The Hands That Shape the Market: How 409 Volunteer Hours Built the Beauty of IFAM 2025
Each July, the world arrives in Santa Fe. Over 150 artists from 50+ countries transform the city into a global celebration of beauty, craftsmanship, and connection! But long before the first artist touches down or the first collector steps through the gate, something magical is already underway — quietly, lovingly, and by hand.
From natural dyes to paper pomegranates, the International Folk Art Market's Ambiance & Decor volunteer team brings the Market to life — one stitch, one story, and one laugh at a time!
It begins with vision.
This year’s decor and ambiance is led by Martin Lopez, Market Operations Manager, and theatre veteran, with extensive career experience in design and production for Opera and Broadway stages. After reading through the artist applications, he noticed an inspiring throughline: many of our 2025 artists work with natural dyes and materials, like pomegranate, indigo, marigold, beetroot, and lichen. From that seed of an idea, Martin painted watercolors, created 3D models and maquettes, envisioning a Market blooming with handmade texture, color, and movement.
But this wasn’t a solo effort.
This year, Martin has been joined by a team of 37 passionate volunteers — fiber artists, theater veterans, mixed media creatives, and students from Santa Fe High’s Teen Action Program — all drawn together by their love for making and their belief in IFAM’s mission!
Image courtesy of Alli Wheeler.
Anitha, an IFAM artist, hand-stitches with long-time IFAM volunteer Gloria. Image courtesy of Alli Wheeler.
They gathered weekly, threading their own stories into the process. Some hand-stitched and embroidered, others sculpted paper mâché pomegranates or constructed hanging installations. One of IFAM’s visiting artists, Anitha N. Reddy, even joined in, lending her hands to a collaborative panel during a spring visit!
As the hours added up — 409 volunteer hours in total — so did the memories! Volunteers shared stories of past Markets, laughter between friends, and the kind of focused joy that only comes from making something meaningful together!
This was more than decor. This was connection!
Image courtesy of Martin Lopez
Decor Arch Rendering courtesy of Martin Lopez. Look for it at the Artist Demonstration Circle! Full schedule here!
What to Look for at the Market:
A towering Artist Demonstration Arch full of color and texture, showcasing the range of materials that can be used to make natural dyes.
Paper flowers created by Santa Fe students, brightening the Market tents
Handcrafted elements that echo the techniques of artists from around the world
Paper flower garlands were created with the help of Santa Fe High's Teen Action Program—image courtesy of Martin Lopez.
And we’re not done yet.
We still need Market Weekend volunteers to help welcome visitors, support artist demonstrations, and care for the incredible spaces this team has built!
It’s Your Chance to Volunteer Among Beauty!
IFAM 2025 Ambiance & Decor Volunteer Team Image Gallery
Special thanks to our Decor & Ambiance Volunteer Chairs:
Dan and Judy Muenzberg
With gratitude to our full 2025 team:
Karin Anderson • Diane Ashmead • M. Susan Barger • Marcie Becker • Jennifer Berkowitz • Ann Boone • Gloria Bradbury • Miraj Bukhari-Frayer • Sandy Cook • Karen Davis • Wendy Franzen • Pamela Grob • Edith Howle • Mimi May • Kimla McDonald • Rita Meek • Daniel Muenzberg • Judy Muenzberg • Jayne Nordstrom • Ginna Sloane • Rulan Tangen • Kathy Urmson • Alex Vigil • Daisy Welch • Jan Wiley • Nancy Uvalle • Sara Habib • Susan Johnson
9 student volunteers from Santa Fe High's Teen Action Program
Image courtesy of Martin Lopez.
