With its intensive application process and limit of 50 artists, AAIAF is a premier showcase for Indigenous artists creating high-quality, handcrafted works like jewelry, pottery, paintings, rugs, and sculpture. The festival's format offers visitors from around the world an unparalleled opportunity to meet, talk with, and shop directly from Native artists in the heart of Albuquerque.
This year's AAIAF and week-long Balloon Fiesta celebration are particularly special as they coincide with the IPCC's 40th anniversary year. In April the IPCC marked the occasion by opening its first permanent museum exhibit, "We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story." Visitors will have the opportunity to explore its interactive galleries to learn about the history and living traditions of Pueblo people as told from their own Indigenous perspective.
"We're excited to welcome guests in the spirit of Pueblo hospitality and share our traditions with everyone who comes," says IPCC Museum Director Monique Fragua (Jemez Pueblo). "Whether you're a local resident hosting friends from out of town, a first-time visitor to New Mexico, or an international traveler, we invite you to experience the Pueblo story first-hand with us throughout this special week."
Visitors to the IPCC during Balloon Fiesta will experience a full schedule of traditional Native dances in the mural-lined courtyard by a dozen different Pueblo and Hopi dance groups, including the Olla Maidens of Zuni Pueblo, the Sun & Fire Dance Group of Jemez Pueblo, and the Hopi Tewa Sinom Dancers. Native artists will off their creations at vendor booths in the courtyard daily, and staff and docents will be available to enrich visitors' self-guided tours in the museum.
Visitors can complete their immersion in Pueblo culture with Native fusion fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the on-site Pueblo Harvest Cafe, whose award-winning culinary team is popular year-round for such specialties as Blue Corn Piñon Pancakes and Tewa Tacos on frybread. The New Mexico True Pueblo Feast in particular is a must-have for those who'd like to sample a whole array of traditional Pueblo dishes, and its iconic character has earned it the New Mexico Tourism Department's official "New Mexico True" designation. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Party on the Patio will go into full swing with live bands and a buffet of unlimited fresh horno-baked pizza. The party starts at 6 pm each night with a $10 cover.
The IPCC is located at 2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104. Admission to the 4th Annual Albuquerque American Indian Arts Festival and the week's special cultural events are all included in normal IPCC admissi