LECTURES & IDEAS

Kayenta 100 Project: First Five Decades

Celebrating a Vision. Honoring a Legacy. Inspiring the Future.

The Kayenta 100 Project is a living history initiative honoring the first five decades of the Kayenta community in southern Utah. From its bold beginnings in the 1970s to its emergence as a vibrant hub for culture, design, and desert living, this five-part series invites residents and visitors alike to reflect on the people, projects, and ideas that shaped Kayenta’s unique story. Through storytelling, archival media, open discussions, and interactive experiences, each chapter highlights a transformative era in Kayenta’s evolution.

Part I: The Beginnings, 1976–1986

A look back at Kayenta’s visionary start—when a dream of intentional desert living first took root. This event traces the original land acquisition, early designs, and the radical idea of building a sustainable, artful community in the red rock canyons of southern Utah.

Sunday, September 14, 2025, 3:00pm

Part II: Community Building, 1987–1996

From raw land to real neighborhoods. This chapter explores how the early artists and residents of Kayenta worked together to establish infrastructure, community norms, and a shared identity—laying the foundations for what would become a deeply connected place to live, create, and gather.

Sunday, November 16, 2025, 3:00pm

Part III: Coffee & Culture, 1997–2006

This era saw a blossoming of culture in Kayenta—with the opening of local gathering spaces like Xetava Gardens Café and the arrival of public art, music, and galleries. We revisit the emergence of Kayenta as not just a place to live, but a place to exchange ideas and celebrate creativity.

Sunday, January 18, 2026, 3:00pm

Part IV: The Concept Home, 2007–2016

Kayenta became a showcase for innovative desert architecture and sustainable design. This event highlights the bold experimentation and collaborative spirit behind the iconic “Concept Homes”—projects that drew national attention and redefined modern desert living.

Sunday, March 8, 2026, 3:00pm

Part V: Kayenta Lifestyle & Arts, 2017–2026

A celebration of the present moment and a vision for the future. From the expansion of the Kayenta Art Village to the rise of performing arts, culinary experiences, and wellness culture, this chapter explores how Kayenta has come to embody a unique and evolving desert lifestyle.

Sunday, May 10, 2026, 3:00pm

We invite you to help us tell the story of our Kayenta community. Do you have old photos, home videos, newspaper clippings, or keepsakes connected to Kayenta? Or a personal story about your own experiences here? If you do, get in touch with Wil! You can email him at Wil@KayentaArts.com. 

Another way you will be able to share your Kayenta Story is at each Kayenta 100 Event, where we will have a Story Booth set up! Your memories and materials bring our history to life.

The Kayenta 100 Project is generously sponsored by Kayenta Homes & Properties