Navajo Rugs Provide Common Thread In Ivins Art Exhibit

Samples of Navajo Weavings by Navajo Children

The Ivins City Arts Commission presents “Navajo Children Weaving the Future,” a Utah Arts & Museums Traveling Exhibition Program featuring traditionally woven rugs created by young Navajo children educated in the traditional art form through the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program. The textile work will be on display at Ivins City Hall, 85 N Main Street, from October 1, 2026 through November 17, 2026.

Handcrafted rugs and blankets have long been integral to the culture and economy of Native Americans. Traditionally, mothers pass down weaving techniques and patterns to their daughters. However, the encroachment of modern life and technology threatens the continuation of this practice. In response, organizations like the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program are stepping in to counter this trend. They provide environments fostering the generational transfer of traditional weaving techniques within communities. This practice empowers the younger generation to preserve tradition and stimulate economic development, engaging with the global tourism market, which is currently experiencing a resurgence of interest in history and culture. In many senses, Navajo rug weaving provides a common thread.

The rugs in this exhibition are created by Navajo children and on loan from the nonprofit organization Adopt-A-Native-Elder (A.N.E.). A.N.E. fosters rug sales directly from traditional weavers, who, in turn, receive 100% of the profits. A.N.E. also organizes donations for wool, food, and other essentials to reduce extreme poverty and hardship facing traditional Elders living on the Navajo Reservation.

Historical photo of Navajo Weaver and Navajo spun yarn from Cameron Trading Post on a backdrop of a 1950s Navajo Weaving.

If you would like to arrange a group tour with a host, please contact Kathy Smith at IvinsArtsCommission@IvinsUtah.gov. Schools wishing to participate with a group should contact Kaitlynn Kraus at kkraus@IvinsUtah.gov.

Utah Arts & Museums Traveling Exhibition Program is a statewide outreach program that provides schools, museums, libraries, and community galleries with the opportunity to bring curated exhibitions to their communities. This program is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information on participating in the program, please contact Fletcher Booth at fbooth@utah.gov or 801.645.0664.

The Utah Division of Arts & Museums is a division of the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement. Utah Arts & Museums seeks to advance Utahns’ quality of life through arts and museum experiences and cultural opportunities. They are a service organization offering a variety of professional development opportunities and funding to schools, local arts agencies, organizations, municipalities, community centers, performing groups, museums, and individuals across Utah. Additional information can be found at artsandmuseums.utah.gov. 

Let us know in the comments below if you visited the exhibit and your thoughts on more exhibits at Ivins City Hall. Thanks!