Linnie Brown

If you’re looking for a quiet time to view some art, I think I’d have to recommend Thursday afternoons.  My daughter and I went up to Bountiful/Davis Art Center yesterday and had the galleries all to ourselves!  We went up to see the annual Statewide Competition and enjoyed the show very much.  Initially my daughter was just in it for the promised-lunch-at-McDonald’s-afterwards, but she got more into looking at the art while completing the art center’s “I Spy” activity.  I had a couple of pieces in the show (one of which earned an Honorable Mention) and wanted to check out the other artwork that was there.

I’ve posted a few shots of the show, but if you want to see the rest of it, the Statewide Competition runs through March 9th at the Bountiful/Davis Art Center.  Regular gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 am- 6 pm and Saturdays 2-5 pm.

I wanted to share some photos from “Related” that opened at the Gallery at Library Square December 10th.  The show featured 14 collaborative pieces from my dad and I, as well as 6 individual paintings each.  I really love the gallery space there and felt like it enhanced the show.

Thanks to those who came to the show-we had a good time talking with friends, family, and new acqaintances about our work!  If you missed the opening, there’s still plenty of time to see the show.  It runs through January 20th, 2012 at the Gallery at Library Square (4th floor, Salt Lake City library- 210 East 400 South).

I attended the opening for Bountiful/Davis Art Center’s Annual Holiday Show last Friday night and had a great time!  Lots of galleries and art centers host holiday shows this time of year.  If you haven’t been to one before, these type of shows are less about holiday-themed work and more about small, affordably priced pieces. (Because who, really, wants a painting of Santa Claus?)  Bountiful’s show this year features lots and lots of small landscapes and an assortment of other styles.  I’ve included several shots of the show, but if you want to see it in person, it runs through December 23rd.  Regular gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 am-6 pm and Saturdays 2-5 pm.

Just letting locals know that a couple of my paintings will be in BDAC’s upcoming Annual Holiday Show!  There’s about 45 participating artists, so there should be a good variety of original art. The show runs November 18-December 23 at the Bountiful/Davis Art Center (745 South Main Street in Bountiful).  The opening reception is Friday, November 18 @ 7 pm, and regular gallery hours are Tues-Fri 10 am-6 pm and Saturdays 2-5 pm.

What is an opening reception?
When a gallery, art center, or other art venue hosts a show, they usually also host an opening reception, sometimes just referred to as an opening. This special event celebrates the start of the exhibit and gives viewers a chance to meet and talk with the artist. Receptions generally are open-house style (so it’s fine to come and go anytime during it) and free.
Opening receptions are pretty well attended when held in conjunction with a community gallery walk/stroll or if the exhibit is a group show featuring many artists. Other openings generally draw smaller crowds.

Why should I go to an opening?
• View and learn about art
• People watching
• Explore your community
• Think about something deeper or different than what’s currently going on in your life
• Show support for local artists, businesses, and organizations
• Socialize
• Enjoy light refreshments

Can kids come?
Yes, as long as they’re not too crazy! A few tips for adults taking kids to an opening (or any art exhibit):
• Plan to view the art at a different pace than you would when you’re by yourself.
• Art is displayed at adult height, so lift little kids up sometimes so they have a better vantage point.
• Occasionally talk to your child about what they see, but you don’t have to get too deep. You could ask them which artwork they liked best or point out something surprising in a painting, just a few things to help them look a little more carefully.
• Keep an eye out for kid friendly art shows–interactive pieces, installations, and kinetic art have all been very popular with my girls. Check ahead if you’re worried whether something is age-appropriate.

How long should we plan to stay?
If you’re just going to one opening, I think 30 minutes is about right. That gives you time to look at the artwork, grab some goodies, and talk to the artist(s). Make an outing of it by combining it with dinner or shopping in the area.