337: No Budget, No Staff, No Problem
In Sunday's paper, the staff at the Salt Lake Tribune took a look back at 2007 to rate the biggest visual arts events of the year. Though the big-name institutions like BYU's MoA and the UMFA were mentioned, it was a local lawyer and graphic designer who decided to hand over their decrepit downtown building to local artists that won the paper's accolades. When it opened its doors in May, the 337 project attracted throngs of visitors; many hadn't stepped foot in a gallery or museum for years, if ever. Plans for the future of the property are still going through revision, so the building has yet to be demolished. One can't help wonder if owners Adam and Dessi Price aren't just reluctant to let go of the experience that altered their lives as well as the local visual arts community. Gambling sorts would be wise to put their money on seeing the couple again in 2008.
To relive the 337 project, here's a video posted on YouTube a couple of months ago by participating artist Trent Call.
What do you think was the biggest visual arts event in 2007? Tell us by posting a comment by using the link below.
Comments
For me, the event of the year was the Richard Prince retrospective at the Guggenheim. This is very touchy controversial [sic] stuff still especially the Brooke Shields "rephoto." Link at http://www.guggenheim.org/exhibitions/exhibition_pages/prince.html
His career is so exciting and so for me, I am glad to have the exhibition catalogue! Cheers.
Posted by: qi peng | December 30, 2007 06:50 PM
The biggest art event for our family was at the Ogden Train Depot. What a festive evening it was! Artists had been given 5x7 canvases and invited to return it with their work. Then guests purchased a pencil for $10.00 and could sign up to purchase any of the paintings for $100.00 each. The crowd was the most diverse mix of people I have ever seen at an art show. All ages, the trendy to the retired, the child to the matron - the artsy to the staid - male and female. And I have never seen so much energetic enthusiasm on the part of patrons- particularly as the decision making drew near. It was not only a fun evening but it also served as a very valuable feedback to artists. If an artist wants to sell, then the subject matter or paintings that drew the greatest interest or numbers of people signing up for the painting gives a clear reflection of the preferences of the buyers. It was simply a win-win situation for everyone.
Posted by: L. J. Masters | January 6, 2008 10:40 AM