.A big part of the fair is promoting youth in art. The Annual Youth Exhibit has grown to over 1,000 entries from throughout New Mexico. Entrants range from pre-school through high school.The show attracts over 15,000 buyers and generates over $500,000 in art sales.The featured artists for this year’s fair are Turza & Andrew Shows. Their mediums are precious jewelry and painting.A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Silent Art Auction will go to the New Mexico BioPark Society. They will also have a large booth with live animals, information about the Zoo and BioPark, and ‘Art Gone Wild’ which is artwork done by zoo animals. Another part of this collaboration will be the addition of ‘Food Trucks on Main Street’ from 5pm to 9pm Saturday night at the fair. We hope to expand our donations through this year’s Silent Art Auction.For the 55th Annual NMACF we will have a special Keynote Exhibit. This year’s theme is ‘Veterans Art’ and will feature art from a group of varied veterans as exhibiters.
Location: At the Manuel Lujan building, Expo New Mexico (the State Fairgrounds)Admission: Adults $7, Children 12 and under are freeFriday June 24 10am-6pmSaturday June 25 10am-9pmSunday June 26 10am-4pm
