Meaningful Engagement

The American Indian Arts Marketplace returns to Los Angeles with more than 100 artists and engaging programming.

The annual American Indian Arts Marketplace, previously known as the American Indian Arts Festival, has a mission that is grounded in the idea that art is most meaningful through direct engagement with the artist. The event is hosted at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles, where collectors will find more than 100 Native American artists in attendance, selling in categories like jewelry, painting, sculpture, beadwork and pottery.

Attendees at last year’s marketplace shop for stunning Native American artworks

“What defines the marketplace is that artists present and speak directly for their own work,” notes Robyn Hetrick, senior director of public programs and strategic plan management at the museum. “For collectors and visitors alike, the marketplace offers a chance not just to acquire work but to engage with the ideas, relationships and histories that shape it. Many of the artists have developed their work over decades, and others are emerging voices pushing those practices into new territory. It creates an environment where continuity and experimentation can be seen side by side.”

Hetrick shares that one of the most compelling aspects of this year’s marketplace is the return of Diné artist Mary Helen Brown, last year’s Autry Purchase Award recipient, alongside her mentor, artist Lyndon Tsosie (Diné). Their presence together offers a clear view of how artistic knowledge is developed, shared and carried forward across generations. The museum acquires the winning pieces of this coveted award for its permanent collection.

Keith W. Smith Jr. (Navajo (Diné)), Ashii ké (The Boys). Image courtesy of the artist.

Raynard Scott (Táá’itsohíí) (Navajo (Diné)), Greek Key, cuff. Image courtesy of the artist.

“The Autry Purchase Award is a defining element of the marketplace and reflects the museum’s ongoing commitment to collecting contemporary Native American art,” Hetrick adds. Artists also compete in categories like basketry, wood carving, painting, mixed media, textiles and sculpture. Also honored, is an outstanding artist age 17 or younger with the Youth Recognition Award.

Marvin Martinez (San Ildefonso Pueblo), pottery. Image courtesy of the artist.

Programming for the market expands the experience across disciplines. This year includes hands-on workshops such as linoleum block printing with Tongva artist River Garza; performances and workshops in intertribal hoop dance led by Terry Goedel (Yakama and Tulalip) and his family; traditional powwow song and dance with the Wildhorse Singers and Dancers; staged readings by theatre company Native Voices; and film screenings from the Sundance Institute Indigenous Program. “Together, these offerings reflect the ways Indigenous artistic expression moves across visual art, performance and storytelling,” says Hetrick.

The 35th Annual American Indian Arts Marketplace will run from June 6 to 7 at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles. Tickets, and additional information, are available on the marketplace website. —

June 6-7, 2026
35th Annual American Indian Arts Marketplace
Autry Museum of the American West
4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 495-4252
www.theautry.org/events/family-activities/ american-indian-arts-marketplace