Artwork-as-urban development

Despite the long tradition of architecture as an aesthetic and civic discipline, the notion of art as a vital part of urban development is still quite new. For that we can thank, in part, the historic Watts House Project of Los Angeles, which helps spread the word that great art and architecture revive and enrich communities as well as many social programs. Coming to the Salt Lake Art Center March 22 to share her expertise is WHP founding board president and prominent L.A.-area painter Alexandra Grant. Her presentation "Image/Text" will center on her roles as artist and advocate for community-centered art. Space is limited, so make plans accordingly.

When » March 22, 6:30 p.m.

Where » 20 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City.

Info » Free but reservation required. RSVP to adamp@slartcenter.org, call 801-328-4201 or visit www.slartcenter.org

"Eggsactly"

Utah boasts its very own egg-carving specialist in Brian Baity, a man who, according to Profitable Hobbies president Tamaree Littlefield, "has stretched egg carving to almost impossible levels." In addition to taking a knife to ostrich eggs, Baity is currently at work carving shells in celebration of the Lan Su Yuan Chinese Garden in Portland, Ore. See some of these artisan Chinese garden pieces this week at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.

When » March 23-April 29. Gallery open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where » 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City

Info » Free. Call 801-965-5100 for more information, or visit www.culturalcelebration.org

Poor Yorick springs into action

The Poor Yorick studios have long been an epicenter of art studio romance for the myriad artists who refine their creative talents in its cavernous confines. This weekend marks a rare opportunity to see these studio artists with their doors open, much like the see-through ant colony of your grade-school science class. Thomas Aikins, Jen Banks, Sarah Kappos and Phoenix Ostermann are a few artists among a long roster who maintain studio space at Poor Yorick. The studio's "Spring Open Studio" kicks off March 26 with Copper Plate Press executing "guerrilla screenprinting" for a mere $5 for anyone who brings a clean T-shirt. Choose from one of three hip Poor Yorick designs. Saturday festivities continue with artists' demonstrations at various studios, complete with question-and-answer sessions.

When » March 26, 6-10 p.m.; March 27, 1-5 p.m.

Where » 126 W. Crystal Ave. (2590 South), South Salt Lake

Info » Free, though donations are gratefully received. Visit www.pooryorickstudios.com

MAR goes abstract

Gallery MAR in Park City will offer four distinct visions of abstract painting in its upcoming exhibition "Elements of Abstraction." Despite the common label, each artist is bound not only by individual style, but by state. Michael Kessler, already a museum-quality painter, hails from New Mexico. Colorado painter Maura Allen details subject matter unmistakably Western. Wyoming artist Matt Flint and Montana artist Shawna Moore round out this intriguing quartet.

When » March 26-April 12. Gallery hours are Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where » 580 Main St., Park City

Info » Free. Call 435-649-3001 for more information or visit www.GalleryMAR.com