Rooted in Place: Celebrating Community & Generations at IFAM 2025
A Journey Through Place
At the heart of the 21st Annual International Folk Art Market lies the Rooted in Place neighborhood, made possible with support from Peter Speliopoulos—a welcoming showcase of artisans whose work is deeply intertwined with their local communities, cultural histories, and ancestral traditions passed down through generations. This central hub invites visitors to embark on a journey through the diverse landscapes and stories that shape each handcrafted piece.
Introducing Community & Generations: Two Pathways of Cultural Expression
This year, we're proud to present a new structure within the Rooted in Place neighborhood, highlighting two distinct yet interconnected pathways through which folk art thrives:
Generations: Featuring artists who have inherited and sustained their craft through familial lines, preserving techniques and narratives passed down over centuries.
Community: Showcasing artists, collectives, and cooperatives where art is a communal endeavor, reflecting shared traditions and collaborative creativity that strengthen cultural bonds.
This dual focus underscores the diverse ways in which folk art is nurtured and sustained, whether through lineage or collective effort.
Begin Your IFAM Journey Here
Folk art serves as a living narrative of cultural resilience and identity. Their creations embody the symbiotic relationship between art and place, offering a window into the soul of their communities.
Meet the Artists in the Rooted in Place Neighborhood: Community Section
Booths #1-32
The KwaZulu-Natal Weavers bring vibrant telephone wire art to IFAM, building bridges between Zulu traditions, South African history, and Santa Fe’s Museum of International Folk Art exhibit, Weaving Meanings.
Ngā Toki a Fayne Limited. Discover the story of Fayne Robinson, a master Māori carver from New Zealand, preserving traditional whakairo techniques while mentoring the next generation of artists.
In the village communities of Northern Ghana, the craft of smock-making, or Batakari, is more than a livelihood—it’s a living heritage.
Discover the story of Dudung Alie Syahbana, a master of Javanese batik from Pekalongan, Indonesia, blending traditional techniques with sustainable practices and contemporary designs.
Aboubakar Fofana weaves a tapestry of heritage and innovation. As a textile artist, Aboubakar’s journey begins at the very roots of Malian soil, where the indigo plant thrives and whispers tales of ancient dyeing techniques.
City of Santa Fe Arts & Culture Booth: Honoring a Legacy of Craft and Folk Art
Positioned between the Community and Generations sections, the City of Santa Fe Arts & Culture Booth celebrates Santa Fe's designation as the first U.S. city recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2005. This honor reflects the city's longstanding commitment to nurturing artistic innovation and cultural heritage.
In celebration of Santa Fe’s 20th anniversary as a UNESCO Creative City of Folk Art, this special IFAM 2025 booth showcases four New Mexican artist families—each preserving and evolving intergenerational traditions in weaving, jewelry, pottery, and more. From Chimayó to the pueblos, these artists carry forward the creative legacy of place, family, and cultural resilience.
Irvin, Lisa & Emily Trujillo | Chimayó, New Mexico
Renowned for their intricate Rio Grande weaving, this family embodies the rich textile traditions of Northern New Mexico.Lovato Family | New Mexico
Masters of metalwork, their jewelry pieces reflect the region's deep-rooted traditions.Garcia Family | New Mexico
Celebrated for their handcrafted furniture, which blends functionality with artistic expression.
As you make your way through the Rooted in Place neighborhood, it immerses you in the foundational narratives of folk art, connecting cultures from all around the world. In the Generations section, booths #58–79, you'll encounter a world where art reflects the land, heritage, and traditions of generations through their connection to place. We’re honored to showcase the ongoing legacy of these cultural expressions, ensuring they continue to thrive for generations to come.
Meet the Artists at the Rooted in Place Neighborhood: Generations Section
Booths #58-79
Three generations of Chimayó weavers—Irvin, Lisa, and Emily Trujillo—carry forward the legacy of Rio Grande weaving at Centinela Traditional Arts. From natural dyes to modern interpretations of traditional designs, the Trujillo family keeps Northern New Mexico’s textile traditions vibrant, relevant, and rooted in community.
Shigeo Tanaka’s ceramics are formed slowly, shaped by hand and fire, and grounded in a deep connection to the land.
In the heart of Osi-Ekiti, Yoruba land, the Arowoogun Traditional Carvers have preserved the legacy of wood carving for five generations. Each piece, crafted through four precise stages, transforms raw wood into sacred objects like Agere bowls, Ibeji figures, and ceremonial masks. Rooted in Yoruba tradition, their work honors deities, ancestors, and the spirit of the craft, connecting artisans and communities to their heritage.
Sevinch Bazarova’s work honors Uzbek and Tajik traditions with every stitch. Using techniques like naqqosh (pattern-making) and kashida (embroidery), her garments transform hand-selected fabrics into wearable pieces of history. Sourced from the bazaars of Urgut and crafted with intention, her creations celebrate family, heritage, and life’s most meaningful moments.
Aziz Radjabov brings one of Uzbekistan’s most treasured traditions: the art of sumak weaving
Alfonso Castillo carries forward one of Mexico’s most beloved artistic legacies from his hometown of Izúcar de Matamoros in Puebla—a place known for generations as the heart of Arboles de la Vida, or Trees of Life.
Honoring the inspiration that stems from dynamic Indigenous Andean and Spanish colonial histories
Zapotec Master Weavers Of Teotitlán del Valle Jerónimo Vásquez Gutiérrez, Wilmer Vásquez Luis & Yulisa Vicente Mendoza
Special Highlight: Artist Demonstrations
Experience the creative process firsthand through live demonstrations by featured artists. Gain insight into traditional techniques and the cultural significance behind each art form. These interactive sessions offer a unique opportunity to connect with the artisans and deepen your appreciation for their work.
Get Your Tickets Today!
Be part of an extraordinary celebration of global folk art at the 21st Annual International Folk Art Market. Experience the intricate bond between art and the land, and discover the beauty of heritage, tradition, and creativity rooted in place!
