Emily Christensen McPhie (center) receives the 2025 Governor’s Mansion Artist Award from Utah Governor Spencer Cox (left) and First Lady Abby Cox (right), honoring her contributions to Utah’s cultural and artistic landscape.

“Art is not a luxury … it is foundational to the health and well-being of society.”

Utah artist Emily Christensen McPhie has been honored with the 2025 Governor’s Mansion Artist Award, joining a distinguished group of creatives recognized for their impact on Utah’s cultural landscape. McPhie’s work — rich in symbolism and grounded in magical realism — has long explored themes of identity, family, and the emotional undercurrents of everyday life. Now, her contributions to the arts have been formally recognized by Governor Spencer J. Cox, who praised her for bringing “heart, imagination, and depth to Utah’s creative landscape.”

The award carries deep personal significance for McPhie. Her father, renowned painter James C. Christensen, was the first-ever recipient of the Governor’s Mansion Artist Award more than two decades ago. “I like to think he’s very proud in this moment,” she said in her acceptance speech, “and is pleased to see the continued recognition of the arts.”

In a stirring reflection on the role of the arts, McPhie emphasized that creativity is not a luxury, but a necessity: “Art isn’t a luxury or a byproduct of an ideal society; it is foundational to the health and well-being of society itself.” Her remarks resonated with attendees and were later shared publicly by Utah Arts & Museums Director Victoria Panella Bourns, who said she was “deeply moved” by McPhie’s words.

Throughout her speech, McPhie underscored how art builds empathy, encourages critical thinking, and serves as a connective thread between individuals and communities. “Art teaches us to think critically, to question assumptions, to embrace ambiguity, and to seek truth not just in what is seen, but in what is felt,” she said.

Describing her own artistic process, McPhie spoke of drawing inspiration from folklore and archetypes, and striving to tap into universal experiences through her work. “For me, art has always been a way of understanding the world and myself. It is not about giving the answers, but about asking the questions.”

Her call for accessible and equitable arts funding was also clear: “Art is not a privilege for the few; it is a right for all, and it should be accessible to everyone. It’s through art that we open up spaces for dialogue, for discovery, and for community.”

Reflecting on her own family — which includes an art historian, an artist, a ballerina, and a content creator — McPhie affirmed the value of sustaining creativity across generations: “It’s a privilege to carry forward the legacy of creativity my parents nurtured.”

In closing, McPhie reminded those present of the transformative power of art: “The arts are not meant to save the world, but to elevate it. And in elevating the world, we elevate each other.”

The Governor’s Mansion Artist Award is part of a long-standing tradition of recognizing exceptional Utah artists whose work contributes to the state’s vibrant cultural fabric. With this honor, Emily McPhie joins the ranks of artists whose dedication to creativity continues to inspire and uplift.

Emily McPhie, The Mocking of Enlightenment, oil on canvas, 48×40 in. In this allegorical painting, McPhie explores the ridicule faced by those who seek or embody enlightenment, surrounded by figures representing judgment and threat. Read more in our recent 15 Bytes review.

You can see some of our coverage of McPhie’s career in our 15 Bytes Archive.

15 Bytes

UTAH’S ART MAGAZINE SINCE 2001, 15 Bytes is published by Artists of Utah, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.