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The Trusted Source
A GuestLife New Mexico Great Gallery
Seen Right: Lawrence Baca (center) and Bennie and Valerie Aldrich designs.
Photos by Eric Swanson
Packards — located on the plaza at the end of the Old Santa Fe Trail — houses a unique collection of international art. You’ll find jewelry from local artists, luxury diamond jewelry lines, tableware, and weavings. Opened as a trading post in 1921, Packards is still known for exclusive, award-winning Native American art including Navajo pottery and exquisitely carved, collectable, Hopi Kachina dolls. “We buy only the best,” says manager Kendra Rohrer. “We have both authentic Native American pieces and high-end jewelry comparable to that found in Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue.”
Al Packard moved his family’s trading post to the Santa Fe Plaza in 1956. He was a well known Native American art authority. Current owners Carolyn and Richard Canon acquired their own Santa Fe trading post in 1974 and learned to identify authentic, quality Native American art. Al contacted the Canons when he decided to sell Packards in 1979 because of their eye for the best merchandise and their desire to carry authentic pieces. The Packards name is still synonymous with authenticity.
Packards now also carries international pieces including luxury jewelry lines such as Rolex. Weavings include Native American pieces, international designer weavings, and fiber arts from Africa. Packards represents many talented artisans, including local artist Scott Diffrient of Galisteo, who crafts unique green turquoise necklaces, rings, and earrings; Santa Fe designer Lawrence Baca, who designs necklaces with ornate pendants; and Bennie and Valerie Aldrich of Colorado, who create colorful pieces with micro-fine sliced gems.
Award-winning Native American artist Robert Tenario is featured at Packards. |
With weavings from eight countries, an in-house designer, and educated sales staff, Packards is the place to buy authentic, hand-made, quality weavings.. |
A collection of Native American pieces. Prominent in this image is the teapot, the work of Edison Cummings, an award-winning Navajo silversmith. |
Scott Diffrient, a local artist with unusual designs |
Packards
On the Plaza Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-9241
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