Salt Lake show lets teen artists display their talents — for charity

SALT LAKE CITY — Logan Kiefer brought 38 of his fellow teens together for an art show Thursday and Friday so they could display their creative talent and raise money for a worthy cause.

It wasn't for school credit. It wasn't for a merit badge. The collaborative, charitable effort was just something the soon-to-be senior at Olympus High felt compelled to do.

He sought out friends who liked painting, mixed media and sculptures as much as him, then contacted the Bicycle Collective, an organization that promotes biking in a variety of ways.

"I chose the Bike Collective because of the community aspect of it," he said.

Located just a few blocks from Universal Post Studios, where Kiefer's art show was held, the cycling organization makes bikes accessible to people who otherwise couldn't afford them, in addition to supporting other bike-related pursuits.

"I just think that's fantastic," Kiefer said.

A donation box for the Bicycle Collective was set up at the show entrance, and 10 percent of the proceeds from art sales went straight to the organization.

Self-portraits, photographs, abstract watercolors and meticulous oil paintings filled the studio. Teen artists, their friends and parents milled around, admiring pieces and talking inspiration.

Sydney Bowman, Kiefer's art teacher, was proud.

"He took the initiative," she said, "and then he just ran with it."

Many of the 150 works of art on display were created by students of Bowman, who said she has wanted for years to hold such an event to showcase the talents of her pupils.

Jonathan Morrison, executive director of the Bicycle Collective, was glad to get the word out about his organization and grateful for the donations attendees placed in the pitcher next to him.

Volunteers and donations are "our bread and butter," Morrison said. "We wouldn't be around if it wasn't for the tremendous support we get from the community."

e-mail: mfarmer@desnews.com