Davis County Building Transformed into Art Center

Yellow Gallery with centerpiece created by Scott Durrant 

Several months ago, the idea of moving Bountiful/Davis Art Center to the old Davis County Memorial Courthouse, when it became available, was born.  The new County Administration Building is completed and opened up some space for BDAC on the 2nd floor (previously Davis County Economic Developement).  After months of hard work and downsizing, the move took place and the space has been transformed.  I am getting ready for the first opening reception in the new location.

Scott Durrant, BDAC Vice-Chair prepares the centerpiece for the opening reception

 

This is the longshot of the Main Hallway Gallery

Main Hallway Gallery, right side

Hallway that forms a 'T' with the other hallway

 The Statewide Competition is stunning! 



I will post more pictures after the awards ceremony.  Be sure to come to Farmington to see the exhibit.  The location is 28 East State Street, So. Door, 2nd Floor, in Farmington.

Bountiful Lions Kickstart Preparation for the Big Move

Mike Youngberg and Henry Eden made a good team

 

The Bountiful Lions Club were on tap today to begin the lengthy process of preparing for the big move to Farmington.  Bernus Peart and Mike Youngberg, assisted by Henry Eden and Bill McLean worked all day on taking down the track lighting to be installed in the new space. 

The only pay they received was some pumpkin bread. Some who have tasted this bread may argue that it was a pretty good deal!

Mike Youngberg working his skills on removing the track lighting

Bernus Peart holding court

On Saturday, members of the club will join us at the Farmington location and paint the offices.  Scott Durrant, BDAC Board member and Designer has chosen colors from a LeConte Stewart painting for the offices and reception area.  This in itself will be a work of art!

Bill McLean doing inventory on the track lighting

Meanwhile, Gretchen Eden, BDAC staff member, was busy in the kitchen packing up things for the move

Earlier, Scott Durrant, Guy and Emma Dugal present a certificate of thanks

from BDAC to the president of the Bountiful Lions Club, Dennis Hawk

 

Bountiful/Davis Art Center is very appreciative of the Bountiful Lions Club and all they do for the community and for Bountiful/Davis Art Center.  They really make a difference!  Thank you Lions.  You deserve a BIG ROAR!

And thanks to Bill, Henry and all our volunteers who have and will help with this huge move!

Davis County Opens New Art Exhibit in New Building



Artist, Diane Turner whose painting was purchased
by Davis County is greeted by Commissioner
Louenda Downs



It has been my pleasure to serve on the Davis County Art Committee under the direction of Davis County Commissioner, Louenda Downs.  Commissioner Downs has a vision for growing an art collection in Davis County.  I applaud her for that vision and have enjoyed working with her to bring the beginnings of this collection to fruition.  In tandem with that goal, the art committee developed an inaugural exhibit to grace the walls of the new building.  Artists from all over Utah are participating in the exhibit.  Several pieces will be purchased with help from a generous grant from Chevron and money set aside in Davis County for this purpose. 
What a boon to the artists and the community by featuring some of Utah's best artists and promoting the arts as such an important part of the new building!  The building is located at 61 South Main Street in Farmington.  The exhibit is on three floors of the building and will continue for about six months.  The exhibit was juried by Connie Borup.  Come in to see the exhibit and who won the awards.  The new building is also a work of art and will serve Davis County for many years to come.

I am look forward to continuing my work with Commissioner Downs and come January, I will be in close proximity  to her as BDAC moves into the Davis County Memorial Courthouse, right next to the new building that houses the Davis County administrative offices and the new library.  Thank you Commissioner Downs!  You are commended for your vision, passion and dedication to the arts.

Emma J. Dugal
Bountiful/Davis Art Center
Director

Foundations Exhibit to Close on November 2

View of the Don & Joleen Willey Family Gallery, Foundations Exhibit

Don’t miss the Foundations exhibit featuring over 90 artists who have exhibited during the 15 years BDAC has been at the Main Street location.  The exhibit honors these artists and celebrates the growth of BDAC during this time.  It also honors former director, Arley G. Curtz.  As it ends on November 2, you won’t want to miss seeing some of the finest artists in Utah displayed together in this ‘landmark’ exhibit at Bountiful/Davis Art Center.  Come and stroll down memory lane with us in one of the last exhibits in this building (the Annual Holiday Show & Sale will follow).

Along with the work of Arley Curtz, the following artists are exhibited:

Aaron Bushnell, Ann Garrett, Anne Gregerson, Anne Marie and Garth Oborn, Adrian Van Suchtelen, Barbara Dowdle, Becky Hartvigsen, Ben Behunin, Bonnie and Denis Phillips, Carl Oelerich, Carl Purcell, Cary Henrie, Christopher Thornock, Clara Leachman, Claudia Sisemore, Connie Borup, Darl Thomas, Darryl Erdmann, Craig Bybee, Dianne and John Shaw, Diane Turner, Stan Elmer, Earl Jones, Edie Roberson, Erin W. Berrett, Gibbs Smith, Glen Hawkins, Jan Boardman, John Erickson, Jon Bouwhuis, Jou Jou Prochaska,  Joshua Toone, Phyllis Horne, Karen Horne, Larry Wade, Linnie Brown, Lester B. Lee, Mac Stevenson, Marilyn Read, Mark Robison, Marjorie McClure, Merrily Kulmer, Michal Onyon, Myrne Collier, Nancy Lund ,Nora Del Murdock, Osral Allred, Paul Mann, Pilar Pobil, Robert McKay, Randall Lake, Rob Colvin, Rebecca Mann, Robert Barrett, Roger Motzkus, Roger Cushing, Sam Wilson, Scott Durrant, Seth Garner, Sherry Rauch, Sherry Meidell, Simon Winegar, Steven Sheffield, Theresa Otteson, Tony Rasmussen, Trent Alvey, Van Chu, Willamarie Huelskamp, and Yevgeniy Zolotsev.

801 292-0367  or info@bdac.org for more information.  Gallery hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10am-6pm; Saturday: 2-5pm.

JouJou Prochaska Champions Women through her Art

A talented artist from Syria, JouJou has exhibited many times at Bountiful/Davis Art Center. She and her husband, Werner, have lived in Bountiful for many years.  Her work is always interesting and creative.  This piece, in particular, struck me as it has a powerful message.  It was exhibited at BDAC recently in the 'Conversations in Culture' exhibit. The piece is made with antique cloth constructed in a collage with gold script around the edges. 

"I was always against the restriction of women freedom of expression and the inequality in some middle Eastern countries In the name of Islam ,  Islam respects women , but uneducated controlling men manipulate Islamic teachings to there own benefits and desire."

 

Here is the translation of the script surrounding the painting. from right to left:

  We want Freedom,  We want Democracy,  We want equality,   we want Knowledge ,   we want education,  we want respect,  we want happiness,   we want our rights...
sincerely  joujou
 

Sherry Meidell wins Signature Status, NWS

Sherry Meidell is an artist/teacher who has taught and exhibited for many years at Bountiful/Davis Art Center.  I was delighted to learn that she received an important award from the National Watercolor Society recently. 

She has a painting in the current exhibit at BDAC, 'Foundations'.  It is right outside my office.  Come in and see it if you get a chance.  Sherry is a remarkable watercolor artist.  (See her quote below)

 

"My painting "Daydreaming in Durango" was juried into the National Watercolor Society. Kristi Grussendorf and I both made it into the show and received signature status. We had to send three original watercolors to the National Watercolor Society to be juried for signature status. We both received a letter which stated:

"Your work was carefully reviewed and closely examined by a jury of three jurors for you to attain this honor.  As one of the witnesses to this process, I can assure you that you have every right to be not only excited by this granting of Signature status, but to be extremely proud as well.

Most certainly, the virtue of your work stands as an example of design, quality workmanship and consistency." 

 Congratulations, Sherry!

General Assembly of the International Organization of Folk Art (IOV) in Prague

Recently I had the opportunity to attend the General Assembly of IOV in Prague, Czech Republic.  Prague is an amazing city with architecture and history that spans centuries.  Below is a typical street in Prague and the famous astronomical clock in the old square of the city.

The meetings were hosted at the Martinitkcy Palace.  There I met some old friends whom I had met through Summerfest and also many new friends.  There wereabout 160 delegates from 36 countries. 

Delegates pictured (below) including Carmen Padilla, Philippines, who is President of IOV.  She is in the front row in wearning a traditional orange dress from the Philippines.

My husband, Guy Dugal was elected Treasurer of IOV.  This job is very involved and keeps him busy.  George Frandsen was elected Secretary General.  He is pictured here with Emma Chen Hoefler, China and Mahkfusa Salimova, Ukbekistan.  George has worked tirelessly for IOV for many, many years.  He has certainly made it what it is today. 

We didn't get much down time but the last day we were there, a few of us went shopping.  We walked for hours and were very tired so we hailed a cab to get back to our hotel.  When we arrived, Sanjay Mehandiratta, India, was there to greet us. Suddenly to my horror I realized I had left my purse in the cab that had just pulled away.  Without hestitation, Sanjay gallantly ran after the cab (he's very athletic) as we anxiously watched until he was out of sight.  At last he came into view, triumphantly holding the purse I thought was lost forever, high above his head .  I will always be indebted to Sanjay for this heroic gesture of friendship.

Sanjay and me holding the 'rescued' purse.

Parting shot taken from the Charles bridge. 

This wa an incredible experience that I shall never forget.  I was able to do two presentations including a report on the 1st IOV World Youth Congress that was held in Bountiful in 2008 in conjunction with Summerfest.  I enjoy serving in this way and meeting wonderful people from all over the world who are busily engaged in preserving traditional cultural heritage and making the world better by promoting peace and goodwill.