If you haven’t checked out the Sears Invitational Art Show and Sale yet, you still have a little more time.
Opening each year around President’s Day weekend and extending through the end of March, the Sears Invitational Art Show and Sale is one of the most prestigious art shows of the year the Dixie State University Sears Art Gallery.
Sears Invitational Art Show and Sale | background
It started as an homage to Robert N. Sears who died in May 1995. According to the Sears Art web site, Robert N. Sears was the vice president of Phillips Petroleum. After retiring, he turned his attention to the arts at a collegiate level and beyond. His efforts focused on establishing a quality art invitational at Dixie State University (then Dixie State College). The end result is the Sears Invitational Art Show and Sale. It has become among the most popular, well-attended art exhibits in Utah.
Art and more
Showcasing more than 100 artists from throughout the region, the Sears Invitational Art Show and Sale includes more than 200 pieces of art. Media represented includes oil, pastels, watercolor, sculpture, mixed media and more.
During the opening gala — which is usually during President’s Day weekend — artists and patrons mingle together at a formal dinner. They are entertained by a speech from the previous year’s Purchase Prize winner. The Purchase Prize winner is the artist whose work is selected to be purchased by Dixie State University and added to the university’s permanent collection. That person is then used the following year to assist with adjudicating the art and giving a speech at the gala.
Best of the best
In order to maintain the prestige of the Sears Invitational Art Show and Sale, they can’t let just anyone showcase their work. Artists are admitted on a submission basis. Anyone interested in being part of the Sears Invitational Art Show and Sale must apply by Sept. 1 of the prior year. Artists can submit 5-7 pieces for consideration. Each artist accepted is allowed to showcase two pieces of art.
Enjoying the event
For the average art consumer, it’s easy to appreciate all the artwork at the Sears Invitational Art Show and Sale. The exhibit is open to the public 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is free to the public.
If you’re looking for something fun to do as a family, this definitely qualifies. The Sears Invitational and Sale is ready to keep young children engaged and learning to appreciate art. You can pick up a scavenger hunt paper from the docent at the door. The full-color paper has small excerpts from many of the pieces of art on display. When children — or adults — find the art that matches the snippet, they can write down the number of the piece of art. A small prize is available to those who complete the scavenger hunt.
For those who don’t need a scavenger hunt to keep their interest, but just want to wander through the amazing exhibit, go right ahead. There is plenty to see and enjoy.
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