Gallery Stroll – September 2009

New to Salt Lake City? September means back to school for thousands of young adults. For many, its their first time out of the nest, migrating to a new city, or for those in-staters maybe this is your first time living downtown.

Salt Lake City’s monthly Gallery Stroll is a great introduction into the highbrow and lowbrow Salt Lake art scene, expanding one’s interests in the arts, fashion, nightlife, landscape and social worlds. Think of it as required attendance for those wanting a taste of what Salt Lake City has to offer.

Mark your calendars for the third Friday of every month and stay tuned to SLUG for renegade one-of shows and underground art happenings all month long.

Whether you’re decorating a whole apartment or your half of the dorm room, finding artwork that represents your taste and interests at a price you can afford is a must! Love Ikea but want something more original? The 300 South art district is your first stop. 300 South, also known as Broadway, from State Street to 400 East, contains everything you’ll need to express that new sophisticated taste.

On this route, you’ll find this month’s SLUG Gallery Stroll pick at Signed and Numbered, located at 221 East Broadway in the basement of Slowtrain. Known for original prints herself, gig-poster artist Leia Bell opens up her shop walls to the University of Utah Book Arts Program beginning Sept. 18.

The Book Arts Program is part of the J. Willard Marriott Library and houses a fully equipped studio for bookbinders, printers, and book artists looking to utilize type, letterpress, photo engravings and bookbinding equipment. The program offers workshops and full-semester classes exploring letterpress printing, bookmaking and artists’ books to University students and members of the community.

This show titled Impressed?! will feature books, letterpress prints and drawings by Book Arts Program artists including Becky Thomas-Williams, Laura Decker, Marnie Powers-Torrey, Elizabeth Smith, Claire Taylor, Amber Heaton, Mary Toscano, David Wolske and Allison Cornu. Use the link for more information about the Book Arts Program.

Inspired to become an artist? A major part of success in any field is finding a community or support system within that interest. The Poor Yorick Studios, which houses over 50 artists in 39 studios, is a space where established artists are intertwined with aspiring artists, allowing everyone to influence and inspire each other.

Brainchild of working artists and professor Brad Slaugh, Poor Yorick has played a major role as a community builder, launchpad and safe haven to many Utah artists. Their long tradition of an equinox open house studio stroll will continue Sept. 25 (6 -10 p.m.) and 26 (1-5 p.m.) 126 Crystal Ave ( 2590 S. ) for more information visit pooryorickstudios.com.

Settling into new digs and getting to know your surroundings can be difficult, but if you want to make a splash, you have to jump in.