UGS: United Gallery Stroll

Salt Lake City has many cultural events to offer its residents, some of which are easier on the wallet than others. Salt Lake Gallery Stroll is held the third Friday of every month and is always free to the public. The Stroll is held from 6-9pm so you don’t have a lot of time. Take our advice and check out these two shows for a satisfaction-guaranteed Gallery Stroll experience.

Local gig poster artist out Leia Bell will unveil her latest work in her first new show in almost 2 years. This ambitious young woman wasn’t taking a vacation between showings and has been busy participating in many group shows, mothering three small boys and supporting the local music scene producing poster for local concert venue Kilby Court. The Perpetual Childhood show will showcase almost two-dozen paintings in frames Leia made and new one-of-a-kind mono prints. Her hand painted magnets will be available for only three dollars while a few rare signed silk screen prints and a limited Perpetual Childhood mono print will be available for as little as $25. Ken Sanders Rare Books has been a huge proponent of Lei’s work over the last few years. You may recall the book release hosted at the store for The Art of Modern Rock, which featured a six-page spread on our local heroin. Leia’s continues to be recognized for her innovative and imaginative work. Ken Sanders Rare Books is located at 268 S. 200 E. and will feature Perpetual Childhood April 7 until April 28 with the artist reception on April 20 from 7-9pm to coincide with the monthly Gallery Stroll

Over the last few years Main street has undergone a lot of changes and this month we celebrate an opening! The opening of the Utah Arts Alliance Headquarters and Gallery, The Contemporary Design Art Gallery, Odyssey Dance Theater, Midnight Recording Studio’s and individual ceramic and painting studio’s at 127 South Main street. Executive Director Derek Dyer has worked very hard over the last few years to rejuvenate the down town area and what better way to get people on Main Street than to invest in the area with his latest project of networking local art businesses and housing like minded organizations under one roof. The Utah Arts Alliance was established to offer local artists a forum for discussion, networking and art show, education, performance and affordable studio space. Artist of all mediums should contact the Utah Arts Alliance to see what programs at the three UAA locations would possibly benefit them. This new space will provide the visibility the Alliance needs to project them to the next level of art advocacy. There’s an old saying that when you really want people to pay attention add a little fire. PYRO the Art of Fire will kick off the new location and will feature work from Brett Colvin, Kim Riley, Weston Hall, Josh Blumenmtal, Robert Hirschi, Doug Simms, Renee Lee, Chris Coleman, Raven, Krisitan Merwin, and Tim Wilson. A free public reception will be held April 6 with a Fire Circus Extravaganza to follow on April 7 from 6-9pm with special performances and artist meet and greet. Tickets for the extravaganza are $10 and can be purchased at www.incediarycircus.com. The UAA Gallery will be open daily from 4-8pm Tuesday through Saturday and every Gallery Stroll evening from 6-9pm.

Finally, on Monday, April 16 at 6pm there will be a screenprinting party at the James Anthony Gallery for artist Colin Burns. Bring whatever you want to screenprint and $5 to cover costs and you’re all set! The James Anthony Gallery is located 241 E. 300 S.

If we don’t go out and appreciate the arts they become less and less accessible. Art is meant to be seen! Support Local art!!! Mariah Mann Mellus