One of Southern Utah’s most respected and eagerly anticipated art events is gearing up for another strong year. The 39th Annual Robert N. and Peggy Sears Invitational Art Show & Sale returns to the Utah Tech University and the Sears Art Museum this President’s Day weekend, continuing a decades-long tradition of bringing museum-quality artwork and serious collectors together under one roof.
The exhibition opens with a Gala Opening on Friday, February 13, followed by a public run from February 14 through March 28, 2026. This year’s show will again feature more than 100 artists from across the American West, with roughly 200 works spanning traditional, contemporary, and sculptural media. Among the featured artists is Araceli Selytin, whose work adds to an already diverse and high-caliber lineup.
The numbers alone tell part of the story. Organizers received 1,115 submissions for the 39th annual show, underscoring the Invitational’s reputation as one of the most competitive and well-attended art exhibitions in Utah. From that pool, approximately 100 artists and up to 200 works were selected by a jury, with priority given to artists from Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and Nevada.
The Invitational was founded by Robert N. Sears (1915–1995), a retired vice president of Phillips Petroleum who believed Southern Utah deserved access to high-quality visual art. His vision, carried forward with the support of Peggy Sears and Utah Tech, has grown into a cultural cornerstone—drawing collectors, artists, and art lovers from across the region year after year.
For the community, the Invitational offers a rare chance to experience a wide range of museum-quality work without leaving Southern Utah. The exhibition has become a reliable winter-season anchor for St. George’s arts calendar, bringing energy to the campus and the local creative economy during the quieter months.
The Sears Art Museum is located on the Utah Tech University campus in St. George. More information about the exhibition, visiting hours, and future calls for artists can be found at https://searsart.com. Those interested in attending the Gala Opening or viewing the exhibition are encouraged to mark their calendars early—this one has a habit of drawing a crowd.
