The Sears Art Museum serves as a stepping stone for hundreds of artists to get their art exposed to the community. The museum displays six exhibits a year and shows hundreds of pieces of art in all differing styles.
The museum was established with the goal to “Engage visitors in discovering meaningful connections with artistic expressions and presents opportunities for conversation, contemplation, and a cooperative experience.”
Sears Art Museum kicked off its most recent exhibition with a gala held Feb. 13, where around 300 attendees, consisting of patrons, artists, staff and students indulged in the art. Utah Tech President Shane Smeed and First Lady Smeed showed their support, also being in attendance for the event.
Getting work displayed in the invitational event can be a difficult task. The invitational saw over 1,000 works of art created by professional artists submitted to be featured. Submissions came from not only Utah, but the entire American West, although Utah, Colorado, Idaho and Nevada were given priority.
The decision on whether a piece of work is approved is made by a jury of art experts who decide which pieces are the best. Out of the thousand works submitted, only around 230 were juried into the invitational.
The President’s Day weekend exhibition stands out amidst the rest, being the museum’s only fundraiser for the entire year.
“The invitational, now in its 39th year, is the museum’s only fundraiser. About half of our funding comes from this one exhibition,” said James Peck, museum director and curator. “Proceeds from each work of art sold are split with the artist. You could say it’s a win-win-win. The museum gets crucial funding, the artist gets exposure and a potential sale, and purchasers get a beautiful work of art for their home.”
Many of the works focused on highlighting the American West, specifically southern Utah. Some artists emphasized the importance of displaying the art of the region.
“I began taking photos on my road trips through Utah and noticed that most of my photography focused on what I classify as unseen beauty, natural occurrences that oftentimes go unnoticed,” said Tracee McDonald, artist and St. George local. “Nature is unique and can inspire us if only we stop to embrace it.”
The exhibition has caught the eye of individuals throughout the state, not just in St. George. “This was my second year with a piece,” said artist Kevin Wallace from Midway. “I think it’s a great showcase of Utah and Western artists. It’s a really well-run exhibition, and I think people’s lives are enriched by being around art and beauty.”
The museum’s success is possible through the support of the local community, which Peck hopes he can help give back to.
“Everything we do is for the community,” he said. “The Sears Art Museum is a tremendous resource for students, faculty and staff, and for the broader southern Utah community. We collaborate with local and regional artists, students, musicians, dancers and poets, you name it. We are a resource for all local communities.”
Peck encourages everybody to attend, emphasizing the quality of the work. “This is our premier event. Come by and take a few minutes to look at over 200 amazing works of art by more than 190 professional artists from Utah and across the West.”
