The JCC’s exhibition space, featuring the work of Susan Zangrilli through December.

As we scan Utah’s artistic landscape, sometimes with apprehension and sometimes with hope—depending on whether we are noting the venues that are closing or those that are opening—we should remember to look for and note the many non-traditional venues supporting the arts in the state: libraries, cafes, bookstores. Even the local gym.

Nestled near the University of Utah hospital, with a wonderful view of the Salt Lake Valley, the IJ & Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center (JCC) is a lively hub for community engagement in Salt Lake City. It provides early childhood education, youth activities, cultural events, and health and wellness programs. It also has a gym, which caters to a broad range of individuals, including many local artists.

In a comfortable and well-lit space between the gym and the daycare, the JCC has been showcasing the talents of local artists for more than a decade. According to Barb Dolim, the JCC’s gallery coordinator, the exhibitions began as a way to enrich the cultural experiences of members and visitors alike. “Our goal has been to enhance cultural awareness and support local artists,” she explains. “Over the years, the gallery has hosted a wide range of artists, including JCC members and school groups, providing a unique platform for creativity.”

Eileen Guernsey Brown was the featured artist in October. Works are hung on a rod-based system.

 

Sue Martin was the featured artist in November.

The JCC rotates its exhibitions monthly, and artists are invited to host public receptions during their show’s run. These receptions offer an opportunity for artists to connect with friends, family, and art enthusiasts while introducing the community to the JCC’s welcoming environment. The exhibitions are open to the public, with no membership required. Visitors need only present a photo ID and sign in at the front desk to view the gallery (located one floor down).

The selection process for exhibiting artists is simple but intentional. Interested artists are encouraged to contact Dolim with samples of their work. Recommendations from members often guide the process, and the gallery strives to feature a variety of styles and mediums. While the center welcomes all forms of art, it avoids religious themes outside of Judaism.

Recent exhibits have included Eileen Guernsey Brown’s collection of plein air-inspired landscape paintings, which showcase the grandeur of natural vistas through dynamic compositions, rich colors, and a keen sense of light and atmosphere, as well as Sue Martin’s vibrant collection of impressionistic and realistic paintings capturing the beauty of nature, still life, and human interaction. The December exhibition by Susan Zangrilli features abstract and experimental works that blend vibrant color palettes, textured surfaces, and fluid lines to explore themes of nature, energy, and the interplay between structure and spontaneity.

Patrons enjoy the exhibition opening for Susan Zangrilli. Image courtesy of the JCC.

Due to the nature of the space, works are generally small to mid-size. Comfortable couches provide a welcoming place to enjoy the art over an extended period (a feature more venues should consider). The overhead fluorescent lighting is enhanced with individual flood lights along the gallery wall. The wall features a modern, geometric-patterned surface with a three-dimensional, faceted texture that adds depth and visual interest but should also be considered when deciding what to hang.

The gallery has garnered positive feedback from both artists and patrons. “Artists really enjoy the opportunity to exhibit at the JCC, and our members look forward to seeing the new artwork each month,” says Dolim. Notably, many pieces find new homes, benefitting both the artists and the viewers who fall in love with their work.

If you know of an alternative venue we should spotlight, contact us at editor@artistsofutah.org

IJ & Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center, 2 North Medical Dr., Salt Lake City. Interested artists can contact Barbara Dolim at bdolim@slcjcc.org

The JCC’s 2025 Gallery Schedule

January – Laszlo Otis-Pasternak

February – Renae Cannon

March – Jen Galaxy

April – Martin Sanchez

May – Nadia Cross

June – JCC 100 Years Celebration

July/August – Russel Huiskamp

September – Ron Winsett

October – Stefani Anderson

November – Ed Blake

December – Jennifer Worsley

Shawn Rossiter

The founder of Artists of Utah and editor of its online magazine, 15 Bytes, Shawn Rossiter has undergraduate degrees in English, French and Italian Literature and studied Comparative Literature in graduate school before pursuing a career in art.