Happy New Year from BDAC!

2011 has been a year of challenges and growth at BDAC.  We have pulled the resources of capable staff, energetic Board, engaged community, supportive local leaders, generous businesses and foundations and dedicated members, volunteers and patrons.  This winning combination of effort has resulted in a successful year even though revenues were down and resources limited.  The exhibits were wonderful this year.  The Education Program flourished and Summerfest was unforgettable with over 20,000 people in attendance.  This success is due to a very talented and dedicated staff including Mike Call, Theresa Otteson, Joshua Blackwelder, Brenda Williams and Tamara Moss and to our amazing volunteers!

We look forward to another great year in 2012.  A major renovation is scheduled in the building that houses BDAC and is owned by Bountiful City.  Please keep checking back to the website: www.bdac.org and this blog: Conversations in Culture for up to date information about this project.

The first exhibit of the new year will be the annual Statewide Competition that begins on January 27 and goes through March 9, 2012.  This year's Statewide will be juried by Adrian Van Suchtelen.  Entries will be accepted January 17 - 21, from 10am-5pm.  Cash prizes will be awarded.

Lastly, I would like to thank all the people who stepped up to support the recent Membership Drive.  It was heart-warming and gratifying to realize the tremendous support enjoyed by Bountiful/Davis Art Center.  We pledge to continue providing the excellent arts and cultural programs you have come to expect.

Best wishes to all as we embark on a brand new year full of possibilities and growth inspiring challenges!

Emma J. Dugal
BDAC Director

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright!

Jean Madsen, Board Member of BDAC sitting on Santa's knee

It's two days before Christmas and time to reflect on another great year at BDAC.  The Membership Drive has gone very well.  We are heartened by the generous response we've received from BDAC supporters.  We thank CenterPoint Legacy Theatre in Centerville, Robintino's in Bountiful and Mike Call Fine Art for providing wonderful incentive gifts for new and renewed memberships during the Drive.  There is a synergy that happens when we partner with other businesses and organizations.  All are winners and come away with something of value, building on increasing the footprint of the arts and culture in our community.  Thanks to all who have responded by joining the BDAC family.  Contact us if you would like more information about BDAC membership opportunities: 801 292-0367

Last Monday we enjoyed a special Family Art Night (FAN) with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.The children especially enjoyed visiting with Santa and the other activities that were available that night.  It's always fun to watch the children do the art project and "I Spy" activity.  People brought cans of food that have been donated to the Bountiful Food Pantry and received discounts on Holiday Show purchases.

Sherry Rauch, BDAC Board member assisting children with the FAN activity

Children line up to see Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus

Two young artists learn about texture at the new Children's Center at BDAC

We were most especially pleased to unveil the 'new and improved' Jean Madsen Children's Center at BDAC on Monday night.  Thanks to a grant from Target, we were able to purchase desks, lighting, furniture, prints, frames and program materials to provide a welcoming and educational environment. Children can learn about the basic principles of art in a fun, interactive way.  Theresa Otteson, Education Coordinator has done a fabulous job stretching the grant budget to utilize every penny in a way that looks like she spent much, much more.  The Children's Center is open during regular business hours and is a wonderful addition to the offerings of BDAC.  Thank you Target for your generous support and to Big D for the initial building of the Children's Center and thanks to Jean Madsen, for never giving up on her dream to have an exceptional children's center in BDAC.

A dad shows his daughters some concepts about color at the new Children's Center

Santa came to the Life Drawing Class as a model recently.  BDAC staff member and artist Mike Call did a wonderful drawing  (below) that we incorporated into the BDAC Christmas card.

And finally, from the staff of BDAC, may you have the brightest of holidays and be sure to come in and see us soon!

Tamara, Josh, Brenda, Emma, Theresa and Mike

Wind Storms hit Bountiful

I'm sitting at my desk looking out my window.  Numerous trucks laden with tree branches have passed on Main Street, I'm assuming on the way to the dump that has been opened today to accommodate these truckloads.  LDS church meetings are cancelled today as able-bodied folks are preparing for yet another predicted major storm to smash into the area later tonight.

Thursday morning I sat in this same spot and watched as the large pine tree outside my window looked like it might be uprooted in the storm.  The ground around the tree was heaving.  Scott Durrant broke my transfixed stare as he ushered me out of my office to safer ground just in case that tree decided to come crashing down.

So we closed the Art Center and I spent the next several hours visiting the newly opened Museum of Natural History with my husband and some of my grandchildren.  I was transfixed again as I watched depictions of life at the molecular level.  The display showing live brine shrimp was truly fascinating.  I never realized how intricate and graceful they are!

All these recent events and observations have awakened in me a sense of wonder at how precious are all living things and that sometimes, in our crazy,busy lives, priorities get skewed.

It comes down to the importance of living each moment. And being grateful for all life has to offer and also knowing that there is a much larger force that moves things along in a well-ordered course though to us at times it seems that things are as topsy-turvy as the branches and garbage cans along Main Street today.

I sure hope the tree outside my window survives the next storm but if it doesn't, we will be there to pick up the pieces and go on.

Volunteers, Staff and Artists Shine at BDAC

Amazing volunteers, staff and artists carry out the programs and mission of Bountiful/Davis Art Center.  This is evidenced by a concerted effort by several people preparing for the upcoming Holiday Show.

Jane Joy, Scott Durrant (BDAC Board Member), Joshua Blackwelder and Brenda Williams (BDAC staff) had a jovial time creating snowflakes for the BDAC 'Artistree' (in background).  I kept hearing raucous laughter from my office while they were doing this so I "sprang to my feet to see what was the matter!".  They were just having fun and being creative.  The tree is now full of these unique snowflakes plus 4" x 4" handmade ornaments, with a "Twas the Night Before Christmas theme". These have been created  by participating artists and are for sale for only $10.

I am so gratified that people enjoy being involved at BDAC.    I love seeing lots of people working together to accomplish a BDAC project. I couldn't do my job without this support. I encourage anyone who wants to be involved with a creative, fun bunch of people to join us at BDAC by volunteering, becoming a member or participating as an artist.  There is always something wonderful going on at BDAC.

Josh Blackwelder, BDAC staff member, shows off his handywork

The BDAC Holiday Show opens November 18 with a 'First Look' preview, open to members, at 6pm.  This will give people a chance to see the art before it is open to the general public at 7pm.  If you are not a member, please consider joining the BDAC family at 'First Look' that evening. It's a great way to support the programs of Bountiful/Davis Art Center.

Here are a few of the ornaments on the 'Artistree'.....Seriously, only $10 for these little treasures?  The 2011 Holiday Show artists are fabulous - so many creative ideas in working with this theme!  Scott Durrant, BDAC Board Member and longtime Designer created the 'Artistree' this year out of Dogwood twigs from his yard.

Sherry Meidell

"He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot" by Scott Durrant

"...tore open the shutters and threw up the sash" by Daren Young

"He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf" by Shauna Nelson

Here's a broader look at the tree

And finally, here is one of the paintings that is for sale in the 2011 Bountiful/Davis Holiday Show by Roberta Glidden.  Some of Utah's top artists are represented in the show.  I hope to see you there!

Summer Juniper, oil by Roberta Glidden

I love my Job!

Emma J. Dugal
Executive Director
Bountiful/Davis Art Center

Lester B. Lee and LeConte Stewart

The North Side by LeConte Stewart

Welcome to the inaugural posting of the Bountiful/Davis Art Center blog.  I'm writing about some observations I've made about the Lester B. Lee exhibit at BDAC.  Lester Lee, well-known and award winning artist, has been involved in the Art Center for several years.  He has taught and exhibited at BDAC many times and formerly served as the Chair.  After retiring from a productive career as a High School Educator in Art, Lester and his family moved to Clarkston, Utah where he is in the process of building a new home.  He is greatly missed in Davis County, so it is a pleasure to see his recent work.

Abandoned House by Lester B. Lee

I experienced a powerful emotional response to the paintings and drawings that Lester brought in for the exhibit.  I knew there was something very special about this new work.  I was struck by the feelings of isolation and grittiness the work evoked.  The subject matter and mood of these paintings and drawings reminded me of the Depression Era works of LeConte Stewart (I had recently visited the LeConte Stewart exhibit at the Utah Museum of Fine Art).  Most of the paintings by Lee feature just one figure in a rural or urban setting that is reminiscent of America in the 30's. 

LeConte Stewart



Lester B. Lee

 Lester Lee admits that he is influenced by another Regionalist painter, Andrew Wyeth.  There is a painting in the exhibit that pays homage to this famous painter.  But I can't help but be struck by the similarity I find between Lee and Stewart.  These two artists, though not born and raised in Davis County, have made such a lasting impression on so many there that Davis County residents will always claim them as their own.

Lester Lee will teach a watercolor workshop at BDAC on November 5.  The paintings will remain in the gallery until the end of that day.  Check out the website: http://www.bdac.org/ for more information about the workshop.

Aaron Bushnell's oil paintings of rural and urban settings are exhibited along side Lester Lee's work.  These two artists have known each other for a long time and have supported one another in their respective careers.  One of Aaron's paintings is on a recent cover of Southwest Art magazine.  Like Lee, Bushnell is an extraordinary artist and has deep roots in Davis County.

I hope you have the opportunity to visit Bountiful/Davis Art Center soon to view these exhibits along with Illustrators Utah!  The illustration exhibit features some of Utah's top professional illustrators as well as Hall of Fame work by revered illustrators on the tail end of the golden age of illustration, from the collection of Paul Mann.  He will do a presentation about this collection at BDAC on October 21 at 7pm.

Baker, CA by Lester B. Lee

Blogging is new territory for me but I'm excited about the possibilities it will inspire and how it will connect us to you.  Thank goodness I have some techno-savvy geeks on my staff  (Mike Call and Joshua Blackwelder) to help out. Thanks, guys.

Emma J. Dugal
Executive Director
Bountiful/Davis Art Center