It's the last weekend of July, time for Spanish Market 2010..........

So, we all meet at the Santa Fe Public Library to admire the new artwork................

And enjoy the sale of New Mexico books inspired by the Spanish Market...................

In the Traditional Market, Hispanic arts and crafts are featured and they must adhere to historical methods and materials............

While in the Contemporary Market--anything goes..............

These traditional retablos commemorate some favorite saints for the people of Northern New Mexico........

And these colorful bultos are also religious in theme..................

Many of the artists work all year to stock their booth for this event................

And this year, our friend Julia--who is a master of colcha embroidery was the top winner of the entire market--BEST OF SHOW!....................

Dwight and Waymon check out the eclectic wares in the Contemporary Market............

Like these award winning glass sculptures of the Day of the Dead................

And the top award for the Contemporary Market was won by Connie's cousin Darlene.............

Two santeros discuss their work. The lovely lady in this photo, Arlene, is a wonderful painter and she is the creator of the altar screen in St. Joseph's chapel at the Cathedral...............

Some of Arlene's retablos are visible over her shoulder............

Karen is deep in discussion with a potter of micaceous pottery while Waymon samples some of the artist's stew....................

As Karen knows after creating her own micaceous pottery, the proof is is the cooking. This pot proved stove worthy and his chile chowder was delicious!!...........

My purchase was this unique paper flower cross...............

Made by this young lady who adheres to the old colonial way of making art out of whatever supplies are available. She sews the flowers made out of magazines and affixes them to her crosses. I have also seen this done with melted wax dripped on the paper flowers to preserve them............

Close-up of my cross--very authentic, and one of the few items I could afford at the market...........

This young artist has created some interesting art.............

This nicho being an award winner.................

There were more hide paintings this year...............

Another master artist--Judy Ortiz with some enchanting snow scenes............

A really beautiful piece............

Ever the girl scout, our friend Margaurite helps an elderly, confused tourist across the street..............

This is Karen's second Spanish Market, so she is an old hand................

A cool cat and his cool vulture................

If we were wealthy folks, Dwight would have carted this charming bear home to grace our garden. It was his favorite!........................

Karen checks our some outstanding furniture....................

As I always tell Waymon--if you see Hermana Muerte coming for you in her cart, you want to see that she is Sister Death with the BOW AND ARROW..................

Waymon's still shaking hand checks out this great depiction of Los Matachines.......................

Some intricate and beautiful work..........................

A simple, but lovely bulto.............

Northern New Mexico's finest artist--Clarence Medina of Dixon..........................

With lots of lovely NM landscapes..............

And a massive painting that was acclaimed by many as the most beautiful ever!! Click on the image to enlarge the painting....................................

I personally, liked this one as well....................

"Volver, volver, volver............"

This artist may have had a difficult year--all his saints look mad...................

Martha--surrounded by her straw applique works is a perennial award winner--and a real doll too....................................

Her "come hither" poses also draw patrons into her booth................(By the way, Dwight bought me that beautiful relicario she is modeling--it worked!)................................

That very reknowned Santero, Jose Ramon Lopez....................

On Sunday, I ventured back to the market in the rain.....................

To try and get some photos of the artists in procession with their works from the Cathedral.......................

Umbrellas were up to protect the participants--that's the Archbishop..................

And these are some of the artists.................................

A marachi serenade.........................

As the faithful head to the plaza.......................

Hi, Carmella!......................

And Julia!...........................

I ran into my beloved student--the gracious Miss Lilly.................................

And got another shot of Judy and her art..................................

And Arlene and her hubby posed for me.....................................

All of the beauty and tradition of the weekend gave me pause to reflect on some sage advice I recently received via the internet: HAPPINESS KEEPS YOU SWEET.............................

TRIALS KEEP YOU STRONG.......................

SORROW KEEPS YOU HUMAN.......................

FAILURES KEEP YOU HUMBLE...................................

SUCCESS KEEPS YOU GLOWING.............................

BUT ONLY FRIENDS KEEP YOU GOING!!

And a good time was had by all!..................................................