Community celebration: Museum of International Folk Art celebrates 70 years

For 70 years, the Museum of International Folk Art has brought the many cultures of the world to Santa Fe.

This is the mission of the museum, and Charlie Lockwood, MOIFA executive director, says it’s time for the community to celebrate.

“We’re continuing to develop projects using our permanent collection, as well as those that are traveling,” Lockwood says. “The museum has been involved with the community for decades, and we’re celebrating alongside it.”

The 70th celebration will take place from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at MOIFA, 706 Camino Lejo in Santa Fe.

Lockwood says the event will feature family activity tables, as well as docent-led tours and performances by Compañía Chuscales and Mina Fajardo Flamenco.

Of course, there will be cake.

Lockwood, who recently took the reins as executive director, is looking forward to continuing the tradition of bringing world-class art to the museum.

The museum opened its doors Sept. 5, 1953.

Since opening, it has amassed one of the biggest permanent collections of folk art.

With the items, there has been tons of community outreach over the seven decades.

“Education is a big part of what we do,” Lockwood says. “We have this international focus, but we find ways to find commonalities with the New Mexico community.”

Lockwood says there are a handful of exhibits on display at MOIFA, which attendees can view on Sunday.

The current exhibits are:

“Ghhúunayúkata/To Keep Them Warm: The Alaska Native Parka” which explores the art of the parka, a garment made for survival in the harsh environments where Alaska Native peoples live and thrive.

“La Cartonería Mexicana/The Mexican Art of Paper and Paste” which focuses on the artform that expresses human imagination, emotion and tradition using the simple materials of paper and paste to create a diverse array of subjects such as piñatas, dolls, Day of the Dead skeletons and fantastical animals called alebrijes.

“Yōkai: Ghosts & Demons of Japan” which explores the Japanese art and imagination that are creatures which are at once ghastly and comical. Yōkai is a catchall word that generally refers to demons, ghosts, shapeshifters, and “strange” and supernatural beings.

“ ‘La Cartonería Mexicana’ features mostly items from our collection,” he says. “We really try to offer something for everyone. This is a great example of the museum utilizing its permanent collection, showcasing an artform.”

Lockwood says the museum is home to over 160,000 folk art objects – most of them donated by Alexander Girard.

Lockwood is looking forward to finding new ways to connect with the community.

“We have ideas of pop-up shows and taking some of the exhibits around the state,” he says. “It’s been a great 70 years of providing culture to the state. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.”