For several hours on a recent weekend, the tourism office of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community turned into a youth art gallery full of vibrant paintings, striking photos and stylish clothing.

The gallery showcasing Akimel O’odham, Xalychidom Piipaash and other Native creatives was part of the six-hour Salt River Arts Festival that mostly took place outside the Discover Salt River office at The Pavilions at Talking Stick on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The free public event also featured more than 20 art vendors, live music by DJ Reflekshin and DJ Psuede, and a delicious food fundraising sale by Bird Singing & Dancing by the River. Discover Salt River also hosted a Color Me Mine station where the first 100 people painted a cactus piece. 

Artwork by the Salt River Elementary School Eagles Club, SRPMIC Youth Services and the Salt River Boys & Girls Club was highlighted in the youth art gallery. 

Some of the Community-member artists featured include Travis Spex, Summer Flower Jones, Nicole Carlos, Matthew Thomas Goodwin and Gavin Selestewa.

The Salt River Children’s Foundation hosted a paint-by-numbers fundraiser station.

For event highlights, be sure to check the Salt River Arts Festival Instagram page at Instagram.com/saltriverartsfest.