Update on the Portal Artisans Program

Visitors browsing the merchandise of the Portal Artisans Program


Like other artist markets, fairs, and festivals, the Native American
vendor program (Portal Program)
at the New Mexico History
Museum remains closed in accordance with the current Public Health
Order (PHO).
The New Mexico History Museum understands that this closure has
had a significant economic impact on program participants and their
families. We also recognize that many visitors look forward to meeting
Native vendors on the Portal and buying their work as part of their
Santa Fe experience.
The Portal Program will resume as soon as reopening is authorized.


Thank you for your patience and support of COVID Safe Practices.

Billy G. Garrett

Executive Director
New Mexico History Museum

Catch a Rising Star at the Young Natives Show

4-72-YAN_2014-2Want to get in on the ground floor of collecting from a future Native arts star? On July 4 and 5, the Young Native Artists Show & Sale returns to the Palace Courtyard, from 9 am to 4 pm. Children and grandchildren of artists who belong to the Native American Artisans Program will show off their latest works of art, learn a few tricks of the customer-service trade, and possibly launch a career.

Alvin Van Fleet knows. He was once of the kids selling in the twice-a-year shows. Now he makes silver and copper jewelry that he sells under the Palace Portal. He believes so strongly in this event that he’s helping to organize it even though he doesn’t have children of his own to participate in it.

“The children’s show helps the kids learn how to deal with money and how to continue the tradition their parents are continuing—beadwork, silverwork, pottery,” he said. “That’s how the next generation learns.”

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