Faculty art: New exhibit celebrates recent works by University of Utah artists

The first art gallery on the University of Utah campus opened in 1914 on the top floor of the Park Building. Much of the art displayed in that early gallery was by faculty members.

So, it is fitting that as the U. College of Fine Arts celebrates its 60th anniversary that the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, the resident art gallery on campus, is marking the occasion with an exhibition featuring the works of 18 current faculty members. It is titled "ArtNow: Recent Work by the University of Utah Faculty."

Over the past 60 years the department has experienced "a wealth of growth and change," notes Elizabeth Peterson, chairwoman of the department of art and art history. "Throughout, the faculty has kept up the challenge of offering stellar programs."

"We are thrilled to have this be our contribution to the 60th anniversary celebration," says David Dees, director of UMFA. The museums presents a faculty art show every two years, but this one has special significance because of the anniversary, he says.

The exhibition highlights a legacy of art at the university that actually began in 1888, when the first art classes were offered. The works presented represent a "distinguished group of artists," says Jill Dawsey, curator of modern and contemporary art at UMFA, who curated the show.

"These faculty artists are dynamic teachers who are vital to the university community, challenging students to engage their imaginations and cultivating a new generation of talented artists. Yet, the high caliber of the work this faculty produces also resonates throughout the broader local community, enriching the growing culture of visual arts here in Salt Lake City and beyond."

Featured artists include Edward Bateman, Larel Caryn, Alison Denyer, Justin Diggle, Dave Eddy, John Erickson, Beth Krensky, Joe Marotta, Kim Martinez, Ray Morales, John O'Connell, David Pendell, Brian Snapp, Carol Sogard, Paul Stout, Maureen O'Hara Ure and Sam Wilson.

The exhibition reflects new trends in contemporary art as well as traditional work in a variety of media, including ceramics, printmaking, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, digital imaging and video. It runs through May 10.

The show is a "great opportunity," says Maureen O'Hara Ure, whose somewhat traditional paintings in the show resulted from a trip she took to India. "We are always critiquing student works. Now, we invite them to critique us."