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- By Kaili Berg
Santa Fe Indian Market is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Best of Show, Best of Classification, and Special Awards.
Since its founding in 1922, the market has grown into the world’s largest and most prestigious Indigenous art event, and its annual awards remain a benchmark of excellence in Native art.
Over 60 judges and 120 volunteers gathered on August 14 to evaluate this year’s entries across a wide range of classifications. Winners were announced at the Best of Show Ceremony on Friday afternoon, ahead of the 103rd annual market weekend, August 16–17.
This year’s top honor went to Regina Free (Chickasaw) for her mixed-media sculpture Windswept (Bison), an expansive piece that incorporates reclaimed wood, metal, clay, dyes, and natural materials to bring her vision to life.
Best of Classification Winners
Jewelry: Untitled (Reversible Mosaic Inlay Necklace) by Janalee Valencia (San Felipe Pueblo)
Pottery: Clash of the Titans by Chris Youngblood & Jennifer Tafoya (Santa Clara Pueblo)
Painting, Drawing, Graphics & Photography: Pastel Arches by Santiago Romero (Cochiti & Taos Pueblos)
Wooden Pueblo Figurative Carving & Sculpture: White Cloud Clowns Jumping off Clouds by Robert Albert (Hopi)
Textiles: Untitled Two Grey Hills Navajo Rug by Lola Cody (Diné)
Sculpture & Best of Show: Windswept (Bison) by Regina Free (Chickasaw)
Diverse Arts: Aeronaut Pilot—Revolt 1680-2180 by Virgil Ortiz (Cochiti Pueblo)
Beadwork & Quillwork: His Stories Became Legend by Jackie Bread (Blackfeet Nation)
Youth (17 & under): Just a Kid Learning to Weave with My Ancestors in My Heart by Naats Tla’a (Tlingit/Haida)
Basketry: Wabanaki Summer by Theresa Secord (Penobscot Nation)
Special Awards
Several artists were further recognized with distinction awards, including:
Bernard Ewell Innovation Award: Osceola Red Shirt (Protect Your Children)
Trade Roots Excellence in Lapidary: B.L. Tom
Excellence in Traditional Pueblo Pottery: Suyma Maho
Tony Da Memorial Award: Jonathan Naranjo
Margaret Tafoya Memorial Award: Lorraine Gala-Lewis
IAIA Alumni Award: Emmet Navakuku
Make Me Smile Youth Award: Aydrian Day
Native American Art Magazine Award of Excellence: Carol Emarthle Douglas
The Best of Show Ceremony was sponsored by JoAnn and Bob Balzer, while the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) hosted the Best of Show Luncheon.
“We are grateful for the continued support of our volunteers, sponsors, judges and the dedicated SWAIA artists who make the Best of Show the world’s finest Native American awards program,” Jamie Schulze of SWAIA said in a press release.
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