Utah artist Vandy Singleton’s original collection of acrylic and colored pencil artwork is coming to Dead Horse Point State Park’s Bighorn Gallery.
The gallery will be hosting the exhibit “Vandy’s Nature” from Saturday, July 2, through Wednesday, August 31.
Singleton’s artwork is inspired by her observations of her surroundings. She lives in the middle of the Fish Lake National Forest in Clear Creek Canyon, where she has seen cougars walking side by side down the middle of the road and a pair of golden eagles living behind the house.
“I live within a sacred space,” she said. “I am blessed to be surrounded by so much beauty. I cannot help but be inspired by what I see and how the canyon makes me feel. The Earth speaks to me here.”
Singleton was raised by a family of graphic and fine artists, and she said she was always encouraged to express herself creatively.
“I have never known life without art,” she said. “I always have some kind of creative project I am working on as a means of expressing who I am. It has been a long journey for me to recognize the artist within myself.”
Singleton has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Tulsa and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in administrative leadership. She has worked as an instructor and as an adviser for more than 20 years, empowering others through education.
“I was raised by nationally recognized artist parents, and although they discouraged me from pursuing art as a career, after the last recession, I began to work on my ‘art’ in earnest,” she said.
Singleton has had numerous art shows and was featured in Elan magazine. In addition, she was a finalist in The Artist Magazine Annual Art Competition in 2012. Along with her artwork, she creates one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, as well as art pendants and key chains.
During the art exhibit, Singleton’s paintings, prints and jewelry pieces will be available for purchase. To reach Dead Horse Point State Park, drive about nine miles north of Moab on U.S. Highway 191. Turn left at the intersection with state Route 313, and continue south on 313 for about 23 miles. The park’s visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Park admission is $10 for most vehicles, and $5 for Utah seniors.
“Vandy’s Nature” on display from July 2 – Aug. 31
For more information, contact the park at 435-259-2614.
