The Arts to Zion Art and Studio TOUR Is Back!
– By Brian Passey –
ST. GEORGE — The Arts to Zion TOUR is back and better than ever with a more expansive approach to exploring the arts in Southern Utah.
The tour is a self-guided art adventure of artists’ studios, art galleries, and museums from Jan. 13–17, 2022, in various locations throughout Washington County — from Ivins to Springdale. This year it will run in conjunction with the St. George Heritage Day activities throughout the city of St. George. And a new “ala cARTe” gallery stroll will add food and music to the festivities.
Like previous years, tourgoers will visit local galleries, the working studios of commercial artists, and the more intimate private art studios — often in the homes of participating tour artists.
“We are thrilled to highlight so many talented artists that live in southern Utah,” said Scott Messel, Arts to Zion Board chairman. “The beauty of our red rock landscape continues to inspire artists. And as this area continues to grow, so does our artist family.”
The event will kick off on Thursday, January 13, with the private and home studios open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day through January 17, except for Sunday, January 16, when only select home studios are open. Those studios will be designated on the printed maps and the online Google map for the tour.
In addition, live music will be offered as part of the launch of a new “ala cARTe” gallery stroll, featuring nibbles and discounts to some of downtown St George’s finest restaurants from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday January 15. The “ala cARTe” gallery strolls, will provide a “taste” of Southern Utah art and culture, and they will be held quarterly in the future.
Designed to provide a more complete arts experience, the first “ala cARTe” gallery stroll will include participating Arts to Zion TOUR galleries in the downtown art and historic district. It’s another chance to meet participating artists and watch art being made while enjoying bites from local restaurants. Each participating gallery will feature nibbles from a different restaurant, and coupons for discounts to the corresponding restaurants will be available.
Bobbi Wan-kier, executive director for Arts to Zion, said the idea for the “ala cARTe” gallery stroll came about collaboratively. She was talking with other members of the local art community about ways to bring live music in downtown galleries but also include more of the downtown business community.
“Wouldn’t it be cool if we could bring restaurants into the galleries with nibbles?” Wan-kier asked. “It was another way to support the community. We’re really hoping it takes off.”
They settled on the “ala cARTe” name because attendees can “pick and choose” which galleries to visit, and each one will have a unique music and food pairing.
As for the Arts to Zion TOUR itself, a restaurant deal is also available. Those who visit all the participating galleries throughout the county on the tour will be entered into a drawing for a complimentary dinner for two at select restaurants.
Tickets to the event are free, but registration is required. Full tour details will be finalized by January 6, after which printed maps of the event will be available at the Pioneer Courthouse, Gallery 35, and other venues. As updates to the event are made, they will be listed at ArtsToZion.org.
About Arts to Zion
Arts to Zion began in 2012 as a countywide art tour, encompassing everything from intimate home studios to many of Southern Utah’s best professional galleries. The tour connected artists on both sides of Washington County, from Ivins to Springdale, with the commercial and cultural hub of St. George in between, opening the secrets of their private studios and offering the chance to see them in the midst of creation. Since that time, Arts to Zion has expanded from a single tour to a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works with local partners to promote other events throughout Southern Utah.
