The new school year is just underway, and September’s ArtWalk, happening on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., features a fresh lineup of artworks, including art made by Moab’s youth.
ArtWalk is organized by the Moab Arts and Recreation Center (MARC), and is planned for the second Saturday each month from September through November.
The route is composed of 10 destinations in the downtown area. ArtWalk attendees may pick up an ArtWalk punch card — which also includes a map of all ArtWalk locations — at any ArtWalk destination.
One destination during ArtWalk is the MARC, 111 E. 100 North, where artwork by the community’s youngest artists is on display.
The MARC hosted three weeks of summer art camp this year for children ages 5 to 11. The children’s artwork explores the camps’ themes of “Earth: Explore Dirt, Mud & Pottery,” “Wind, Air & Fire: Capture the elements through a lens,” and “Water: Play with water, paint and things that flow.”
Moonflower Community Cooperative, 39 E. 100 North, is exhibiting artwork by students from Moab Charter School, Grand County Middle School and Grand County High School.
Student artists from the elementary, middle school and high school are also being spotlighted at Moab Made, 82 N. Main St.
The CommuniTea Garden, on 100 West, is showcasing local high school students’ contest posters promoting clean air. The project was a collaboration between Utah State University and Grand County High School.
In addition to youth-made works, there is plenty to see from adult artists who have many years of experience.
Desert Thread, 29 E. Center St., is hosting the felting works of Rosie Boone and her new collection called “Earth Forms.”
Boone, who has been an avid felt artist for 15 years, will also have an all-ages demonstration to give people a “hands-on” try at this age-old art form.
The Moab Valley Multicultural Center (MVMC) is featuring the Multicultural Mural, with free audio tours and learning activities about important social justice leaders painted by local artists.
In addition, MVMC is teaming up with the Museum of Moab to host Phil Wagner’s art at the MVMC, 156 N. 100 West.
Wagner, whose work is also on display at Gallery Moab, said that the display will include his most recent work, a landscape painting of a rock formation called “The Monitor and the Merrimac.”
Like much of his artwork, “The Monitor and the Merrimac” is an oil painting.
“I think transparent paints are more alive,” Wagner said. “Opaques are flatter. With transparent (paints), there are more layers.”
Wagner described his artistic process to the improvisational music composed by a jazz musician.
“A jazz painter, that’s my goal in life,” he said. “When you’re painting you hit ‘the zone.’ You’re letting the painting paint itself. It’s almost effortless.”
Gallery Moab at 87 N. Main St. is hosting an ArtWalk reception for artist Cynthia Sampson.
“Viewers of all ages will enjoy Sampson’s colorful, animal-themed paintings,” said Deborah McDermott, a Gallery Moab artist.
98 Center, at 98 E. Center St., invites the public to make the last stop at ArtWalk and “stay late at 98.”
The restaurant promises Vietnamese “street food” specials and live entertainment by DJ Chad Wilson from 7 to 10 p.m.
“He’s a true DJ,” 98 Center Restaurant General Manager Natali Zollinger, describing Wilson’s technique as hands-on with real records.
The Fiery Furnace Marching Band will be also be playing throughout the downtown area during ArtWalk.
Browse and enjoy old favorites and new exhibits Saturday, Sept. 8
“A jazz painter, that’s my goal in life.”
When: Saturday, Sept. 8, from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Various locations downtown
Cost: Free
Info: Call the MARC at 435-259-6272 or visit www.moabartwalk.com
