Santa Fe Crafts, a beloved fixture in South Pasadena since 2009, hosted its highly anticipated ‘Piles of Pawn’ sale on May 2 and 3. The two-day event welcomed collectors, art enthusiasts, and curious shoppers to discover authentic Native American jewelry and handmade crafts rich in cultural heritage.
The event ran from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day at the Santa Fe Crafts Native American Gallery, located at 1123 Mission Street, offering a rare opportunity to explore and purchase vintage and contemporary Southwestern pieces.
A Tradition of Authentic Native American Artistry
Founded by Barbara Goldeen and John Selmer, Santa Fe Crafts has spent more than four decades curating museum-quality Native American jewelry, Navajo textiles, Pueblo pottery, basketry, Hopi katsina dolls, and vintage Mexican jewelry.
The ‘Piles of Pawn’ sale has become a semi-annual tradition, known for its hands-on treasure hunt vibe where guests can sift through boxes of handcrafted silver and turquoise jewelry. As the event motto suggests: “Search through the boxes—you never know what you’ll find!”
What Makes This Event Unique
Each piece at Santa Fe Crafts is a reflection of cultural storytelling and artistic mastery. Attendees browsed:
- Intricate silverwork
- Vibrant turquoise necklaces and cuffs
- Vintage and contemporary Native American adornments
- One-of-a-kind artisan pieces not typically found in mainstream markets
Whether visitors were seasoned collectors or newcomers to Native American art, the event offered an enriching look into the Southwest’s creative legacy.
Visit Santa Fe Crafts
For those who missed the event, the gallery remains open year-round, offering a wide selection of curated Native American pieces.
Santa Fe Crafts Native American Gallery
📍 1123 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA
📞 (626) 799-3070
🌐 santafecrafts.com
📧 [email protected]
