Ocean Sole’s Epic 1,700-Mile Journey to Bring Sustainable Art to IFAM

 

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of global artistry at the International Folk Art Market (IFAM) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from July 10-13, 2025! Ocean Sole, the Kenyan powerhouse of sustainable art, is thrilled to join over 140 master artisans from 57 countries at the world’s largest juried folk art market. Our CEO and her husband are embarking on an incredible 1,700-mile road trip from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to Santa Fe, hauling our breathtaking flip-flop sculptures and eco-friendly masterpieces to share with gallery owners, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), boutique owners, and art enthusiasts. Here’s why you won’t want to miss Ocean Sole’s vibrant presence at IFAM 2025!

A Showcase of Eco-Friendly Masterpieces

At Ocean Sole, we transform discarded flip-flops into colorful, larger-than-life sculptures, preserving Kenyan craftsmanship while championing environmental stewardship. Our booth at IFAM 2025, located in the heart of Santa Fe’s Railyard Park, will feature jaw-dropping masterpieces that blend folk art with modern sustainability. Imagine a towering giraffe, a vibrant lion, or a whimsical elephant, each crafted from thousands of recycled flip-flops collected from Kenya’s beaches. These sustainable art pieces are perfect for gallery owners seeking unique, conversation-starting works and HNWIs looking to invest in meaningful, eco-conscious art. Boutique owners, you’ll find smaller sculptures and accessories that bring a pop of Kenyan culture to your curated collections.

Our large-scale sculptures embody IFAM’s mission to celebrate handmade traditions and economic empowerment. Each piece supports Kenyan artisans and funds beach cleanups, making them a powerful statement of cultural preservation and environmental impact. Gallery owners, these are the kind of one-of-a-kind works that elevate your space and attract discerning collectors. HNWIs, imagine these masterpieces as the centerpiece of your home or office, sparking conversations about global artistry and sustainability.

Snap a Selfie with Sustainable Art

Looking for an Instagram-worthy moment? Our Ocean Sole selfie station at IFAM 2025 is the place to be! Set against a backdrop of vibrant flip-flop sculptures, this interactive area invites attendees to capture the magic of folk art and Kenyan creativity. Pose with a life-sized recycled art animal or strike a playful pose with our colorful creations. Share your photos with #OceanSoleIFAM2025 to join the global conversation about sustainable art and cultural traditions. Boutique owners, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Ocean Sole’s eco-friendly pieces to your social media followers, driving interest in our unique offerings. Attendees, bring your friends and family to create memories that celebrate the handmade and the power of global artisans.

Get Hands-On with Bracelet Making

Dive into the spirit of IFAM’s hands-on experiences with Ocean Sole’s bracelet-making workshop! Using recycled materials and Kenyan-inspired designs, you’ll craft your own eco-friendly bracelet under the guidance of our skilled artisans. This activity is perfect for all ages and embodies IFAM’s commitment to cultural exchange and economic empowerment. Gallery owners, imagine hosting similar workshops in your spaces, drawing in clients who value interactive art experiences. Boutique owners, these bracelets are a fantastic addition to your inventory, offering customers a wearable piece of Kenyan craftsmanship. HNWIs, take home a handmade keepsake that tells a story of sustainability and global connection.

Meet Joe, Our Kenyan Artisan

One of the highlights of IFAM is the chance to connect with global artisans, and Ocean Sole is proud to introduce Joe, one of our talented Kenyan artists. Joe’s journey from coastal Kenya to Santa Fe is a testament to the power of folk art to transform lives. At our booth, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Joe, hear his story, and learn about the intricate process behind our flip-flop sculptures. Gallery owners, Joe’s insights can help you pitch our sustainable art to clients. HNWIs, this personal connection adds depth to your investment in our pieces. Boutique owners, Joe’s story is a compelling narrative to share with your customers, highlighting the cultural and environmental impact of each purchase.

Our 1,700-Mile Commitment to IFAM

Ocean Sole’s dedication to IFAM 2025 goes beyond our art—it’s personal. Our CEO and her husband are driving 1,700 miles from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to Santa Fe, transporting our massive sculptures to ensure they arrive in pristine condition. This epic journey underscores our commitment to sharing Kenyan craftsmanship and sustainable art with the world. It’s a labor of love that mirrors IFAM’s mission to honor handmade traditions and empower artisans. Attendees, when you visit our booth, you’re not just seeing art—you’re witnessing a global movement driven by passion and purpose.

Why IFAM 2025 Is a Must-Attend

The International Folk Art Market is more than an event; it’s a celebration of cultural traditions, global artisans, and the handmade. With over 16,000 visitors expected, IFAM 2025 offers unparalleled opportunities for gallery owners to source unique pieces, HNWIs to invest in meaningful art, and boutique owners to curate collections that stand out. The market’s vibrant atmosphere, live music, international cuisine, and speaker series create an immersive experience that’s perfect for networking and discovery. Ocean Sole’s presence adds a layer of eco-conscious creativity, making our booth a must-visit for anyone passionate about folk art and sustainability.

When and Where is IFAM 2025?  

Mark your calendars for July 10-13, 2025, and join Ocean Sole at the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe’s Railyard Park. Whether you’re a gallery owner seeking show-stopping pieces, an HNWI looking for impactful investments, a boutique owner curating unique collections, or an attendee eager to experience global artistry, Ocean Sole’s eco-friendly masterpieces, selfie station, bracelet-making workshop, art draw, and meet-and-greet with Joe from Kenya will leave you inspired. Visit Ocean Sole to learn more about our mission and shop our collections online. Let’s celebrate the handmade, sustainable, and extraordinary together at IFAM 2025!

Follow us on social media and use #OceanSoleIFAM2025 to share your excitement!


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