Although over 63,000 people have viewed the Utah Arts Festival's contemporary art exhibits during the past two years, there are still many festivalgoers who are unaware of these visually exciting shows. They are held in the Union Pacific Depot adjacent to the festival.
Two years ago, the exhibit focused on contemporary painting; last year, works on paper. This year's show, Exhibition 1991, will zero in on contemporary crafts and sculpture by 23 Utah-based artists.The Utah Arts Festival is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26 through Sunday, June 30. And to make sure that the public is aware of the art exhibit, executive director of the festival Linda Bonar and exhibition curator David Sucec invited me to preview slides of crafts and sculpture selected for this year's show.
According to Sucec, "This show is a survey of works by Utah artists pushing the limits of contemporary art."
He explained that a number of the artists use this festival to do new work. "They forget about commissioned work and what others want. Instead, they create pieces that please them."
For example, Mary Ann Jacobs' new basketry styles have fabric appliqued to the surface. John Hess experiments with scoring and bending 10-ply bristol board for his paper pieces; and Von Allen explores new directions in her large ceramic sculptures.
The other 20 artists invited to exhibit include Silvia Davis, Larry Elsner, Steve Goldsmith, Neil Hadlock, Richard Johnston and Dennis Smith (sculpture); Cyn Jeppson, John Neely, David Pendell, Carol Rhodes and Stan Roberts (ceramics); Steve Dayton, John Evans and Maureen O'Hara Ure (small constructions); Kaethe Radomski and Rhees Ririe (furniture); Sharon Alderman (weaving); Maggie Harrison (hand-made felt hangings); Kristie Krumbach (small metals, jewelry); and Stacey Sharp (etched glass).
Gallery talks to broaden your understanding of contemporary craft and sculpture will be held daily. The schedule is: Wednesday, June 26, 5 p.m. - Overview of exhibit by Sucec; Thursday, June 27, 6 p.m. - the historical context of contemporary craft by Charles Loving; Friday, June 28, 6 p.m. - Views of the historical perspective on contemporary sculpture by Steve Rosen; Saturday, June 29, 6 p.m. - Contemporary crafts today by Francis Garret; Sunday, June 30, 2 p.m. - Contemporary sculpture today by Kaye Terry. All gallery talks will be held in the Union Pacific Depot.
This exhibit is part of the Utah Arts Festival's long-term commitment to be supportive of visual artists and to enrich the public's experiences in fine art.
- The Days of Camelot Medieval Faire opens Thursday, June 20 at the Utah State Fairpark, where it will continue for four days. In addition to entertainment, merriment and feasting will be a rich assortment of collectibles, gifts and decorative accessories by the finest artisans from the Intermountain area. Included in that assortment are 30 booths by members of the Intermountain Society of Artists (ISA), 70 quilts by members of the Utah Quilter's Guild and displays by the Utah Woodcarvers' and Whittlers' Association.
There will be a "Children's Row" filled with lots of fun activities including make-a-crown, face painting and spin art.
Hours for this free event are noon to 10 p.m. through Sunday, June 23. For details, call 350-7598.
- The next Gallery Stroll is set for Friday, June 21 from 6-9 p.m. Approximately 16 galleries will be participating again this month. Marble House Gallery (532-7338) and Utah Designer Crafts (359-2770) have scheduled new shows to open at that time. Other galleries will probably follow suit.
Some of the galleries who consistently participate in this stroll are Dolores Chase Fine Art, Gallery 56, Southam Gallery and Williams Fine Art.
To secure a map of the stroll, stop by one of the above galleries. Be sure to contact your favorite gallery to confirm participation.
- Bountiful/Davis Art Center will once again sponsor Summerfest International 1991 on Friday and Saturday, August 9 and 10. Spaces for artists' booths are now available. A non-refundable fee of $65 will reserve a space. Final deadline for registration is July 26.
The festival will take place on the Bountiful Tabernacle, the Stoker School Grounds and in between on 100 South. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For registration forms and information, call BDAC, 292-0367.
- Lectures, workshops and classes.
Monday through Friday, June 17-21, 7 p.m., Kimball Art Center, Park City (649-8882) - "Fundamentals of Realism As Applied to Still Life," an oil painting workshop with Randall Lake.
Monday through Friday, June 17-21, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Utah State University (750-1412) - Ceramic sculpture with Chuck McWeeny.
Wednesday, June 19, noon, Upstairs Gallery, Salt Lake Art Center - Mary Francey will conduct an art-lunch tour of new mixed-media installation "100 Years 100 Pictures: Chronicles of One Man's Life."
Friday and Saturday, June 21-22, Bountiful/Davis Art Center (292-0367) - Painting workshop with Thomas Leek.
Monday through Friday, June 24-28, Kimball Art Center, Park City (649-8882) - Papermaking workshop with Dorothy Linden.
- By Richard P. Christenson