City leaders look to rewrite vendor rules for Old Town Portal Market
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'What I've done is taken these designs and created my own design and style by using some of the techniques that we learned from the Hopi,' said Old Town Portal Market Vendor Bennard Dallas.
Dallas has been selling his work in the old town portal market for more than ten years. 'It's fantastic. People from all over the world come through here,' said Dallas.
From turquoise, earrings, bracelets and more, the market is located on the sidewalk east of the Old Town Plaza. Dallas said it means a lot to share his culture. 'If you look at my work, it's unique. You can't buy this in a factory. It's designed and created by me. They come from my ancient culture,' added Dallas.
The current rules for vendors have been in place since 1994. All vendors need an official permit, and the number of spots is set to 15 with a lottery system in place. They are also required to only sell items they made with regular inspections done to make sure authentic pieces are being sold.
Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquin Baca and the city are working to update the rules for vendors. This comes after a controversy over how they are managed. Arguments have recently erupted among vendors about who gets a spot and where they're placed.
Baca hopes the new rules will bring the program into the modern era. 'Simple changes obviously would be doing the permitting online maybe that opens it up to more folks, some of the younger folks, newer vendors,' said Councilor Baca.
Baca hopes to get public and vendors input about what needs to be changed or added. 'One of the special things about Albuquerque and New Mexico is the culture. What makes us unique. What makes us special. What makes us, us,' said Councilor Baca.
Dallas said he would support any new rules that would improve the program for the artists. 'The rules keep us in place and keep the program going in an effective and efficient way,' said Dallas.
Baca hopes to introduce the proposal at the April 7 Albuqeurque City Council meeting. The Arts and Culture Department said a team of city workers are currently overseeing the vendors.
The Arts and Culture Department sent KRQE this statement:
The Old Town Portal Market Program has been a valued part of Old Town for decades, overseen by the Department of Arts & Culture through a Portal Manager and support team. Like any ordinance, periodic updates are necessary to support evolving operational needs and to ensure a well-managed, welcoming marketplace for independent artisans and customers. Proposed ordinance updates will be shared in the coming weeks with the general public, Portal Market vendors, and the Old Town Portal Market Advisory Board.
Dr. Shelle Sanchez, Director, Arts & Culture
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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