Gallery Stroll – August 2010

There’s just something about strolling down the street as the sun has set and the temperature is beginning to cool, hanging with friends, enjoying a reprieve from the hot summer day, and checking out local art.

The Salt Lake Gallery Stroll is a free public event held on the third Friday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. It provides us working folk the rare opportunity to explore the city on a self-guided tour via Salt Lake’s art galleries. You don’t have to wait for Gallery Stroll to check out art, but if you need to know where to go, peep the details below.

In the spirit of dedicating some of those lazy summer days to improving one’s “mad skills,” the Art Access Teen Workshops are designed to give aspiring young artists the opportunity to flourish under the mentoring of some of Utah’s lustrous seasoned artists.

Workshops include “Wings and Things” –Assemblage, taught by Marcee Blackerby, Outdoor Mural Painting, taught by Ben Wiemeyer, Pop Surrealist Painting, taught by Jason Jones, Collage & Photographic Transfers, taught by Justin Whitely, Collage & Assemblage, taught by Travis Tanner and Altered Printmaking, taught by Joey Behrens.

Final projects are on display August 20 through September 10, 2010 at Art Access. The Artists’ Reception will be held on August 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the 2011 Teen Workshops, you can find out more details at accessart.org.

A long-standing summer favorite is the Phillips Gallery Summer Group Show.  Located at 444 E. 200 S., the Phillips Gallery is the oldest commercial gallery in the Intermountain West, established in 1965 and featuring over 80 artists—of which 95 percent are local or have ties to Utah. This Utah landmark offers three floors of paintings, sculpture, jewelry and mixed media along with a rooftop sculpture garden.

Kim Riley, Fine Art Consultant at the gallery, is confident you’ll enjoy the show: “The wonderful variety of styles and mediums on exhibit reflect the vast talent that we are so fortunate to be exposed to in Utah. In addition, as is the case with each of our group exhibits, we will introduce a few new artists to our regular lineup.

They are young hopefuls whom we are sure will attract your attention.” The show began July 16 and remains on display until September 10. Admission is always free. For more information visit phillips-gallery.com.

Before the summer’s over, join the thousands of people who’ve already played the Contemporary Masters Exhibit at the Salt Lake Art Center presented by the 337 Project. Enjoy 18 holes of artist-designed, fully playable miniature golf.

I’m happy to report it’s not your typical amusement park highjinx––even though Donkey Kong does make an appearance, the course is challenging and very enjoyable!  The exhibit seeks to change your perspective on how you relate to art, making a very good case that art isn’t only behind glass and hanging on walls. Art can be messy and complicated, playful and amusing.

August is the last real summer Gallery Stroll. Even though summer isn’t over until the Fall Equinox on September 22, we know as Utahns that the weather can change in an instant and we’re back into fall or even winter without warning. So, soak up those cobalt summer nights and enjoy the cultural night life that summer, I mean Salt Lake, has to offer.