IVINS — Cooler temperatures usher in fall as well as a Southern Utah favorite that features dozens of artists and their ware – the Art in Kayenta Festival in Ivins.

More than 60 juried artists representing painting, photography, ceramics, wood, jewelry and textiles are showcasing their work for the 6,000 visitors expected throughout the three-day event that opened Friday.

One such artist is Pietra Wall, who began her artistic journey more than 31-years ago. Wall combines raw materials including stones, textures, wood and metals to create framed art, using talents that were decades in the making.

“I make each layer using many different techniques,” Wall said, “there are no shortcuts – each piece takes a long time to create.”

Wall was born and raised in Italy, and after moving to the United States she and her family settled in Layton, Utah. When asked what inspires her, she said: “There is no place that I feel God’s presence more than in my studio, creating art.”

One artist, John Kolb, found his passion after an infection took his leg six years ago.

Kolb decided to learn how to make glass and learned from a man who was very active in working with veterans. After instruction and practice he began creating glass art through flame-working, and within a few years became a skilled glass artisan.

He was inspired by Leonardo DiVinci, who said, “study the science of art, and the art of science.”

He then began making iridescent, glass hearts and started giving them to veterans he met while speaking at various veteran’s hospitals. Many of these vets were struggling with injury, setbacks and other challenges.

“It’s important to have something to believe in,” Kolb said, “and for these guys – it gave them hope.”

Flame-working is a type of glass work where a torch or lamp is primarily used to melt the glass. Once in a molten state, the glass is formed by blowing and shaping with tools and hand movements, as described by Torchlife Glass.

Kim Seyesnem Obrzut, from Flagstaff, Arizona, is an award-winning artist. Obrzut said her three daughters inspire her art, which she described as “very contemporary, but my sculptures are steeped in spiritual and symbolic intent.”

In addition to the art, the festival features live music, food vendors, a silent auction and a beer and wine garden with an Octoberfest atmosphere.

The event is being held at the Kayenta Art Village, where galleries, shops, art studios and Xeteva Gardens Cafe line the rustic walkways offer even more places for festival goers to explore.

Event details:

• What: Art in Kayenta festival.
• When: Friday, Oct. 7, and Saturday, Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Sunday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Where: Kayenta Art Village, 857 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins.
• Admission: Free.

  Resources: Kayenta Arts Foundation online

Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.

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