Gallery Stroll: Grateful Gallery Stroller

Being grateful is a fundamental part of my being. What value do the people, places and things in my life have if I’m not grateful for them? Along that same line, I often say that objects only become art when they are viewed by others. They may have noble beginnings or have been created by visionaries, but they truly become art when someone beyond the artist looks upon them with appreciation. This month, I give thanks to the facilitators who give us the opportunity be a part of the creation and appreciation of art.

First and foremost, I am thankful for the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll. Held on the third Friday of every month, galleries dedicate their small staff and precious resources to creating these special events for all to enjoy. Without Gallery Stroll, it would be a struggle to meet with artists and view the volume of art created in this fine city.

I’m grateful to the Salt Lake Arts Council and Finch Lane Gallery in the quaint Reservoir Park. The Salt Lake Arts Council are wonderful allies to artists with a long tradition of funding public artwork, highlighting artists and shepherding lasting community traditions—like their legendary Holiday Art and Craft Show. November’s show is a carry-over from October, and I am grateful for the extra time to check out artists Kristina Lenzi, Darryl Erdmann and Chad Farnes. Lenzi and Erdmann are exhibiting their works in a series titled Counter Points, which focuses on light and color, peaceand playfulness. Farnes is tackling one of the strongest and stickiest materials known to man: duct tape. In this thought-provoking and mesmerizing series titled Tape-ography, Farnes builds beautiful landscapes, challenging the misconceptions that duct tape cannot be fine art.

Thank you, Art Access, for your amazing mission of making art accessible and inclusive for everyone and for providing an alternative to shopping the big box stores this holiday season. The Holiday Group Exhibit at Arts Access opens Nov. 20 in conjunction with the Gallery Stroll, which might make them the earliest Black Friday shopping event in town. No door-busters or pushing and shoving here—their lovely staff has handpicked their favorite artists and curated local wares from clothing and jewelry to kitchen and home decor. The holiday show runs Nov. 20 through Dec. 16, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 21 and Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Art Access is located on 230 S. 500 W. #125.

I’m grateful to local merchants selling artisan wares, like Ivy Earnest, owner of Boozetique and E3 Modern on 300 S. and 315 E. Earnest provides an elegant space where aesthetic and handcrafted quality meet and make beautiful music and art together. Musician Bret Hansen’s electric cigar box guitars are a perfect example of the type of ingenious designs you’ll find on display and for sale at this store.

Whether you agree with the traditional Thanksgiving holiday or not, please join me this November in giving thanks to our amazing art community, and go out for a stroll.