Pot by market artist Bob Lansing
Indigenous Art Market to Bring in Top Native American Artists
Annual event at NHMU provides unique shopping experience for Native American art
SALT LAKE CITY, September 17, 2024 – The Natural History Museum of Utah’s (NHMU) annual Indigenous Art Market returns October 12 and 13th for its 11th year, bringing together top Native American artists from across the country to showcase and sell their exquisite creations in Salt Lake City.
The market offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and expressions of Native American communities through the exploration of art, which is available for purchase directly from artists. From fine jewelry and pottery to sculptures, carvings, kachinas, paintings, weavings, beadwork, sand paintings, and photography, this year’s market features a wonderful demonstration of expertise from 14 different tribes.
Notably, shoppers will have the chance to hear the stories behind the artworks they purchase, and all proceeds from sales at the market go directly to the artists. By purchasing artwork at the market, visitors not only acquire beautiful pieces but also contribute to the livelihoods and artistic endeavors of the artists themselves.
“We invite art enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and the general public to join us at the Indigenous Art Market,” says Dr. Jason Cryan, the Sarah B. George Executive Director of the Natural History Museum of Utah. “We’re thrilled to grow this important annual event in exciting ways, bringing opportunities for visitors to not only interact with and support skilled Native artisans, but also to experience Indigenous perspectives through moving cultural performances.”
In addition to the art market, the event offers other experiences, including dance and music performances that showcase the traditions of Native American tribes. The market will also feature an ethnography collections showcase from the museum, providing a deeper understanding of indigenous art and history.
The event is included with admission to the museum. Enrolled members of federally or state-recognized tribes, along with members of their household, are always eligible for free admission to the Natural History Museum of Utah.
For more information, visit nhmu.utah.edu/market
Interview Opportunities
Peterson Yazzie, is a Contemporary Navajo artist, illustrator, and educator from Greasewood Springs, Arizona
Born, raised, and based in Los Angeles, CA, Peggy Fontenot is a professional award-winning Native American photographer.
Suzanne Ruhlman store manager at the Natural History Museum of Utah and the visionary behind NHMU's Indigenous Art Market.
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About the Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1963, the museum’s 10 permanent exhibitions are anchored by its state-of-the-art collections and research facilities containing almost 2 million objects. These collections are used in studies on geological, biological, and cultural diversity, and the history of living systems and human cultures within the Utah region. The museum hosts approximately 300,000 general visitors a year and provides one of the most spectacular private event settings in the Salt Lake City area. NHMU also broadens the reach of its mission through a variety of science-based outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state every other year.
