We have over 60 teams of volunteers that contribute to the success of the International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe during the second full weekend of July each year, so there are many opportunities to find your best volunteer fit. By far, the largest number of opportunities (approximately 1800 shifts) are for Artist Assistants who work in the booths with the artists to assist with the sales process. Volunteer job descriptions are available here: Volunteer Position Descriptions

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You can volunteer for multiple team as long as your shift times do not conflict. Please register for one team, then email us at volunteer@folkartmarket.org so we can add you to additional teams.

Yes. You can sign up with a friend or partner by finding a shift with two available slots. You and your partner must each register for one of the available shifts using your own accounts.

Some artists may bring their own assistants or request specific volunteers ahead of time. If, after you have registered, the artist’s name does not appear on the “My Schedule” tab in the Volunteer Information Center, this may be the reason. As we get closer to the market and shifts begin to fill, an artist’s name will only appear if they have open shifts. Otherwise, all artists with open shifts appear on the “My Schedule” page and you can sign up for open shifts.
Depending on the number of shifts that remain open as of July 1, we may opt to close self-selection and our staff will assign you to a particular artist. This will be posted on the registration page.

Average temperatures in Santa Fe in July range in the mid-90s. July is also the “monsoon” season for northern New Mexico, during which afternoon rains are common. We recommend bringing a backpack with a reusable water bottle, adequate food for the amount of time you’ll be away from home, chapstick, sun protection such as a hat and sunblock, and a poncho or umbrella.
If you are volunteering on Friday night, you should also bring a flashlight. Your shift will end after dark outside, and parking lots may have inadequate lighting.

If you want to shop at the market, bring cash, checks or credit card. There is an ATM on site. Wear comfortable shoes.

And come prepared to have fun and make new friends!

The Market provides a wide variety of snacks for volunteers.
The Volunteer Hospitality tent (in the lower lot where the shuttle drops off volunteers) welcomes all volunteers to enjoy a bountiful variety of snacks, coffee, and beverages among amazing volunteers from throughout the country. The VolHosp tent is open all day on Friday (including a substantial snack for Friday evening volunteers available from 4-6pm) Saturday and Sunday. Plan to stop by before your shift or during a break.

Please note: Although we make every effort to provide a wide variety of snacks, we are not able to accommodate every nutritional need or food preference. If you have specific dietary requirements or food sensitivities, we recommend that you to bring what you need. Meals can also be purchased at the International Food Bazaar or Museum Café before or after your shift.

There is no secure storage for personal items such as handbags, so please keep this in mind as you decide what to bring with you. The best solution for storing your water bottle, sunblock, and other personal items is a fanny pack or a backpack.

We are extremely grateful for your help producing the largest folk art market of its kind!
Volunteers receive:

– A commemorative Market t-shirt and folk art thank-you gift
Free admission to the Market on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
– A dedicated volunteer shuttle to bring you to and from Museum Hill
– A volunteer hospitality tent with snacks, refreshment & relaxation
On top of all that, it’s an unparalleled and unique volunteer experience where the world comes to Santa Fe! Hear some of our past volunteers describe their experience – Volunteering at the International Folk Art Market

Volunteers have free admission during general admission hours on Saturday (10:00am-5:30pm) and Sunday (9:00am-5:00pm). We hope you will shop, but expect that you will respect a few simple rules:
– If you are scheduled to work the Friday Market Opening Party or the Saturday Early Bird Market, please understand that these are paid shopping experiences, and you may not purchase items before or during your shift.
– Please do not abandon your station to shop during your shift. If the shift is slow, coordinate with team members to leave for a short period, or allow yourself time before or after your shift for shopping.
– Do not ask an artist to sell items directly to you with cash, to sell you items before the Market begins on Friday evening, or to “hold” any items for you.
We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you sign up for Express Pay in advance. This will expedite your shopping experience. Sign up here: EXPRESS PAY

You can click here for Volunteer Position Descriptions Additionally, the team leader/volunteer chair for your area can provide you with more information about your duties, required skills, training, and shift schedule. If you don’t know who your volunteer chair is email volunteer@folkartmarket.org

Information about volunteer shirt and badge pick-up dates, times and locations will be posted here at a later date.
You can also get your t-shirt and badge when you arrive on Museum Hill at the volunteer tent beginning Friday morning, July 12. In order to pick up your badge on Museum Hill, you must arrive via the volunteer Shuttle, as you will not be able to get in through the main market entrance without your badge. You DO NOT need your badge or t-shirt to ride the volunteer shuttle. Please plan to ARRIVE on the Hill 30 minutes prior to the start of your shift to pick up your badge at the volunteer tent, allow time for a bag check by security and to get to your volunteer location on time. This means being in the volunteer shuttle lot at the Montoya Building (in front of the clinic) at the intersection of St. Francis & Cordova 60 mins prior to your shift.

We cannot pay for or reimburse volunteer travel expenses.
Some volunteer expenses can be itemized as tax deductions. (Consult your tax professional for details.) If you require a letter of service as proof of performance, email us at volunteer@folkartmarket.org

A dedicated volunteer shuttle brings you to and from volunteer check-in area on Museum Hill. We aspire for a 20 minute turnaround from parking lots to Market it doesn’t always happen during shift transition times. Please allow 30-60 minutes prior to the start of your volunteer shift for parking, taking the shuttle, security check, and badge pick-up. For Parking questions, particularly those related to ADA access to the Market email parking@folkartmarket.org.