Art in Logan? Not so rare.
Logan may not have skyscrapers or bustling crowds, but that doesn’t mean it is devoid of culture. The many art galleries scattered throughout Cache Valley provide a convenient way for art connoisseurs and novices alike to get a quick fix.
Scott Wakefield, executive director of the Alliance for the Varied Arts, said the AVA’s main goal is to make sure Logan residents are able to experience all kinds of art. “Art is the flavor of life,” Wakefield said. Matt Hall, AVA financial director, agreed. “Without art, this country would be like communist Russia,” Hall said. “Drab and boring.” Located on 35 W. 100 South in the historic Thatcher-Young mansion, the AVA features a rotating exhibit that changes every month. Hall said they usually try to spotlight local artists and have even featured several exhibits by USU students.
Hall said one of the most memorable exhibits was a national touring show called “Weavings of War.” “It was basically textiles created by women in war-torn countries like Cambodia, South America and Africa,” Hall said. “It was a way for them to reflect their experiences.” Although the AVA gallery features exhibits from all across the world, Hall said the main goal of AVA is to foster local artists through different venues and events. “Our mission is to provide art education, organize events and support local artists,” Hall said.
By offering classes in disciplines as diverse as ceramics, bead weaving, dance and drama, Wakefield said the AVA is doing all they can to provide Logan residents with the opportunity to explore art. “We do this because there would be a part of the community missing without the arts,” Wakefield said. Hall said AVA also plays a huge role in organizing the gallery walk, which takes place in downtown Logan and gives residents a chance to stroll through various art exhibits, and Art on the Lawn, which Hall said is Utah’s “premiere art extravaganza.” “We make it happen,” Wakefield said.
Wakefield said besides great gallery openings and gallery walks, the AVA also provides “activities that say to your date, ‘I’m cultural.'” In addition to being a unique date experience, a visit to the AVA gallery is also a cheap one.
Admittance is free, since the AVA is a nonprofit organization, but Hall said even a spare dollar or two placed in the donation box can go a long way toward helping the AVA continue to provide the community with art.
Another way to help out the AVA, Wakefield said, is to volunteer. Wakefield said volunteer work not only benefits the AVA, but it can be a good resume builder as well.
“You can come set up for gallery shows, lead tour groups, and we have opportunities for people who want to help kids with ceramics,” Wakefield said. “Plus there is always cleaning to be done. Little kids and ceramics can get messy. Winborg Masterpieces Gallery is another option for art aficionados to check out while strolling down Main Street. Located at 55 N. Main, the gallery is a display of fine art created by the talented Winborg family. From peaceful scenes of Logan to whimsical collages, Sydne Winborg said all the art on display is created by her husband, Larry, and their children Jeremy, Mendy Winborg Reese and Megan Winborg Gerrard. Winborg said her husband graduated from USU with a master’s degree in fine arts and that art has always been a part of their lives. As Jeremy, Mendy and Megan grew up, Winborg said their talent and surroundings both played a part in inspiring them to become artists as well.
Winborg said students should stop by the gallery to get a feel for a variety of paintings and Giclee prints, which are created by spraying one million droplets of ink per second through each of the eight nozzles and used to add texture to a print.
Giclee prints are much more personal than regular prints, Winborg said, and are hand colored by the original artists, which makes them more unique. One resource right on campus is the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art, which is adjacent the Chase Fine Arts building. Jennifer Tilby, student staff at the museum, said students will be surprised at the quality of the pieces featured at the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum.
“It’s really unique art,” Tilby said, “especially for being in Utah. People expect realistic scenes of cowboys and Indians, but we have a lot of modernist work.”
Tilby said the museum is currently featuring a new exhibit called “Picturing Faith: Religious America in Government Photography,” which is a series of photographs taken during the depression that focus on religion. Tilby said the exhibit is co-sponsored through the history department at USU.
Tilby said although there is a committee that usually chooses the exhibits and artwork that will be featured, it helps to have connections through different departments of USU in order to provide Cache Valley residents with a variety of art.
For more information and hours for the AVA gallery, call 753-2970. For the Winborg Masterpieces Gallery, call 792-4278, and to reach the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art, call 797-0163.
-amanda.m@aggiemail.usu.edu
The Alliance for the Varied Arts offers several exhibits throughout the year for art lovers.