The smell of tortillas and chorizo filled the air as patrons browsed through a maze of booths selling southwestern art and jewelry at the Heard Museum’s 10th Annual Spanish Market.
The Spanish Market was a tribute to southwestern artists with Spanish backgrounds, largely from Arizona and New Mexico, according to Gina Laczko, the event organizer and head of the Department of Education at the Heard Museum.
Many types of traditional pieces were available for purchase including santos (figurines of patron saints), pottery, paintings, tapestries, and silver and tinwork. James Girsch, a second-time attendee, said he enjoys the paintings the most.
“We love the museum anyway, so coming to this, we just especially love to see all the artwork,” Girsch said. “It opens up a part of the brain. You look at other people’s artwork and it opens up a different way of thinking — out-of-the-box type stuff.”
His wife, Mercedes McVey, said the artwork left her feeling inspired. She added that the Spanish Market is one of the events hosted by the Heard Museum that they love the most.
“Most people tell me it’s one of their favorite events because it’s of manageable size, the artists are so friendly and there are things most people can afford,” Laczko said. “I saw something for $2.50, but I know there’s also stuff that costs hundreds of dollars.”
Laczko said her love for culture and creativity inspired him to start the Spanish Market 10 years ago.
“I think artists are important to the society and every time you support an artist, you are ensuring that creativity never disappears,” Laczko said. “And solutions to problems come from creativity.”
Andrea Royal, a 2008 alumna of ASU, has been coming to the Spanish Market for five years, continually being drawn back by the artists she loves, specifically the Crafty Chica and Ruben Galicia.
“I try to buy one of their pieces every year,” Royal said. “It’s the type of artwork that is good for every time of year. There’s a lot of artists that sell Day of the Dead type artwork, but (the Crafty Chica’s and Ruben Galicia’s) artwork is beautiful and friendly for the home year round.”
Other artists at the market have loyal followers as well. Faith King, a resident of Cave Creek, said her favorite was santos-carver Pete Ortega.
“I own a couple of his pieces so I was hoping to see him here and I did, so I picked up a couple more,” King said.
Regardless of the type of art a patron may choose as their favorite, one thing is certain: It will be unique.
“If you buy anything as a Christmas gift, that person won’t get another one from anyone else,” Laczko said.
Contact the reporter at kendra.worsnup@asu.edu
