At first glance, the four shapes on a sign outside a shop at the Salt Lake International Airport appear to be abstract designs. But take a second look. Suddenly you'll see the word "Utah." Each letter is stylized, with the "h" the shape of the state of Utah.
Glance inside and you'll probably see a number of travelers admiring and buying merchandise made by Utah artists and craftspersons.When I walked in this past week, I had the good fortune of talking to one of the owners, Bill Crismon, who showed me around and answered my questions.
"I understand you opened last May," I said. "By now, you've had a chance to test the waters. How are sales going?"
"They're going better than anticipated," he smilingly replied. "Travelers are buying a lot of our merchandise. In fact, some of our featured artists have turned into `production machines' because of a big demand for their work." For example, he said that one Utah potter had sold over 400 pieces since the shop opened May 25.
Crismon continued. Pottery "has been a big item," jewelry sales "have been terrific," and some glass items "sell like crazy." He added that the shop sells hundreds of magnets painted by Hella Pope, an expert in European folk art.
As I looked around, I was particularly impressed with works by Navajo potter Lawrence Crank; Santa Clara-style pottery by Adakae; elegant ceramic creations by Kerri Buxton; stuffed animals by Anne Barcelona of Lace Art; Indian dolls made from mops by Debbie Spain; leather items and drums by Mark Johnson; batik paintings by Roberta Glidden and comforters that fold up into pillows by Judy Butler.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Shop owners have been highly selective in choosing quality art. Currently, the shop represents work by over 70 talented Utah artists.
Also popular are consumable items: Pierre's sourdough bread, Condie's chocolates, Cache Valley cheese and Bear River honey.
"Utah" is located in the Delta Terminal area along the main walkway between the C and D concourses. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, 365 days a year - so you have no excuses for not stopping by. If you'd like more information, call 575-2541.
- The Utah Museum of Fine Art is exhibiting "Kid's Culture," a show featuring colorful art by Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Navajo and Palestinian children. Created by children ages 8-13, the 40 artworks combine ethnic and universal traditions dealing with daily, urban and spiritual life.
"Kid's Culture" continues in the Beatrice M. Hansen Gallery, UMFA, through Dec. 13. After the show ends, it will be available for loan through the UMFA Educational Services. For information, call Betsy Quintana, assistant curator of education, 581-3580.
- Darren J. Albertson of Provo, is traveling to Washington D.C. to receive an award he won in the L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of The Future Contest, an international competition for new and aspiring illustrators of speculative fiction. The awards ceremony will be held Monday, Aug. 24, in the theater of the National Archives. At that time, the winner of the $4000 grand prize will be announced.
Albertson is currently focusing his efforts on assembling a portfolio of fantasy illustration, which includes artwork for "The Leading Edge" and the "New York Review of Science Fiction and Fantasy."
The Illustrators of The Future Contest was founded in 1988. Artists who would like to enter future contests can obtain a set of rules by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: L. Ron Hubbard's Illustrators of The Future Contest, P.O. Box 3190, Los Angeles, CA 90078.
- Lectures, workshops and classes:
Today, Aug. 23 (3 p.m. Utah Museum of Fine Art, U. of U.) - Joseph Ostraff and Maureen O'Hara Ure will discuss the process and content in their paintings. Both artists had work juried into the "Utah '92: Painting and Sculpture" exhibition.
Sunday, Aug. Aug. 24-27 (Kimball Art Center, Park City, 649-8882) - Workshop: "The Art of Woodcut Printmaking," taught by Royden Card.
Wednesday, Aug. 26 (noon, Salt Lake Art Center, 20 S. West Temple, 328-4201) - Art/lunch lecture on "Utah Perspectives" exhibition by David W. Pursley.
Aug. 31-Sept 4 (Kimball Art Center, Park City, 649-8882) - Workshop: "Papermaking Intensive" by Dorothy Linden.
By Richard P. Christenson