Exhibit to mark Zion's centennial

ST. GEORGE — Utah's Zion National Park will celebrate its 100th anniversary — "A Century of Sanctuary" — in 2009 with art shows, lectures and other events.

The park was established as Mukuntuweap National Monument on July 31, 1909. In 1919, Congress decreed it a national park, Utah's first. A commemorative ceremony is planned for July 31.

Several events are under way, says Tom Haraden, the park's assistant chief of interpretation and visitor services, including a major art show at the St. George Art Museum, 47 E. 200 North.

The exhibit includes more than 60 historic and contemporary paintings and photos of Zion, including works by such noted artists and photographers as Thomas Moran, Maynard Dixon, Ansel Adams and Jack Hillers. It is sponsored by the Zion Natural History Association, in partnership with Zion National Park, the St. George Art Museum and the St. George Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The full show will continue at the museum until Jan. 24, after which many historic paintings will return to their owners, while those from a recent art competition will remain until the end of May, Haraden said.

The celebration will also be commemorated with a special Utah license plate and a 100th anniversary edition of the park newspaper.

Additional events may be scheduled. A regularly revised lineup can found on the park's Web site at www.nps.gov/zion/parknews/a-century-of-sanctuary.htm.

Among the anniversary events

Through 2009: Special exhibits in the park's Human History Museum

Through Jan. 24: "A Century of Sanctuary" art exhibition at the St. George Museum (details available on the Web at sgcity.org/artmuseum/zion.php)

Through Feb. 9: Lecture series

Throughout the season: Special interpretive programs

March, April and October: Zion Field Institute classes with historical themes

March 31-May 11: Juried photo show (open to Utah residents)

Summer: A film series on movies filmed in and near Zion National Park

June 23-Aug 3: "Vision of Zion," an art show for children

July 31: 100th anniversary ceremony

Oct. 17-18: Employee reunion, special programs