Speaking to the soul: LDS Church History Museum's interactive exhibit communicates 'Spirit of Art'

Art has a spirit, a unique way of speaking to the soul that enriches our lives.

"There are many, many art forms," says Angela Ames, church history educator at the Church History Museum. "They all can bring the spirit into our lives."

But if you want art to do that, it helps to understand the background, the process, the artist's intent and purpose, she said.

"Because it is visual, art can communicate quickly," Ames explained, "but because it often involves symbols and metaphors, it sometimes takes thought and feeling in order to relate it to our lives."

That's the reasoning behind the next Evening at the Museum program, "Artists at Work: The Spirit of Art."

The event will be held Friday, Feb. 26, and features eight artists who work in very different genres. Patrons will be able to watch them at work and also interact and ask questions. Harp music will be provided by Melanie Hunt. Refreshments will be served.

"This is our second year of doing a program like this. Last year's art demonstration was a huge success," Ames said.

This year's featured artists are:

David Habben, a contemporary illustrator who uses traditional and digital media to create works for a wide variety of uses.

Tom Holdman, who has created stained glass for a number of LDS temples and who specializes in painting on glass by using powdered glass that is fired at high temperatures to get the shading and effects.

Brian Kershisnik, a painter who specializes in contemporary art that reflects a broad international background.

Elizabeth Peterson, who creates intricate and delicate bobbin lace.

Julie Rogers, an award-winning painter who "loves to paint the simple things of every day life."

Al Rounds, an internationally acclaimed artist who mostly does landscapes in watercolor and giclee.

Kraig Varner, a sculptor who has mastered a range of sculpting genres from figurative to contemporary to portrait work.

Blanche Wilson, who has a broad art background and specializes in woodblock printing.

They represent a wide variety, Ames said, including "some who are more traditional, some who are more illustrative, some who are sometimes considered more folk artists."