Gallery Stroll – August 2004

Strolling through galleries in Utah was very difficult some 20-odd years ago. The working class didn’t have time to take in art during the middle of the day, during galleries’ regular business hours. This was a way of keeping the under-educated or “blue collar” person from culture. Until someone said, “Art to the people” and Gallery Stroll was born!! The “Stroll,” as it became known, would take place on the third Friday of every month and would allow art patrons to appreciate art after the working day was through, usually from 6p.m.-9p.m. Refreshments were served and everyone was a little more enlightened than when they arrived. The moral to this story is; if you attend Gallery Stroll, you will be smarter, better, and brighter than if you don’t. Phillips Gallery, located at 444 East 200 S., is pleased to present their annual Summer Group Show, featuring fine art by over 50 local artists. Every medium is present in this show, from oils to woodcuts and everything in between. Appropriately titled, the Summer Group Show features several images that will sweep you away to far-off vacation destinations or memories of picnics on the beach or days at the pool. This exhibit will remain on display through Sept. 10 with an artist reception Aug. 20 from 6p.m.-9p.m. in correlation with the Gallery Stroll.

Artisan Frame Works and Gallery, located at 351 W. Pierpont Ave., has been inspired by the recent Tour De France and have chosen to celebrate with a trip to Paris through the lens of local photographer Garry Miller. Miller’s work with black-and-white film and varied subject matter throughout Paris will keep you entertained and enthralled. The opening reception will take place Aug. 20 and the show will remain on display until Sept. 10.

Art Access and Art Access II is located at 339 W. Pierpont. Art Access has been partnering local, established artists with special needs adults who are interested in entering the mainstream art community. With the success of the adult mentoring program over the last 10 years, Art Access II has added to that philosophy by joining teens from all over the Salt Lake Valley to share their ideas and experiences in a teen workshop. The results of these mentoring programs will be on display from Aug. 20 through Sept. 2.

The Forum Gallery, located at 511 West 200 S., has teamed up two-dimensional artist Bryan Child with his Picasso-like paintings and three-dimensional porcelain sculptures from Clay Artists of Utah. This fun and unexpected union will be on display from Aug. 20 through Sept. 11. The Forum Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5p.m. and Gallery Stroll from 6p.m.-9p.m.

Now, go out and support local art!!!! Why? Because you can!!!