Simple Earth encourages artists

AMERICAN FORK — For the past year and a half, hundreds of folks have passed through the Simple Earth Foundation's doors learning the fine points of art, whether it be painting, sculpting, ceramics or some other art form.

The family dream for the nonprofit foundation began coming true four years ago, said James Mora. The family purchased a dilapidated, century-old house and began remodeling it into an art center. Out back another building became a classroom for budding artists. A block down the street another building became a center for ceramics.

Peterson and his wife, Mora's sister Cristina, did all the finish work in the old home. The next art exhibition had a soft opening July 12 from 6-8 p.m. with the main opening set for September. It features the oil paintings of Elizabeth Matthews of West Jordan.

The foundation brings in skilled artists to teach classes. Among them are elementary school teacher Kathy Watson, who teaches art basics to children, and Marty Kendall, who teaches ceramics and whose work is exhibited and sold around the country.

Figure-drawing classes use bathing suit-clad live models — "we're very much Utah Valley-friendly," said Damon Peterson — while jewelry-making classes teach how to make a variety of pieces from rings to broaches, including how to set stones.

Opened in December 2005, the foundation emphasizes teaching its budding art students not only how to successfully complete their art but also how to market it. Theme shows that change every three months give students an opportunity to display and sell their work, said Cristina Peterson.

The foundation works with groups, including 4-H, Boy Scouts, Youth at Risk and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Additionally, students can show and sell their work the last Saturday of each month. While most Utah artists sell outside the state, the Mora family wants to change that.

"There are some artists who don't starve," said Cristina Peterson.

Five rooms, each painted a different color to reflect differing moods, are dedicated to the gallery, while the classroom serves a variety of purposes from teaching art to lecturing about art to holding small concerts with a room capacity of 60, she said.

"We like to partner with local businesses," she said. "Most of the center was built that way."

The largest corporate sponsor now is Gold's Gym.