The first New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair was held on July 26, 1962 to coincide with New Mexico s 50th anniversary as a state. Renowned San Illdefonso Pueblo potter, Maria Martinez and then Governor Ed Mechum cut the ribbon opening the first Fair in Albuquerque's Old Town Plaza. The Fair was originated by the Old Town Merchants and Albuquerque citizens as a sales and trade fair for New Mexico artists and craftspeople. The goal was and still is to encourage and support New Mexico's artisans, to provide a place to exhibit their work and give the public the opportunity to purchase some of New Mexico's finest artwork.

 

In 1963, a Standards Committee was established to protect exhibitors who do original work from having to compete with those engaged in commercial ventures, hobbies or home arts and to ensure quality by seeing that all works displayed meet certain specifications. Since 1963 the Fair has maintained a procedure whereby exhibitors are juried into the show by a panel of distinguished jurors. The number of exhibitors has expanded from 100 to over 200 and attendance has grown impressively.

 

Managed by the Junior League of Albuquerque from 1963 to 1965, the production and management of the Fair became a community effort in 1965. Overwhelming response from artists and crafts people along with the growth in attendance forced the Fair to leave the Old Town Plaza and move to the New Mexico Fair Grounds in 1969 and for the first time, a 25 cent admission fee was charged. The Fair s first logo, designed by Betty Sabo, also appeared in 1969.

 

Since its inception, the Fair has presented outstanding Youth Exhibits. Each year, New Mexico students from pre-school age to senior high school display their arts and crafts to the public and compete for prizes awarded for artistic quality. The exhibition has grown from several hundred entries to near 1300 over the years. The purpose of the program is to stimulate the youth of New Mexico to pursue involvement in the arts and perhaps spark and artistic career.

 

The New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair is a not for profit, 501(c)3 corporation consisting of a volunteer Board of Directors, committee chairpersons and one paid, part time office manager. The continued success of the yearly tradition depends upon the talents and dedication of hundreds of volunteers and the support of the community through sponsorships and donations.