When developing plans to build Huntsman Cancer Institute, founders Jon and Karen Huntsman saw art as an important part of their vision “to make sure the environment would be as healing as the medicine.”
Today, Huntsman Cancer Institute is home to thousands of original paintings, sculpture, and pottery. The works featured here are displayed in the Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women’s Cancers at Huntsman Cancer Institute.
The cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples are often manifested by a connection to the land and through song, prayer, kinship, spirituality, and art—including painting, weaving, sculpture, carving, pottery, and more. Images and symbols communicate meanings of strength, inspiration, legacy, and hope.
About the Collection
Works displayed in the Kathryn F. Kirk Center are modern and contemporary pieces created by Indigenous artists. All pieces are part of the Jon M. and Karen H. Huntsman Family Collection.
Many of these works were created for the commercial art market. Extensive efforts were made to learn about the pieces’ significance and meaning from artists or their living descendants. Tribal representatives were also consulted to understand cultural significance and to ensure the objects are displayed respectfully and appropriately.
We recognize the rich history behind the collection and welcome continued opportunities for learning. Share insights at art@hci.utah.edu.
Featured Pieces
Portrait of Nellie
James Buck King depicted his grandmother in this painting (Diné, ca. 1980).
The Diné are a matriarchal society, where Naabeehó sáanii (Navajo women) are the center of the family, keepers of wisdom, and preservers of ancestral teachings.
Apache Vase Basket
Apache artists are famed for their coiled basketry such as this one (ca. 1900). Weavers fashion these baskets by arranging two, three, or five rods of bundled or shredded fibers in continual spirals.
Hopi Butterfly Pot
This ceramic pot is by Daisy Hooee Nampeyo (Hopi-Tewa, ca. 1930).
In Hopi tradition, butterflies are associated with life and good health for all beings.
Eagle Dancer Katsina
Katsina dolls are intricately carved from a single piece of cottonwood, then colorfully decorated with paint.
This Eagle Dancer Katsina was created by Raymond Sahme (Hopi, ca. 1970).
Two Grey Hills Tapestry
Many Navajo rugs have a “Spirit Line.” It is believed to allow the weaver’s thoughts, energy, and spirit to be released so they have the creativity to continue weaving.
Find this Spirit Line in the top right of the weaving. Created by Barbara Jean Teller Ornelas (Diné, ca. 1980).
“To me, weaving is healing. It is something that helps people by calming their gaze and helping them heal. I want viewers…to look at the weaving through the eyes of love. The spirit contained within the weaving will give the viewer peace.”
Land Acknowledgement
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah rests on Indigenous land that reflects the rich history of our state and region. We are committed to honoring, respecting, and protecting the story and the People of this sacred place.
Special Thanks
Artists and Educators
- Dr. Joe Kee, Professor of Navajo Language and Culture, University of New Mexico
- Cecil Miles, Navajo, Carver
- Barbara Jean Teller Ornelas, Navajo, Master Weaver
- Shirley Brown, Navajo, Regional Weaver
- Ashley Tsosie, Navajo, Regional Weaver
- Phyllis Pettit Nassi, Otoe-Missouria and Cherokee, Associate Director, American Indian Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute
- Nathan Begaye, Navajo, Patient Navigator, American Indian Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute
Art Fellows
- Ali Snow, Art Collections Manager
- Kiki Karahalios
- Jace Meier
Tanner’s Indian Arts
- Joe E. Tanner, Sr., Curator
- Cindy Tanner, Curator
- Emerald Tanner, Curator
- Brad Chavez, Exhibit Specialist
- Karen Harris, Exhibit Specialist
- Randy Hosteen, Exhibit Specialist
- Kara Kubasiak, Affiliate
Display Consultants
- Peter Brill, Assistant Director for Exhibitions and Programs
- Lisa Hein, Exhibit Specialist
- John Richardson, Exhibit Specialist
- Sean Ryan, Exhibit Specialist
Natural History Museum of Utah
- Karen DuBroff, Associate Registrar for Loans and Exhibitions
- Annie T. Lawlor, Assistant Collections Manager
- Bill Thomas, Preparator
Huntsman Cancer Institute Executive Leadership
- Mary Beckerle, Chief Executive Officer
- Don Milligan, Executive Director, Cancer Hospital
- Ashlee Harrison, Executive Director, Innovation and Transformation
- Alyson Harding, Director, Support Services, Cancer Hospital
Huntsman Cancer Institute Office of Communications & Public Affairs
Huntsman Cancer Institute Environmental Services
Huntsman Cancer Foundation
- Pam Bailey, Huntsman Family Registrar
- Linda Patino, Huntsman Family Registrar
Architectural Nexus
- Lisa Ramidan, Senior Principal Architect
- Ryan Bowker, Architect
Nichols Photo Lab
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