ST. GEORGE – The Sears Art Museum Gallery at the Dixie State College of Utah Dolores Dore’ Eccles Fine Arts Center is presenting a third tier exhibit entitled “Long May You Run,” featuring a display of photography taken by Anna Oakden, ceramic pieces created by DSC graduate Brady Richardson, and a collection of vintage car parts made into art by DSC alum Dan Whalen.
The collection, which is free and open to the public to view, will be on display from Sept. 23rd through October 12th, along with the Tom Judd and Jeff Ham shows, and ceramic exhibit of Dr. John and Suzanne Jennings, at the Museum Gallery. Gallery hours are Monday-through-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. In addition, a free reception in honor of the artists will take place on Friday, Sept. 23rd, from 7-9 p.m.
Oakden has developed a unique photographic eye. She is almost obsessed with the documentation of life, events, and history of the St. George area. Her is identifiable with several cameras draped around her neck, so she is always ready to catch that perfect moment in time with the appropriate lenses. Oakden has a deep emotional tie to memories of her brothers and their cars, cruising with friends on the Boulevard, and riding an old Impala with no air conditioning to see grandpa and grandma living in Monticello—a long ride from St. George.
“We hang on to cars as a way of hanging onto the memories we associate with them,” says Oakden.
A local artist and DSC alumni, Whalen is currently earning his MFA in film. He already has television, movie, and commercial credits, and is recognizable as he cruises around town and film locations in vintage 1960-era long-finned, and chromed cars. Whalen’s lifelong passion for all things retro has resulted in a collection of vintage signature chairs, movie props, a menagerie of objects, as well as shiny-chromed hood ornaments, wheels, and car parts from the very cars he loves.
“It’s not junk, I’m recycling,” Whalen said. “Despite the price of fuel and poor gas mileage, I’m still recycling by reusing, preserving and driving an original piece of art.”
Richardson, a local ceramist, has a new series of artwork ready for this fun exhibit. This series of work shows how Brady has embraced the creative process and the work ethic ceramics demands. His work is showing up in stores and restaurants throughout Washington County and collectors are asking for more. His glazes are designed to show his unique style, sensitivity to color, and expression that comes only through thoughtful deliberation.
“I feel like working with clay has helped me to get to know myself,” said Brady, “through forming the clay and creating the design, I have learned what motivates me.”
“Everyone who has ever been in a car, driven a car, and who has memories connected with vehicles should come to enjoy this exhibit,” says Kathy Cieslewicz, curator of the Sears Art Museum Gallery.
For more information on all the exhibits, contact Sears Art Museum Gallery curator Kathy Cieslewicz at 435-652-7909 or at “[email protected].”