The World's Largest Folk Art Market Holds Virtual Festival in July

SANTA FE, N.M., July 1, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The world-renowned International Folk Art Market (IFAM) will hold online events during its annual "Folk Art Market Week," to correspond with the festival's annual July dates. Events will begin on Monday, July 6 and culminate with The IFAM Virtual One World Gala & Auction Friday, July 10.

The Auction will have handpicked items from private collections, unique, one-of-a-kind pieces from Market artists, and also one-of-a-kind experiences. The auction will open at 7 a.m. MDT on Wednesday, July 8 and remain open through 9:30 p.m. MDT on Friday, July 10. A full preview of all items and experiences will be available online Sunday, July 5 at 12 pm (MDT). People in the Santa Fe area can view the items in person from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily beginning July 6 at 620 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe. All proceeds from the IFAM Virtual One World Gala & Auction support the International Folk Art Market, its signature program the International Folk Art Market, Santa Fe, Artist Education Programs, and year-round public programming. To register, donate, and view auction items visit http://www.folkartmarket.org

IFAM Virtual One World Gala and Auction Schedule of Events:

Sunday, July 5, 12:00 pm (MDT)
Auction Preview Goes Live

Monday, July 6, 2020 Streaming at http://www.folkartmarket.org/ifam-vow
Artist Keynote Talk: Anita Reddy, India
The not-for-profit and artisan-owned Society DWARAKA PLUS (Development of Weavers and Rural Artisans in Kalamkari Art) was founded in 1998 by Anita Reddy along with her father Dwaraknath Reddy to revive the dying hand-painted art form of kalamkari, build a sustainable platform for the artisan communities and empower women with livelihood programs, along with rejuvenating the entire region (Srikalahasti of Andhra Pradesh, South India). DWARAKA PLUS's artists are experts in the ancient traditional form of Kalamkari, a medium native to both Iran and India by which fabric is painted entirely by hand.

Tuesday, July 7, 9:30 am (MDT)
The Future is Handmade Fundraiser with Li Edelkoort, Philip Fimmano, & Keith Recker
Join us for an inspiring webinar and fundraiser for the International Folk Art Market. Hosted by IFAM board member Philip Fimmano and IFAM's creative director Keith Recker, this webinar will tell the stories of several artisans from around the world. Li Edelkoort, 2017 IFAM Honorary Chair, will share her vision of how contemporary design can be inspired by the emotion and magic of craft; before presenting her 2020 forecast for fashion and textiles in an inspiring 30-minute audiovisual that celebrates humanity's cultural connections. $25. Register at http://www.edelkoort.us

Wednesday, July 8, 12:00 pm (MDT)
Streaming at http://www.folkartmarket.org/ifam-vow
Artist Talk: Porfirio Gutierrez, Mexico, The Importance of Innovation in Folk Art
Porfirio Gutiérrez is a proud descendant of many generations of Zapotec weavers from Teotitlán del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico. At age 12, his father, who was already a master weaver, saw his potential and took every opportunity to help him develop and refine his artistic skills as a weaver. Stories told by his elders about cultural rituals, ceremonies, and the Zapotec way of life in the past, have influenced his personal expression through art. His work has now been shown in eight countries on four continents. While primarily an artist, Gutiérrez also lectures on Zapotec weaving and natural dyes at universities, arts foundations, and museums.

****Online Auction Opens at 7:00 am (MDT)

Thursday, July 9, 12:00 pm (MDT)
Streaming at http://www.folkartmarket.org/ifam-vow
Folk Art Matters Presentation: Craft Informs Design: A Conversation with Peter Speliopoulos and Paul Andrew
As part of the International Folk Art Market "Virtual One World" event, Lauren Lancy from THE KINDCRAFT will moderate a conversation with Peter Speliopoulos and Paul Andrew on July 9 about the importance of folk art and how craft has informed their design processes throughout their careers. Peter Speliopoulos is a multidisciplinary artist creating ceramics and home objects for Peter Speliopoulos Projects, which is based in New York. His influences are founded in his experience as a fashion designer, creative director, and costume designer for opera and dance. Paul Andrew is an English fashion designer who designed alongside iconic fashion designers before launching his eponymous footwear line. He is now the Creative Director at Salvatore Ferragamo and lives between Florence, Italy and New York City.

***Online Auction Continues

Friday, July 10, 12:00 pm (MDT)
Streaming at http://www.folkartmarket.org/ifam-vow
Artist Talk: Rashmi Bharti, India, Avani Earthcraft
Avani Earthcraft was founded in 1997 by Rashmi Bharti. For over 20 years, Avani has revived traditional textiles, many from the Shauka community, a nomadic group known for thulma-- semi-felted woolen blankets -- and chukta, a type of rug. Today, Avani Earthcraft works hard to preserve these and other traditional styles, while introducing new, economically, and environmentally responsible products, as well as harvesting natural dyes from local plants. Avani Earthcraft's careful production processes use only clean energy and organically sourced material.

Friday, July 10, 7:00 pm (MDT)
Streaming at http://www.folkartmarket.org/ifam-vow
IFAM Virtual One World Gala Presentation
Join IFAM for a special video presentation featuring artists from around the world and other special guests. Nothing can replace the magic of our Friday Night Opening Party, but we hope that you will join us in your best "Folk-Art-Fancy" clothing and accessories as we celebrate IFAM together.

***Online Auction Continues until 9:30 pm (MDT)

SOURCE IFAM