We’ll have an interview with the founders of the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market later this week or early next. But in the meantime, here’s a local Santa Fe story that was picked up by Oklahoma’s NewsOK.com:

They are among more than 100 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who have been “bringing it home” year after year by helping the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market present its annual exhibition and sale of traditional arts and crafts — the largest event of its kind in the world.

The Peace Corps ethic was present in the market from the beginning. Judy Espinar (Peru, 1964) helped found the market and is now its creative director. Other RPCVs have done everything from helping artists fill out market applications to hosting them in their homes, assisting them in their booths — and sometimes serving as interpreters.

This year, the Peace Corps and the market are joining together to put on a joint birthday party for the agency and a kickoff for the 2011 market. The free family event will be held July 7 at the Railyard Park.

Folk Art Market Is Natural Fit for Former Peace Corps Members (NewsOK.com)