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You don’t become a world-class city without world-class arts; a 2017 survey conducted by the Salt Lake City Office of Economic Development showed that a robust arts environment is the single-most important factor for businesses considering relocation. So it’s a fortunate thing that this state is rich with creative people who turn the human experience into vital, fascinating performances. Here’s just a taste of the groups who bring that vitality to local stages.
DANCE
Ballet West
Now in its 55th season, Ballet West offers audiences a thrilling mix of classic pieces like the annual production of The Nutcracker and innovative new work as part of the National Choreographic Festival. Among other works in the 2018 season is the April production of David Bintley’s The Shakespeare Suite. balletwest.org
NOW-ID
Former Ririe-Woodbury artistic director Charlotte Boye-Christensen and executive director Nathan Webster formed this interdisciplinary dance and design company to combine the power of movement and architecture into cohesive performances.
now-id.com
Odyssey Dance
Adapting popular culture for contemporary choreography has been a long-time focus for Derryl Yeager’s company, including its annual Halloween production Thriller, Christmas’ Redux Nut-Cracker and the spring repertory presentations of Shut Up and Dance featuring takes on the music of Michael Jackson and Prince. odysseydance.com
Repertory Dance Theatre
Founded in 1966 as the nation’s first repertory dance company, RDT preserves the history of American modern dance—including its long association with the works of Alwin Nikolais—while also showcasing new pieces and developing young choreographers. Look for some of this new work during the production Current, April 12-14. rdtutah.org
Ririe-Woodbury Dance Co.
The tradition of founders Shirley Ririe and Joan Woodbury is carried on more than 50 years after the company’s inception, in seasons full of innovative modern dance choreography, including new commissions. Experience the futuristic setting of artistic director Daniel Charon’s Return (April 26-28)—the conclusion of his “Together Alone” trilogy. ririewoodbury.com
University of Utah Dance
The internationally renowned program at the University of Utah teaches more than 200 undergraduates and 25 graduate students the art and discipline of classical ballet and modern dance, showcased in performances throughout the year by the Performing Dance Co. and as part of graduate projects. Senior Concert Weeks begin April 5, with a chance to see the next generation of great Utah dancers. dance.utah.edu
Wasatch Contemporary Dance Co.
This Utah County-based troupe brings innovative modern dance to unique venues, often incorporating site-specific architecture and multi-media components into their performances. The 2018 season includes an as-yet-untitled performance June 15-16 at Utah Valley University’s Ragan Theatre. wasatchcontemporary.com
Say the word “museum” to a lot of people, and you’ll get an almost visceral response—a cringe with accompanying flashbacks to childhood visits to places that were supposed to be educational, but forever attached the word “museum” in your mind with “boring.” Yet Utah is home to a wide variety of museums that show off the state’s fascinating history in ways that transcend any recollections of a droning docent. Here are just some of the places where you can see museums get funky.
ATK Thiokol Rocket Garden
Technically speaking, it’s not a museum so much as it is a display outside of the ATK Thiokol facility west of Brigham City. There are, however, few places in America where you can just drive by and touch a piece of hardware powerful enough to shoot into space. Plaques identify the individual hardware, including booster rockets from space shuttle missions, and a Patriot missile from U.S. military operations in the Middle East. 9160 Route 83, Corinne
Dinosaur Museum of Utah
Utah is a paleontological treasure trove (the Utahraptor was designated the state dinosaur during the last legislative session), and this San Juan County facility brings you the details close to the place where these artifacts were discovered. Exhibits showcase skeletons and eggs, like many such museums, but also offer a gallery with re-creations of what the “feathered” dinosaurs looked like, in addition to a gallery celebrating the fun, not-always-scientifically-accurate history of movie dinosaurs. The museum is only open seasonally April-October, so check the website for specific dates of operation. 754 S. 200 West, Blanding, 435-678-3454,
dinosaur-museum.org
Golden Spike National Monument
One of the pivotal moments of the modern era—the completion of the transcontinental railway—happened at Utah’s Promontory Summit on May 10, 1869. At this museum, you’ll visit the precise point where the rails linked, and learn about the people who made this achievement possible. Plus, you’ll see fully functioning replicas of the steam locomotives of the 1860s. Come at the right time, and you can even watch a historical reenactment of the driving of the Golden Spike. 6200 N. 22300th St. West, Corinne, nps.gov/gosp
Fort Douglas Military Museum
For more than 30 years, this former outpost built to help protect Pony Express routes has been home to a museum dedicated to generations of American military history. Take a look at authentic artillery and vehicles from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and more, including tanks and helicopters. Exhibits also explore uniforms and supplies of various military operations, and the Utahns’ involvement in those operations. Admission is free, though donations help support museum operations. 32 Potter St., Salt Lake City, 801-581-1251, fortdouglas.org
Goulding’s Trading Post
It’s a lovely place to stay if you’re taking in the majesty of Southern Utah, but it’s also a monument itself to a chunk of cinema history. Mike Goulding opened a trading post in the 1920s, and later finagled a meeting with director John Ford to tout the amazing local scenery. The Goulding’s museum is a chronicle of the resulting connection between Ford and Monument Valley, with memorabilia, set pieces and a movie room that perpetually plays one of the many Utah-filmed collaborations between Ford and John Wayne. 1000 Goulding’s Trading Post Road, Oljato-Monument Valley, 435-727-3231, gouldings.com
Pioneer Memorial Museum
Utah’s pioneer history is preserved by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers in an extensive collection of authentic 19th-century artifacts. From documents and photos to clothing and furniture, it’s a portrait of the challenges faced by early Mormons as they colonized their desert Zion. There’s even a building housing carriages and handcarts in which the travelers made their westward journeys. If you’re fascinated by the subject, carve out plenty of time; there’s almost too much to take in during one visit. 300 N. Main, Salt Lake City, dupinternational.org
Uintah County Heritage Museum
Sure, plenty of museums have art, and plenty of museums have historical artifacts—and you’ll find both at this Vernal location. But what about doll-sized replicas of the first 40 First Ladies of the United States? Porcelain sculptor Phyllis Juhlin Park crafted the heads of presidential wives from Martha Washington through Nancy Reagan before she retired. Those heads are attached to sawdust-doll bodies dressed in clothing patterned after something the spouses actually wore. Creepy? Maybe. Fascinating? Absolutely. 155 E. Main St., Vernal, 435-789-7399, uintahmuseum.org
SALT LAKE VALLEY GALLERIES
15th Street Gallery
Specializes in showcasing award-winning and emerging Utah artists. 1519 S. 1500 East, 801-468-1515, 15thstreetgallery.com
“A” Gallery
This gorgeous gallery and courtyard combo also offers custom art consultations,
installations and space rentals. 1321 S. 2100 East, 801-583-4800, agalleryonline.com
Alice Gallery
Located within the historic Glendinning Mansion, Alice Gallery hosts collaborative exhibitions for Utah artists and their
communities. 617 E. South Temple, 801-236-7555, heritage.utah.gov
Alpine Art
This well-lit and spacious fine art gallery doubles as a framing workshop to accommodate local business and designer needs. 430 E. South Temple, 801-355-1155, alpineartinc.com
Anthony’s Fine Art and Antiques
Housed in a 100-year-old church, this eclectic collection of museum-quality art and antique decor is staffed by a multi-generational team of specialists. 401 E. 200 South, 801-328-2231, anthonysfineart.com
Art Access
Educational and professional programs, as well as exhibitions, provide opportunities for artists with disabilities and from other traditionally marginalized communities. 230 S. 500 West, Ste. 125, 328-0703, accessart.org
Art at the Main
In partnership with the Salt Lake City Public Library, Art at the Main is a cooperative gallery that supports and features members of the local art community. 210 E. 400 South, 801-363-4088, artatthemain.com
Arts of the World Gallery
Promising a pinch of magic to its patrons, Arts of the World offers a distinct selection of international and hand-crafted
treasures. 802 S. 600 East, 801-532-8035, artsoftheworldgallery.com
Commerce & Craft
This original small-production art house promises each piece was handmade and lovingly procured. 950 S. 1100 East, 801-207-1030, commerceandcraft.com
David Dee Fine Arts
Art collector and connector David Dee mainly features work of the early American West in his authenticated gallery, but provides other art services as well. 1709 E. 1300 South, Ste. 201, 801-583-8143, daviddeefinearts.com
David Ericson Fine Art
Featuring high quality works, David Ericson builds his galleries with care while offering consulting and art appraisals to the public. 418 S. 200 West, 801-533-8245, davidericson-fineart.com
Downtown Artist Collective
Locally funded and staffed, DAC regularly spotlights new artists. 265 E. 100 South, downtownartistcollective.org
DRAW Inc. Gallery
Serving marginalized communities with youth art classes, DRAW also operates a top-notch online store. 752 E. 6th Ave., 801-893-2404, drawinc.org
Evergreen Framing Co. & Gallery
Evergreen is a platform for unique artist exhibitions and provides a comprehensive catalogue of collectible gifts. 3295 S. 2000 East, 801-467-8770, evergreengallery.com
Evolutionary Healthcare
An unexpected gallery can be found on the walls of this private health care facility and is open during regular business hours. 461 E. 200 South, 801-519-2461, evolutionaryhealthcare.com
Finch Lane Gallery
Located in Reservoir Park, this celebrated gallery switches its exhibits year-round and any artist can apply. 1340 E. 100 South (in Reservoir Park), 801-596-5000, saltlakearts.org
Fringe Gallery
Staying true to its name, Fringe exhibits unconventional and contemporary-focused art pieces. 345 W. Pierpont Ave., 385-202-7511, thefringegallery.com
God Hates Robots
SLC’s premier experimental art gallery. 314 W. 300 South, Ste. 250, 801-596-3370, godhatesrobots.com
Hope Gallery
This gallery displays a classy collection of European works and reproductions. 151 S. Main, 801-532-1336, hopegallery.com
Horne Fine Art
Tall ceilings and open skylights make this a sharp exhibition space and working studio. 142 E. 800 South, 801-533-4200, hornefineart.com
Lanny Barnard Gallery
This gallery offers a mix of styles, art mediums, as well as a varied selection of gifts. 110 Trolley Square, 706 E. 600 South, 801-364-4482, lannybarnardgalleryslc.com
Macaroni Gallery
This gallery helps artists share their passion with the public at a reasonable price! 244 S. 500 West, Ste. 107, 801-554-8170, macaronigallery.com
Mestizo Institute of Culture and Arts (MICA) Gallery
This gallery brings together artists, activists and educators to create social change through art. 631 W. North Temple, Ste. 700, 801-596-0500
Michael Berry Gallery
Michael Berry offers custom framing services and a rotating display gallery. 163 E. 300 South, 801-521-0243, facebook.com/michael-berry-gallery-frameshop
Modern West Fine Art
This gallery supports modern and contemporary artists across mediums and influences, with an emphasis on Western themes. 177 E. 200 South, 801-355-3383, modernwestfineart.com
Nox Contemporary
Nox champions challenging works that shy away from the conventional. 440 S. 400 West Ste. H, 801-289-6269, bit.ly/2J1Xo0a
Phillips Gallery
A gallery space for Utah-based artists that offers other consultation services. 444 E. 200 South, 801-364-8284, phillips-gallery.com
Relics Framemakers & Gallery
Relics is known for its quality craftsmanship, expertise and regional artist support. 4685 S. Holladay Blvd., 801-272-8312, relicsgallery.com
Rio Gallery
This historic and collaborative gallery is nestled in the lobby of the Rio Grand Depot. 300 S. Rio Grande St., 801-245-7272, visualart.utah.gov
Sego 3 Fine Art
A procurer of high-quality American Great Basin artwork. 661 S. 200 East, 801-328-9848, sego3.com
The Stockist
This lifestyle boutique hosts a variety of unique vendors and products. 875 E. 900 South, 801-535-3548, thestockistshop.com
Urban Arts Gallery
Located in The Gateway mall, this free gallery showcases contemporary work often with pop-culture themes. 137 S. Rio Grande St., 801-651-3937, urbanartsgallery.org
Utah Cultural Celebration Center
This center preserves a permanent collection of cultural art installations and artifacts. 1355 W. 3100 South, 801-965-5100, culturalcelebration.org
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
This award-winning museum connects guests to contemporary culture and education. 20 S. West Temple, 801-328-4201, utahmoca.org
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
This museum houses a charming café, gift store and rotating collection of multicultural art. 410 Campus Center Drive, 801-581-7332, umfa.utah.edu
Winderemere Real Estate’s Redman Gallery
Enjoy the breathtaking view from this elevated gallery on the upper floors of the Windermere Real Estate Building.
6th and 7th Floors of the Redman Building, 1240 E. 2100 South, Ste. 600, 801-485-3151, redmangallery.com
Kimball Art Center
This center uses education, exhibitions, and events to connect the community. 1401 Kearns Blvd., 435-649-8882, kimballartcenter.org
Lunds Fine Art Gallery
Nature and landscape paintings are the focus at Allen Lund’s refreshing studio-gallery. 591 Main, 435-655-4349, lundsfineart.gallery
Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery
This gallery observes the beauty of nature through the captivating photography of Thomas Mangelsen. 364 Main, 435-649-7598, mangelsen.com
Meyer Gallery
Located in Park City’s Historic District, this gallery puts guests first with its accessible customer service and striking artwork. 305 Main, 435-649-8160, meyergallery.com
Montgomery-Lee Fine Art
This clean multi-level gallery features the fine art of both internationally acclaimed artists and new faces. 608 Main, 435-655-3264, montgomeryleefineart.com