Sears Art Museum Gallery presents new exhibit, ‘A Sense of Place’

The Sears Art Museum Gallery is pleased to present a new exhibit featuring several different artists showing their feelings and perception of place attachment. The theme of “A Sense of Place” may be interpreted in relationship to characteristics of a geographic location or of an authentic human sense of belonging from a strong identity, experiences, or how we view ourselves within a space. The opening of the exhibit will kick off with a reception on Friday, Dec. 4, from 7-9 p.m. The exhibit continues through Jan. 15.

Julie Roger’s unique ability to capture the light of the soul in her illustrations, oil paintings, and pastel paintings, has set her apart from other artists. Rogers has always been especially drawn to paint the stories of the pioneers. Being a mother has in so many ways added great depth to Rogers’ work, as motherhood can bring the greatest happiness and sorrow in life. She has had many experiences that enable her to relate to people and to inspire them. Her travels to China gave her the opportunity to search out the traditional people and culture of China that is quickly disappearing. The paintings in this exhibit highlight her talent to express the humanity of common people.

Tom Slack is a native of Utah but currently lives in Indiana. His rise as a professional artist came through commissions and successes in many art shows after having a personal experience that inspired him to create. He paints a myriad of subjects and enjoys teaching. The paintings exhibited in the Sears portray his feelings for the area he lives in. He is able to capture a sense of place and memory by creating a feeling or atmosphere, then he works on the representation of the subject matter.

Paul Ferney was raised in northern Utah and earned his bachelor’s degree in at from Utah State University. He focused on natural landscapes to express the scene he painted as something permanent. He and his wife lived in Paris and San Francisco to paint cities, objects, portraits, and landscapes. Ferney has become known for his beaches and seascapes. He enjoys experimenting with light, color, and texture.

Jason Bowen earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration from Brigham Young University. His master’s degree in art from the American University of Washington D.C. gave him the opportunity to study the Italian landscape for two years. In 2003, he began teaching at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where he currently teaches figure painting, figure drawing, and landscape painting, and he directs a summer program in Italy.

Frank Ray Huff resides with his family in St. George, and he is inspired by the surrounding scenic attractions. In 1982, he took the leap to become a full-time artist. Since that time, he has traveled to Egypt, Scotland, England, France, and throughout the U.S. Huff also had a show at the American Embassy in Paris. During the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, he was selected as one of Utah’s top 100 artists.

Dee Jay Bawden’s sculpture in the Sears Gallery is the 3D element of the exhibit. He has not shown in a gallery for over twenty years. Before he was 18 years of age, he sold multiple bronze statues and loved creating limited-edition custom bronzes. He started an apprenticeship working under world-famous Utah sculptors Edward J. Fraughton and Dr. Avard Fairbanks. Bawden has sculpted many religious statues for Christian churches all over the world. His family business is called Total Statue, and many of his children are artists in multiple media.

Daniel Growler, a member of the Paiute Cedar Band, studied art at the University of Utah and earned a Master’s Degree in Phycology in 1989. In 1990 he graduated from the Police Academy. However, he began his art journey when he was in high school and earned a $7,000 art scholarship to the Art Center in California. Through his varied experiences, his art developed to express his native roots mixed with his own interpretations in a graphic style. A large body of his work will be hung in the Eccles Fine Art Center’s grand foyer.

The Sears Art Museum Gallery is located at 155 S. University Ave. in St. George. The gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The gallery is closed during the holidays.