Show Preview | Art Around the Corner

St. George, UT
Downtown St. George, ongoing

Tim Little, Recycled Monarch, metal, 8 x 3 x 11 feet.

This story was featured in the July 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art July 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

Amid red rocks and blue sage, an impressive transformation is unfolding in southern Utah that highlights the power of visual art. The city of St. George has effected notable change in its downtown area, thanks in part to a dynamic outdoor sculpture exhibit called Art Around the Corner. “It’s the shared vision that makes this work,” says Suzanne Jarvis, current chairperson of the Art Around the Corner Foundation. “The outdoor show involves civic leaders, business owners, patrons, citizens, dedicated volunteers, and, of course, artists, collaborating to uplift our community.”

The first Art Around the Corner exhibit was held in 2004, and the show has grown steadily since then. Entries are juried, and each April about 20 pieces from well-known sculptors are chosen for installation, primarily along Main Street and in the historic town square. Large works are mounted in the center of traffic circles, while others line pedestrian areas. By agreement with the participating artists, sculptures remain in place for a year for everyone’s enjoyment. During those 12 months, businesses, institutions, and individual collectors can purchase pieces.

When an exhibit closes, buyers can move their chosen sculptures to office buildings, homes, or other locations. But many choose to keep them on permanent display in the downtown area, enabling St. George’s civic collection to grow to over 40 pieces. “It’s been really effective,” says Shawn Guzman, city attorney and member of the AAC board. “Essentially, we’ve created an open-air gallery that helps artists sell their work and benefits sponsors and buyers, the city, and our residents.”

This year’s exhibit includes an engaging cross-section of works, representing various genres and artists from several states. There’s a dramatic car-and-driver piece by internationally known automotive sculptor Stan Wanlass, a life-size bronze of George Washington by Gary Price, and a huge, imposing bison made from recycled metal by Tim Little. There are entries from Colorado, Washington, and Texas, though most are from Utah sculptors. Other artists with works on display include Doug Adams, Annette Everett, Ben Hammond, Scott Rogers, Patrick Sullivan, Dan Toone, Josh Toone, and L’Deane Trueblood. —Ajax Trueblood

contact information
435.319.4505
www.artaroundthecorner.org