Bringing together museum-quality artwork, accomplished artists, and dedicated collectors for nearly four decades, the 39th Annual Sears Invitational Art Show & Sale returns to the Sears Art Museum on the campus of Utah Tech University.
The exhibition opens with a Gala Opening Reception on February 13, followed by a public exhibition and sale on view through March 28. This year’s invitational will feature approximately 230 works by more than 170 artists from across the American West, offering a wide-ranging survey of contemporary regional art.
James Peck, director and curator of the Sears Art Museum, noted that the invitational plays a critical role in supporting the museum. He emphasized the level of artistic excellence represented each year, with artists from Utah and beyond presenting new works that consistently generate excitement among collectors and the broader arts community.
Organizers received 1,115 submissions for inclusion in the 39th annual exhibition. Artists were selected from across the American West, with priority given to those working in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and Nevada. The final show reflects both depth and diversity, featuring established artists such as Martin Blundell, Alexander Selytin, and Larry Winborg, alongside a new generation of emerging artists.
Visitors can expect a broad range of styles and media, including landscapes, still lifes, Western scenes, contemporary realism, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Together, the works offer a snapshot of artistic practice in the American West today. For the third consecutive year, the exhibition is accompanied by a full-color catalog, available for purchase for $25.
The Sears Invitational was founded by Robert N. Sears (1915–1995), a retired vice president of Phillips Petroleum, who believed Southern Utah should have consistent access to high-quality visual art. With continued support from Peggy Sears and Utah Tech University, his vision has grown into a cultural cornerstone and a winter-season anchor for St. George’s arts calendar.
Proceeds from art sales directly support the operation and programming of the Sears Art Museum, sustaining exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community engagement throughout the year.
During the invitational, the Sears Art Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Tickets for the Gala Opening Reception and information about future calls for artists are available at searsart.com.
