The Natural History Museum of Utah will host its annual Indigenous Art Market & Festival on Oct. 10 and 11, 2026. The event will feature 39 artists representing 12 different tribes, offering guests the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind artwork and connect with Indigenous creators.
The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Visitors can view a wide range of mediums and price points, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, mixed media, handwoven textiles, and intricate beadwork. The lineup includes returning favorites from Utah and across the country, alongside new artists such as Peggy Fontenot, a photographer and beadwork artist from the Patawomeck Tribe.
In an undated statement, Fontenot noted that the intimate setting of the venue provides a unique opportunity for guests to speak directly with artists, noting that her inspiration comes from those who engage with questions regarding culture and challenges.
Beyond the art market, the cultural festival will include powwow dance, musical performances, and artist demonstrations. Native knowledge keepers will also partner with museum anthropologists to share the history and stories behind objects in the museum's collections.
Jason Cryan, Ph.D., the museum's Sarah B. George Executive Director, stated that the event allows guests to connect with artists who are keeping traditional artforms alive and shaping contemporary Indigenous artistic expression. Cryan added that visitors can enjoy cultural performances and shop the market while directly supporting the artists, as all proceeds from the market stay with the creators.
The Natural History Museum of Utah has hosted this annual event since 2013 to provide a space for Indigenous artists to present traditional and contemporary expressions to a large customer base in Salt Lake City. Over the years, more than 25 tribes have been represented at the market.
Admission to the market and festival is included with museum admission. Admission is free for Museum Members, University of Utah faculty, staff, and students, as well as members of Tribal Nations. Museum Members will have an exclusive opportunity to shop starting at 9 a.m., one hour before the market opens to the public.
A full list of participating artists and ticket prebooking information is available at https://nhmu.utah.edu/market.
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