From post-apocalyptic worlds to tales of hunting with wolves, a new generation of emerging artists has a story to tell.
But the plotline is as varied as the artists themselves, said Artists of Utah founder Shawn Rossiter, who created a vehicle for these rising local artists to showcase their personal narratives with the "35x35" squared show at Finch Lane Gallery in Salt Lake City.
Artists of Utah, a nonprofit organization started in 2001 as a way to link Utah's visual arts community, created the theme for the exhibit seven years ago to highlight one or two works from 35 Utah artists younger than 35.
Rossiter said he set the age limit at 35 because it is minimum age to become president of the United States, meaning people "probably have to be mature by then."
Until these artists reach that point, their voices will still be in development — yet each voice is already unique, Rossiter said.
Now in production for the second time, the age-restricted show gives less-established artists a chance to network, gain exposure and learn the ropes of participating in a show.
Many of the artists are students who have never displayed their work outside of their college campuses. This is their first chance to go through the process of submitting a portfolio and working with a curator at the exhibit.
Showcased throughout three rooms in the Finch Lane Gallery, works include pieces like a neon-lit refrigerator by University of Utah student Travis Nikolai, geometric-inspired painted towers by Salt Lake artist John Bell, and innovative furniture made from gears and mechanical scraps by 32-year-old Joe Norman.
An onsite performance that reflects the process of judging works will also be delivered by Michael Handley during the exhibit's second reception on Oct. 16.
The Artists of Utah board that selected works for the exhibit was not looking for any themes or mediums in particular, yet all of the pieces in the show possess elements reflecting a forward-thinking group of artists.
One such artist is University of Utah master's student Van Chu, a Vietnamese artist who came to Utah to study photography in 2002.
Chu finds inspiration in Chinese art but modernizes the style with digital photography.
The mixing of painting and photography reflects Chu's goal to create a new medium for the modern century, which is a goal of most of the artists currently exhibited at the Finch Lane Gallery, he said.
"We're all trying to speak differently," said Van Chu. "We are all trying to do something unconventional — that seems to be the common theme."
And whereas "speaking differently" separates these young artists from the preceding generations, it also bonds them to one another with a mutual understanding.
"Everyone (in the exhibit) is from the same generation as me, so we are using the same language to communicate — it seems to be more collective," Chu said.
Exhibited mixed media artist Justin Wheatley also seeks modern artforms, as he paints over his own photographs to create architectural images.
"There are so many new ideas out there, and it's amazing how much technology influences that," Wheatley said. "I think the younger generation grasps on to this idea much faster."
Wheatley studied abstract landscapes in acrylic paint at Utah State University, but he turned to focus on mixed media after his 2006 graduation.
Now an art teacher at Cyprus High School in Magna, Wheatley said he is excited for the opportunity to become a part of the Salt Lake art scene.
"There is a huge amount of energy among young artists," Wheatley said. "It's like we're hungry — but there aren't a lot of opportunities for young artists in Utah, so the fact that they put this together is really great."
Finch Lane Gallery is owned by the Salt Lake City Arts Council, a nonprofit committee with an interest in highlighting quality artists who may not have had previous exposure, as opposed to retail galleries that are based on sales.
Salt Lake City Arts Council assistant director Kim Duffin said he takes pride in the show and the amount of interest it has generated, attracting more than 600 guests to the opening reception in September — more than Duffin has ever seen in his 22 years on the arts council.
He said despite the lack of experience for some of the artists, the exhibit is full of diverse talent.
In fact, age shouldn't be a factor to consider at all when viewing the artwork, Duffin said.
"Talent is not always age-related," Duffin said. "Many of these artists are born with an innate talent that will make them well-known."
Duffin emphasized that art always requires an enormous amount of dedication, and the featured artists have that type of dedication to earn a living from their passion.
"35x35" squared exhibit is on display through Nov. 6, with a second reception on Gallery Stroll night, Oct. 16. Finch Lane Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, contact the City Arts Council, 801-596-5000, or visit www.artistsofutah.org/35x35.
IF YOU GO …
What: "35x35," exhibit of works of young artists
When: Through Nov. 6, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Finch Lane Gallery, 54 Finch Lane
How much: free
e-mail: bbrown@desnews.com