SPRINGVILLE — An art show that's more about personal beliefs and less about art technique runs through Dec. 27 at the Springville Museum of Art.

The 21st Annual Religious and Spiritual Art of Utah Exhibition provides a forum for artists to express their sincere religious and spiritual beliefs through the visual arts, said Natalie Peterson, associate director.

"With religion or spiritual conviction being at the core of a person's value system, this exhibit is an excellent opportunity for art lovers to see into the hearts and minds of some of Utah's most talented and creative artists," she said.

Utah talent entered 314 pieces, with 157 from some 100 artists accepted into the show.

"Just because they weren't accepted doesn't mean they're unacceptable," said director Vern G. Swanson. "They tend to put more of themselves into this than any other show."

All Utah artists, regardless of their religious persuasion, medium, or style were invited to enter the juried exhibition.

Jurying the show is difficult because it's so big. Museum staff took a full week to jury the show. However, unknown artists can become better known in this show, because it is more about expression rather than training or style, Swanson said.

The top award, the Director's Award, went to Jeffrey Hein for his oil on canvas, "Altering Presence." Other top awards are the Assistant Director's Award, "Let Him In," by Gregory K. Olsen, and the Associate Director's Award, "The Mediator," which went to Walter Rane.

Noted Southern California artist William Stout, who has Utah roots, entered the show with his oil on canvas, "Hope for the New Millennium: A Visual Prayer," which captured one of seven Curator Awards.

A Utah presence is required to enter the show, Swanson said. The artist must have either been born in Utah or lived here.

"Artists' work is already personal to them; when coupled with art portraying their innermost spiritual and religious being, the result is absolutely poignant and passionate. This show is less about art, per se; styles and techniques, and more about the belief systems of our artists and society," Swanson said of the show.

Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 3 to 6 p.m.

If you go

What: 21st Annual Religious and Spiritual Art of Utah Exhibition

Where: Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 South

When: through Dec. 27

Cost: free

---

E-mail: rodger@desnews.com