The 2007 Spring Salon

SPRINGVILLE — There are Spring Salons and there are Spring Salons.

This year's 83rd-annual model, on display through July 8, boasts much of what we've seen in previous years. However, it also points to a growing passion for figurative painting among younger artists, as well as a deeply entrenched, historical love affair with modern, non-objective art.

All this makes for an exhibition that is worthy of anyone's time.

"I know I've said every year that this is the best show we've ever had," said Vern Swanson, director of the Springville Museum of Art, "but this truly is the best show we've ever had."

The museum received a record number 1,058 entries this year, 68 more than last year, from which the jurors selected 293 pieces for exhibition.

"When you enter the Step Down Gallery, where we usually have the award winners, you'll go, 'Whoa, this stuff is really good,"' said Swanson.

Jacob Collins, the New York-based classical realist whose exceptional work is known and collected throughout the world, juried the traditional works in the show. Donna Poulton, Salt Lake City art historian and author of the forthcoming publication, "Utah Painters of the Red Rock," juried the visionary-modern and post-modern pieces.

"A lot of artists responded to having Jacob as a juror this year," Swanson said. "The figurative work submitted was half again higher than in previous years."

According to Swanson, Collins was quite taken with the quality of the figurative pieces entered into the show. "He felt there was a lot of fantastic work; he was amazed."

The modern and visionary pieces selected by Poulton for inclusion into the exhibition are also very strong.

"The Lower Clyde Gallery, where we always hang the modern, has never looked better," said Swanson.

Unfortunately, sculpture is weak this year, and, as usual, the Salon could use more ceramic pieces, prints, drawings and photography.

As for those entrants who did not get into the show, Swanson encouraged continued effort. "I would say to the artists that didn't get in ... don't break your brushes. Instead, gain greater resolve to elbow your way in next year.

"Unfortunately, competition alienates some artists who are just good enough to get in, but don't. Other artists will be motivated. Alienated or motivated — the fire that melts the butter also tempers the steel."

Swanson genuinely wants all artists to be successful, but he knows that there are levels of talent that will separate them. Yet, he remains positive about artists rising to the occasion.