For Bill and me, the Santa Fe Indian Market is the highlight of our year. It is the largest juried Native American art show in the country, and draws people from all over the world. The plaza is filled with the top Native American artists proudly displaying their prized pieces in a friendly, approachable environment. We enjoy meeting the artists and learning about their lives and inspirations as much as we enjoy viewing their art. The artists are so passionate about their culture and their art; it is truly an honor to spend time with them.

This is how we came to know Roderick Tenorio, many years ago. We were admiring a beautiful sterling and 14k gold cuff bracelet in his booth, and became so inspired by his devotion to his art and his beliefs, that we left the booth with not only a new bracelet, but also a new friend. Thus began our partnership with Roderick, which has allowed us to reproduce his award winning designs for you, our customers. Roderick is thrilled to know he now has thousands of collectors across the country, many of whom have visited his booth at Santa Fe Indian Market draped in his Relios crafted Roderick Tenorio designs.

The Santa Fe Indian Market is such an important stage for existing and emerging Native American artists. Bill and I want to make sure the event continues to thrive. As members of SWAIA, the organization responsible for Indian Market, we have been active supporters and official sponsors of Santa Fe Indian Market for over 10 years. Not only do we eagerly participate through our purchases, we annually sponsor many awards, including the Non-Traditional Lapidary & Metal Jewelry Award and the Non-Traditional Cast Jewelry Award, and we never miss the auction! It takes my breath away when I see the tremendous level of work that so many award winning artists donate in support of SWAIA. These are pieces that would have commanded tens of thousands of dollars on the plaza during the market. How can you NOT bid, right? Well, sometimes it takes a little persuasion from a certain female actress to get Bill to swing into action . . .

The bidding began on an unbelievable 14k and gemstone reversible pendant and necklace by the master of Native American jewelry, Jesse Monongya. As the bidding frenzy continued its crescendo, Santa Fe’s resident beauty and former Love Story star, Ali MacGraw, sashayed over to our table and locked eyes with Bill as she proceeded to drape the necklace around my neck. The auctioneer yelled “sold at $28,000”, and my head began to spin. Admittedly, we had all enjoyed a few too many glasses of wine, but I am still convinced it was the realization that Bill had just spent more on a necklace than we had on my car that ultimately gave me an out of body experience. Before I knew it, Ali and Jesse were embracing Bill and me, and the four of us were celebrating. Celebrating many things…..the addition of an unbelievable necklace to our collection, the realization we had just made a major contribution to SWAIA, and, of course, new friends in Ali MacGraw and Jesse Monongya. PRICELESS! Bill and I often remark that the first American jewelry designers were really the Native Americans. Check out the special pricing on selected Native American Designer jewelry.

For more information about SWAIA and the Santa Fe Indian Market, visit www.swaia.org. Jesse Monongya is the Honorary Chairman of the Auction Gala this year!