Art at Huntsman Cancer Institute

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.

Katsina doll carved from cottonwood and colorfully painted

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).

Navajo rug made of hand-carded, handspun sheep wool

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.”
Barbara Jean Teller Ornelas Master Navajo Weaver

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

(formerly with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian)

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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