SALT LAKE CITY, October 3, 2023 — The Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual Indigenous Art Market & Festival on October 14 and 15, 2023. Held at the Museum, this vibrant event brings together top Native American artists from across the nation, showcasing an array of fine art including jewelry, pottery, sculptures, kachinas, paintings, weavings, beadwork and more.
Event Overview
"The Natural History Museum of Utah has a strong connection to the Native American communities of Utah," said Suzanne Ruhlman, museum store manager and the visionary behind NHMU's Indigenous Art Market & Festival. "The Indigenous Art Market at NHMU offers a wonderful opportunity to experience and collect genuine native artwork while engaging with the artists in person. It's so wonderful to meet the artist and hear the story of the piece you fall in love with."
Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of traditional and contemporary Native American art from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. All art is purchased directly from the artist, who receives 100 percent of all proceeds from sales.
Artist Perspective
"The NHMU market is one of the better ones," said Michael Billie, Navajo mixed media artist, who has attended the Indigenous Art Market three times. "It's small, professionally run, and the visitors always buy. It's definitely worth it from an artist perspective. I am excited to return."
Event Activities
This weekend-long event will also feature a diverse schedule of activities, including performances by Ute/Hopi and Blackfoot/Navajo dancers with Buffalo Nation; a collections showcase by the Anthropology Department; and Indigenous food offerings. Sure-to-be highlights include artist talks from renowned Navajo designer, artist and photographer, Eugene Taphe, and indigenous feminist painter, writer, organizer and Indigenous environmental justice leader, Jihan Gearon.
Ticketing and Admission
Advanced reservations are recommended. Tickets are included with Museum admission. More information and Museum tickets can be found online at nhmu.utah.edu. As always, University of Utah faculty, staff, and students receive complimentary admission, as do individuals enrolled with a federally or state recognized tribe, including any children in their household. Redemption of this discount requires presentation of a tribal enrollment card or tribal ID on-site.
### About the Natural History Museum of Utah
About the NHMU
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.
Press Release tags
Area of Science
Anthropology
