International Collaboration and Artist Engagement Image: Vincent Sithole. Basket (detail), 2005. Telephone wire and steel wire; hard-wire technique. Siyanda, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. David Arment Southern African Collection, Museum of International Folk Art, FA.2024.12.232.  MOIFA is partnering with the International Folk Art Market on July 13 to offer a hands-on wire-sculpture activity inspired by iNgqikithi yokuPhica / Weaving Meanings: Telephone Wire Art. The museum is also working with Gone Fishing Productions on a short documentary film featuring South African artists and their creative and cultural contributions to the exhibition. On July 16, MOIFA will host a breakfast reception from 10 a.m. to noon for donors and supporters to meet co-curators Muzi Gigaba and Dr. Elizabeth Perrill, filmmaker Zamo Mkhize, and visiting artists and Indigenous knowledge experts from South Africa. From 1–3 p.m., artists Ntombifuthi Magwaza Sibiya, Bongeleni Mkhize, and Hlengiwe Dube will offer live weaving demonstrations in the gallery. Introducing MOIFA’s Summer Research Fellowship Image: Addison Nace, 6662_thumb.jpg This July also marks the launch of MOIFA’s new Summer Research Fellowship program, a two-year pilot supported by the International Folk Art Foundation and a gift from Susan and Steven Goldstein. The fellowship provides an honorarium, travel and housing support, and access to MOIFA’s collections, library, and archives. Addison Nace, a Ph.D. candidate in Design Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Santa Fe native, is the 2025 Fellow. Her work explores textile history, sustainable design, and the protection of Indigenous knowledge systems. During her six-week fellowship, she is studying Mayan textile traditions in Zinacantán, Mexico, and Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala, as models for economic development and cultural preservation. A public talk by Nace will take place on July 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at MOIFA. Planning for Expansion Thanks to a $5.1 million capital outlay allocation from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the State of New Mexico is finalizing the purchase of 705 Camino Lejo in early July. The 9,700-square-foot property, located directly across from the museum, presents a rare opportunity to expand MOIFA’s footprint and programming capabilities. While till in the conceptual phase, plans for the site include a flexible Education and Engagement Center for youth and adult learning, special events, and artist residencies. The on-site guest house may also be used by MOIFA and DCA divisions for short-term housing of collaborators such as visiting curators, scholars, and artists. MOIFA staff are working closely with DCA Facilities Management, MNMF, and IFAF leadership to evaluate potential uses. The next step is to hire an architecture and design firm to develop a site activation plan and a long-term master plan—laying the foundation for a possible capital campaign in conjunction with MOIFA’s 75th anniversary in 2028. Audience Surveying and Community Input This summer, MOIFA is conducting audience research to better understand and serve its diverse communities. With support from intern Md Shahinuzzaman, a Ph.D. student at the University of New Mexico, the museum is leading focus groups with teens, young adults, families, and professionals to learn more about how MOIFA can be a relevant resource in their lives. In partnership with fellow Museum Hill institutions—including MIAC, the Museum Hill Café, Wheelwright Museum, Botanical Garden, and others—MOIFA is also surveying campus visitors to explore how people spend their time on the Hill and how to encourage deeper engagement. Support MOIFA Your generosity makes these programs and partnerships possible. To learn more about giving opportunities, please contact Laura Sullivan at laura@museumfoundation.org or 505.216.0829. Thank you for helping MOIFA connect people through the power of folk art.

Mark Naylor and Dale Gunn’s Lasting Impact on the Museum of International Folk Art When Santa Fe couple Mark Naylor and Dale Gunn began thinking about their legacy more than a decade ago, they knew they wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the Museum of New Mexico Foundation. What they didn’t expect was how profoundly a single museum visit would shape their giving. Moved by an early experience at the Museum of International Folk Art’s Gallery of Conscience—a space dedicated to socially engaged folk art—they found themselves deeply inspired. “The exhibition we saw resonated with us in ways that were unexpected,” Dale recalls. “It wasn’t just about the objects. It was about the people, their stories, and the urgent issues those stories revealed.” That visit sparked conversations with museum leadership and the Foundation’s Planned Giving team. As the couple explored the idea of a legacy gift, one question kept rising to the surface: why wait? From that conversation, a bold idea took shape—support the Gallery of Conscience now, during their lifetimes, and see the impact firsthand. Their generosity led to the creation of what is now the Mark Naylor and Dale Gunn Gallery of Conscience, a proud member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, a global network of museums and memory sites working to connect past human rights struggles with present-day movements for justice. Since its founding, the Gallery has become a powerful platform for community dialogue, storytelling, and reflection—amplifying global voices and spotlighting issues from climate justice and migration to gender rights and cultural survival. In doing so, it has become a unique part of MOIFA’s identity and a leader in museum activism worldwide. But Mark and Dale’s commitment doesn’t end there. Through a planned bequest, they are ensuring the Gallery’s future by establishing an endowment in their estate plan. Their goal: to sustain exhibitions that not only honor traditional arts but confront the modern threats these traditions face—war, displacement, climate change, and more. For Mark, the connection to MOIFA runs even deeper. He first visited the museum on its opening day over 70 years ago with his grandfather. “That day left an imprint,” he reflects. “It’s part of why this museum—and what it stands for—means so much to me.” Today, Mark and Dale are seeing the fruits of their vision. The exhibitions they helped make possible are inspiring visitors from around the world and engaging communities in urgent conversations. Their legacy is alive—and growing. As we look ahead to Make a Will Month in August, their story reminds us of the transformative power of planning ahead. A planned gift isn’t just about the future—it’s about living your values now, and ensuring they endure long after you’re gone. Interested in creating your own cultural legacy? To learn more about planned giving options and how you can make an impact like Mark and Dale, contact Laura Sullivan at laura@museumfoundation.org or 505.216.0829. Together, we can shape a future where folk art continues to inspire, connect, and advocate for generations to come.

Our planning for the next adventure is just around the corner.  In 2019 we had planned a trip to Arches National Park but had to cancel due to COVID this location and several other are being explorers for our next 2026 adventure.  Stay tune! Image: Arches

It is truely a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes with one of our talented directors to discover rare and seldom-seen artifacts and get an insider’s look at upcoming projects and exhibitions. Below are just a few of the treasures Tony shared with the group. Images: from MIAC

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line opens at the Vladem Contemporary on June 20, and the shop is filled with beautiful new products inspired by the works of this art nouveau artist. The catalog that shares the same title as the exhibition is a fabulous tribute to Alphonse Mucha’s graphic art and details his influence on popular culture well after his passing. The catalog even features a section about his time working with our very own Eugenie Shonnard, written by former curator at the New Mexico Museum of Art, Christian Waguespack. Image: Timeless Mucha Alphonse Mucha’s work translates beautifully to product. Prints are available of select works, in addition to puzzles, gift paper, coloring cards, correspondence sets, socks, apparel and accessories, and tarot cards. In addition to reproductions, we are also carrying glass art by local artist George O’Grady. George’s work is strongly influenced by art nouveau artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, and mimics Mucha’s colors and shapes. We are thrilled to add another local artist to the Vladem Contemporary Shop. Image: Art nouveau inspired glass vessels by local glass artist, George O’Grady. The full selection of product will be available at the opening on June 20, and select product will be available at shopmuseum.org.

The Carol and Robert Warren Endowment Fund A longtime Native art collector and supporter of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC), Carol Warren, and her husband, Robert, established a generous endowment for the museum in their will before they passed. The endowment was established for MIAC’s general use and for the care of the Warren art collection which they donated to the museum over the last decade. Carol dedicated 26 years of her life to volunteering at MIAC including 17 years in collection development. Her passion for Native art and culture became a legacy, culminating in the establishment of the Warren Collection. This personal collection of pottery, paintings, sculptures, and jewelry stands as a testament to Carol’s lifelong commitment to preserving and celebrating Native American heritage. Lauren Paige, Director of Development for the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture says, “We are so grateful to Carol and Robert for this generous gift of a major endowment. In difficult economic times it’s significant for MIAC to have distributions from these endowments to support exhibition development, educational programming, collections care and acquisitions”. (This includes the archaeological collections at the ARC). The Warren’s add to MIAC’s growing endowments which include the Della Warrior Endowment Fund. Della Warrior (Otoe-Missouria) was the Executive Director of MIAC for eight tremendous years. One of Della’s major goals as Director was to grow MIAC’s endowments to $1 million in principle invested. The Museum of New Mexico Foundation established the Della Warrior Endowment Fund upon her retirement to help meet that goal. Two donors have each pledged $100,000 to the endowment fund to match any and all contributions, up to $200,000. You can contribute to this important fund by visiting the Della Warrior Endowment Fund webpage or contact Lauren Paige, Director of Development for the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture at 505.982.2282 or lauren@museumfoundation.org. Major gifts such as these allow the museum to fund exciting exhibits such as Makowa: the Worlds Above Us, opening June 1. This exhibit offers a unique, immersive experience that explores how Indigenous peoples of the Southwest have connected with the sky through art, science, and storytelling. Click here to learn more.   We’re Here to Help If you are considering a legacy gift, we encourage you to contact Laura Sullivan, Director of Planned Giving, at 505.216.0829/ laura@museumfoundation.org. Together, we can preserve the stories, traditions, and artistry that define New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Thank you for considering this powerful way to give back. We are happy to assist you through the process and ensure your wishes are honored. When you make a future gift to the museum, as a legacy member, you join the continuum of support that’s crucial to keeping these New Mexico treasures available for generations to come. Please join our growing Legacy Society today! The Foundation provides a way for private funds to be directed to three vital areas of cultural support: education, collections and exhibitions. When you notify us that you are including the Foundation, or one or more of the cultural institutions we support, in your estate plan, we celebrate you with a membership in our Legacy Society. Membership includes invitations to exclusive gatherings and special recognition at all our museums.

14th Annual Folk Art Flea Image: Madeleine Wright shopping at the Folk Art Flea. Photo by Deb Davis-Livaich The Fabulous Folk Art Flea is coming Saturday, June 7, 2025! Once again, the much beloved and anticipated Flea will be at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds at 3229 Rodeo Road featuring hundreds of curated folk art pieces from collectors and artists around the world. The donated art benefits educational programs and exhibitions at the Museum of International Folk Art, through the Museum of New Mexico Foundation. Admission is free and members of Friends of Folk Art (FOFA) enjoy early admission to the Flea from 9 to 10 a.m. Public admission is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information on joining FOFA, please click here. If you would like to become a sponsor of this popular community event and receive special benefits, including priority shopping on June 6, please click here. Folk Art Flea Sponsor – MNMF. For questions, please email friendsoffolkart@gmail.com   Appearances Deceive: The Embroideries of Policarpio Valencia Image: Policarpio Valencia, Embroidery, 1925. Wool, cotton. Santa Cruz, New Mexico, United States. Gift of Mary Cabot Wheelwright, gift of Historical Society of New Mexico, Museum of International Folk Art (A5.2004.1). Photo by Addison Doty. Appearances Deceive: Embroideries by Policarpio Valencia opens on June 8, 2025 to the public. Appearances Deceive is the first retrospective of Nuevomexicano artist Policarpio Valencia (b. 1853 – d. 1931) whose embroidered textiles contemplate the serious subjects of morality and mortality with wit and whimsy. Read more here.   Sandroing: Tracing Kastom in Vanuatu Image: Museum guide, Edgar Hinge, performs a sand-drawing story at the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta and National Museum More than an intricate and ephemeral artform, sand drawing in Vanuatu is a storytelling tradition, a means of communication, and an important method of knowledge preservation. Performed mostly in the northern islands of this South Pacific archipelago nation, sand drawing conveys folklore, histories, genealogies, rituals, and other forms of kastom (local, traditional knowledge). Narrators illustrate a story running a single finger through loose sand, ash, or fine dirt, often in continuous movements, forming complex geometric and symbolic patterns. Sand drawing is a UNESCO-designated Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Sandroing: Tracing Kastom in Vanuatu will be on display in the Mark Naylor and Dale Gunn Gallery of Conscience, marking MOIFA’s first exhibition focused on Oceania since 1960. This exhibition is a collaboration between The Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) and the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta and National Museum (VKS). The project is an outgrowth of discussions regarding MOIFA’s ni-Vanuatu collection, the history of the collection, and a potential repatriation of kastom objects to the VKS. Together, staff from both institutions engaged in collections research and the development of the exhibition’s ideas, content, and design. The exhibition will feature sand drawings to be created by Edgar Hinge, a sand drawing practitioner and cultural knowledge bearer who is originally from Pentecost Island. He is currently lives in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, where he works as a museum educator and guide at the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta and National Museum. This project is sponsored in part by the US Embassy in Vanuatu, the International Folk Art Foundation and Museum of New Mexico Foundation.   SITE Santa Fe Installation in Lloyd’s Treasure Chest Image: SITE Santa Fe The museum is proud to partner with SITE SANTA FE on their 12th International, Once Within a Time, curated by Cecilia Alemani. Zhang Xu Zhan (b. 1988, Xinzhuang, Taiwan) will transform the Museum’s Treasure Chest gallery into an immersive multimedia installation featuring paper sculptures, video, and a selection of objects from the Museum’s collection. While growing up, Zhang Xu’s family ran a store in Xinzhuang dedicated to Zhizha, the Taoist craft tradition that employs incense-laced joss paper to make funerary effigies. The artist’s work references this traditional art form while featuring his paper creations in stop-motion films and site-specific installations. Zhang Xu lives and works in Xinzhuang, Taiwan. Learn More: 12th SITE SANTA FE International: Once Within a Time   Support MOIFA Your generosity enables the museum to continue offering these impactful exhibitions and programs. To learn more about giving options, please contact Laura Sullivan at laura@museumfoundation.org or call 505.216.0829.   Thank you for your continued support of MOIFA and helping bridge diverse cultures through the world’s folk arts.

In northern New Mexico, “querencia” is a folk concept used to express a sense of longing for and belonging to a specific place. For many Spanish and Mexican land grant heirs, querencia is an essential part of cultural identity; heirs are defined by their connection to a shared homeland, which is the site and setting of their cultural heritage. In this talk, Dr. Jenks will dig into the meaning of querencia by describing what they have learned through collaborative archaeological research on the Cañón de Carnué Land Grant. Most of this research focuses on the plaza of San Miguel de Loredo, settled by grantees in 1763 and abandoned seven years later following a devastating attack. This project offers new insights into the histories connected with this land grant. It also challenges us to consider how we might apply the concept of querencia in our management of heritage sites. The event will begin with light refreshments and a live music performance by Nacha Mendez from 5:00-5:30 pm. Nacha received a New Mexico Platinum Music Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. All proceeds from this event will support education and research initiatives at the Office of Archaeological Studies. Tickets are $20/person. Dr. Kelly Jenks is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of the University Museum at New Mexico State University. She specializes in historical archaeology, and is particularly interested in the relationship between everyday objects and identity in multicultural settings. Most of her research has focused on Spanish and Mexican-period land grant communities in New Mexico, including San Miguel del Vado and Cañón de Carnué. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/excavating-querencia-land-grant-archaeology-in-new-mexico-tickets-1319343033529?aff=oddtdtcreator to purchase your ticket today.

Image: Engaging the Future exhibition at MIAC This spring and summer, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC) is bringing fresh energy to their campus. They recently welcomed a vibrant new cohort of artists in Engaging the Future: The Goodman Fellowship Artists exhibition in the JoAnn and Bob Balzer Native Market and Contemporary Art Gallery. Their voices—emerging and powerful—remind us why investment in the next generation is vital. The recent celebration honoring 2025 Goodman Fellow Auri Poseyesva (Hopi) was filled with hope, joy and community pride. In June, the museum looks forward to the opening of Makowa: The Worlds Above Us, an expansive exhibition exploring Indigenous relationships to the sky and celestial realms. This exhibition invites visitors to see the heavens through the lens of story, science, and ceremony. MNMF members and exhibitions donors are invited to a special preview of the exhibition on Friday, May 30th. Meanwhile, MIAC’s 2025 Native Dance Series kicked off on May 18 with the Spring Gourd Dance on Milner Plaza. This series of performances—spanning from Ohkay Owingeh to the White Mountain Apache—celebrate movement, music and cultural continuity in the open air of Santa Fe’s summer evenings. Bring a chair, bring your spirit—these are events not to be missed.

General Membership has received $810,000 in revenue so far, this fiscal year. As we enter the final month, we’re working toward a remaining goal of $116,000 to meet our annual target. This month marks the conclusion of our Step Up and Rejoin campaigns, while our New Member Campaign continues throughout the summer. We were thrilled by the turnout at our recent Member Day at the Center for New Mexico Archaeology and the Member Preview of Makowa: The Worlds Above Us at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture on May 30. It was an extremely successful event celebrating this stunning new exhibition. View highlights from the evening in our Flickr album. We’re excited to invite all members to an exclusive Member Day Preview of Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line at the New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary on Saturday, June 21. Members will enjoy early access to the exhibition from 10 a.m. to noon, ahead of its public opening. It’s a special opportunity to experience this highly anticipated show in a relaxed, members-only setting. Our summer edition of Member News mails this month, featuring a spotlight on the Foundation’s ambitious new three-year Strategic Plan. We’re also raising visibility through a variety of channels—including print ads in publications like El Palacio, digital promotions on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and on-screen messaging before films at Violet Crown. You’ll also find fresh content on our website blog and images from recent events on Flickr. Thank you for being part of our community. We hope you have a wonderful summer—and we’ll see you inside the museums.