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At Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, “A Smile Is Like Extra Breath”

The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market (which takes place this year on July 11, 12 and 13) has been a boon to international artists since it formed as a small exhibition showing “folk art” in 2003. On the Market’s 10th anniversary last year, the artists exhibiting sold $2.7 million in goods. The sales benefited over 19,320 artists worldwide, generating positive economic impacts on the lives of nearly 200,000 extended global family and community members.

This, however, is a personal story about the possibility of human connection that the Market sparked. Shelly Batt, Gary Mayta Lizarraga and Lider Rivera Matos have developed business relationships, struggled with understanding each other and have formed friendships that endure. This photo-essay tells their story. All images © Dianne Stromberg