Folk Art Flea Market: Frugal Art Finds in Santa Fe

The Folk Art Flea Market: “Global Treasures, Bargain Prices”

Not to be confused with Santa Fe’s prestigious International Folk Art Market, the upcoming Folk Art Flea Market is also sponsored by the Museum of International Folk Art, but the operant word for this festival is “flea”.

The Folk Art Flea Market offers donated folk toys, dolls, apparel, jewelry, ceramics and masks at comparatively bargain prices. Sales support the Museum’s ongoing exhibitions and educational programs. 

We love the International Folk Art Festival, and attend every July. We love that the money directly benefits the artisans who participate. But we couldn’t help but notice that prices have climbed higher every year.

Not to say the art isn’t worth it. It is. There’s a crucial difference between expensive and over-priced. But for those of us on an art budget, it’s nice to know that even folk art can be recycled.

The second annual Folk Art Flea Market will be held Saturday, April 4, starting at 10 am at the Museum of International Folk Art.

And hey, if you’re tired of your carved & painted Oaxacan animals, for example, the Museum can help you find a good new home for them. The Friends of Folk Art are seeking donations of gently used or like-new folk art.  Donations will be accepted Sunday, March 29 to Thursday, April 2, from 10 am to 4 pm in the Museum Auditorium. 

Free Museum Admission for Rail Runner Riders

And here’s another frugal tip: Through the end of March 2009, Rail Runner riders can get free admission to select museums.

When you ride the Rail Runner up to Santa Fe, hold onto your ticket. With it, you can get same-day free admission to The Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the New Mexico Museum of Art and the Palace of the Governors Museum in Santa Fe.

Riding the other way? In Albuquerque, your Rail Runner ticket is good at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Even better, you can purchase discounted tickets to ride from the New Mexico Rail Runner website.