A painting by Carolyn Coalson, "Being There" (oil, 30 by 44 inches), will be part of the decor in the Apprentices' Suite during the third season of "The Apprentice" on NBC/Ch. 5 (starting Thursday, Jan. 20, at 7:30 p.m.).

Represented by Phillips Gallery of Salt Lake City, Coalson was taken aback when informed by the gallery of the show's interest in the painting.

"When I got the call," said Coalson, "I was asked by Phillips if it was OK to send my painting back to New York. Of course I said, 'Yes!' "

As fans of "The Apprentice" know, each episode ends with the contestants gathering in their suite to discuss the day's events. "Despite the passions and aggressions that may ensue," said Meri DeCaria, director/curator of Phillips, "the designers make sure the environments are stylish and sophisticated. It is no wonder Carolyn Coalson's 'Being There' caught their eye."

Coalson's large, blue and very cerebral piece epitomizes all that is calm and refined and will be an excellent addition to the show's look.

Set directors noticed Coalson's painting just days before it was scheduled to be removed from Artnet on the Web. "The whole thing is just so unusual to me," she said. "You just never know in this world."

Phillips Gallery has represented Coalson since the late 1980s. She received her bachelor's in fine arts from the University of Utah in 1988 and her master's in fine arts in 1990. Her abstract expressionist paintings on paper are some of the gallery's most popular works of art on display.

Coalson said, "When the show shipped the painting back from New York I said, 'You mean Donald didn't buy it?' But that's OK." She added that she's still grateful to have had her painting selected.

---

To see more of Coalson's art, visit Phillips Gallery, 444 E. 200 South, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 364-8284 for special appointments on Sunday, Monday and evenings.

---

E-mail: gag@desnews.com