SALT LAKE CITY — Art can be a very hands-off experience.
In fact, many museums, galleries and exhibit halls warn patrons not to touch any of the works in their halls.
As a result, in some circles art is seen as "elitist" and not very "friendly," especially where families are concerned.
"Contemporary Masters," an exhibit that's now running through mid-September at the Salt Lake Art Center, aims to change that.
Doubling as an art exhibit and a playable miniature golf course, the exhibit "offers visitors, in a good-humored way, a chance to explore their world through contemporary art and to decide for themselves whether they want to become fans," according to the center's executive director, Adam Price.
In fact, Price says this is "a wonderful opportunity to examine the relationship between art and audience.
"My own experience in this community is that not nearly enough people are given the opportunity to encounter contemporary art or to incorporate it into their daily lives."
Putters, balls and scorecards are provided, though patrons must wear protective foot coverings to prevent the holes and pieces from getting damaged.
The 18 works comprising "Contemporary Masters" include "traditional" miniature golf holes — ones that resemble a water tower, a living room ("Spencer Douglass's "After the Summit") and an artificial-turf-covered hot tub (Kislan Chan's "Take It Easy").
More abstract pieces include Craig Cleveland's pneumatically powered "Siphon & Reservoir" and John Bell's "Hole Number 9," a sloping, treacherous aluminum sculpture.
Also, 14 of the 18 holes were designed by local artists, including Davina Pallone. Her piece, titled "Putting to the Center of the Earth," incorporates yarn, wool and cotton fabric, wire and wood.
"The theme of my hole is the layers of our planet — sky, surface, soil, rock and molten core," Pallone said. "The Jules Verne-inspired title pulls in a classic sci-fi reference from 1864, three years prior to the construction of the (very first) putting green, and reflects the journey each putter will take through this layered landscape."
Peter Everett's "Donkey Kong" features three reconstructed, stand-up versions of the original game.
"The piece I made for this exhibition conflates miniature golf with Donkey Kong in a looping system," Everett explained. "But I have modified this game, which the players will see while golfing."
In fact, a "successful" player will want to shoot for the hole's "trap." If the ball hits its supposed "target," it is ejected and the player must start over.
(Those who are waiting for others in their party — or parties in front of them — to finish up can even play one of the three stand-up games, though.)
The course is pretty challenging, and it proved tricky for a "celebrity" quartet featuring local politicians, Miss Utah USA 2009 Laura Chukanov and Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando at a VIP opening event.
Price even boasted that, "If I had a million dollars, I'd bet that no one will make that shot (on Bell's piece).
"We're setting par for that hole at infinity," he chuckled.
Still, the ultimate goal for the exhibit is to spark discussions about the function and purposes for art, as well as provide a unique experience for patrons.
Everett, an associate art professor at Brigham Young University, said he is excited "to have the audience as literal participants.
"Art for me is very much an exploration of ideas and frequently involves play," he continued.
"It is great that the viewers will be able to participate in this play and exploration, as well."
Pallone calls the exhibit "incredibly fun and fantastical."
It "is going to be a wonderful way to interact with contemporary art," she said. "It's clear that all the artists had a great time, and the public will, too."
During its four-month run, "Contemporary Masters" will also be used as a fundraising tool, and not just for the Salt Lake Art Center. Select Tuesday night events will benefit Spy Hop, the Utah Symphony and other arts organizations.
And if "Contemporary Masters" proves to be popular and successful, there's a possibility it may become a touring exhibition.
"I'd love for that to happen," Everett said. "We put thousands of hours of work into this piece, and I'm very proud of my contribution."
If you go...
What: Contemporary Masters: Artist-DesignedMiniature Golf
Where: Salt Lake Art Center, 20 S. West Temple
When: Through Sept. 16 (closed Mondays)
How much: Free ($5 donation suggested)
Phone: (801) 328-4201
Web: www.slartcenter.org or www.337project.org
e-mail: jeff@desnews.com