Nanette Amis is the creative force behind Four Lemons Art Gallery, a curator with an eye for beauty and a passion for bringing people together through art. A Salt Lake City native, she earned her degree in Humanities and Art History from Brigham Young University before embarking on an adventure that would shape her future, blending her love for art with her entrepreneurial spirit.
After marrying Jeff, the couple spent their early years in Seattle, where Nanette fell in love with the vibrant energy of Pike Place Market. Inspired by its eclectic charm, she dreamed of bringing a similar artistic hub to Salt Lake City. That dream became reality with the launch of the Utah Art Market—a thriving showcase for local artists that has only grown since its backyard beginnings.
As a mother of four, Nanette has seamlessly woven family into her work, with each of her children contributing to the business over the years. When she’s not curating art or building creative connections, she can be found entertaining friends and family, devouring historical fiction, knitting tiny baby hats, skiing at Alta, or indulging in life’s simple pleasures—Tootsie Rolls, cinnamon bears, and Cheetos. She also has a deep appreciation for vintage textiles and often incorporates them into her creative projects.
Her artistic influences span centuries and styles, from Botticelli and Vermeer to Sorolla, Picasso, and Matisse. But beyond the masterpieces, what truly fuels her passion is connecting people—artists, collectors, and dreamers alike—through the power of art.
In May 1994, Nanette Amis founded the Utah Art Market with the goal of bringing affordable arts and crafts to the Salt Lake community. What began as a small, once-a-year event in her backyard has since grown into four seasonal shows annually, each featuring unique pieces inspired by the changing seasons and showcasing the diverse talent of local artists.
Beyond the Utah Art Market, Nanette launched the 135 Fine Art Show a decade ago, aiming to make original artwork accessible to young collectors. With price points at $100, $300, and $500, this show encourages art enthusiasts to begin their own collections without breaking the bank. Due to its success, the event expanded to twice a year, fostering a growing community of passionate collectors and emerging artists.
As both the 135 Fine Art Show and the Utah Art Market grew, so did the demand for handmade, original artwork year-round. Recognizing this, Nanette opened Four Lemons in October 2024—a full-time retail space and gallery dedicated to showcasing local artists. Beyond supporting artists in her community, she also wanted to uplift emerging talents from developing countries. A section of her store is devoted to artists from Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana, featuring handcrafted works that tell the stories of their cultures and traditions.
The name Four Lemons holds special meaning. It comes from Nanette’s very first piece of original art—a still-life painting of four lemons on a windowsill by Rebecca Waggstaff. This painting marked the beginning of her lifelong art collection at a time when owning original art felt out of reach. It also embodies the core mission of Four Lemons: making art accessible to all.
Four Lemons features a diverse selection of handmade works, including fine art, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, wood and metalwork, fiber arts, and more. The Utah Art Market will continue hosting its seasonal shows at Four Lemons, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase and sell their creations while fostering an even stronger connection between artists and the community.
Nanette envisions Four Lemons as more than just a store—it’s a gathering place where art lovers, makers, and collectors can connect, exchange ideas, and be inspired. Whether you're shopping for a meaningful gift or adding to your collection, we hope you’ll find something special and feel right at home.
Nanette Amis
In this photo, Nanette stands proudly, holding up the still-life painting that inspired Four Lemons— a delicate composition of four lemons on a windowsill by Rebecca Wagstaff. Her smile reflects the deep connection she feels to this piece, which marked the beginning of her mission of making art accessible to all.