The Utah Watercolor Society will welcome art historian Vern Swanson, director of the Springville Museum of Art, to its monthly meeting for a discussion Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Wheeler Farm, 6351 S. 900 East, Murray. Swanson is the author of a new book, Dynasty of the Holy Grail: Mormonism's Sacred Bloodline, that explores the possibility that LDS Church founder Joseph Smith was descended from Jesus Christ. The public is welcome. For information, visit www.utwatercolor.com.

New Springville show: "People, Places & Things," an exhibition of paintings and sculpture by five Utah women, opens Friday at the Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 South, Springville. The museum will host an opening reception Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. The five artists are Marilee B. Campbell, who specializes in pastels; Lou Jene Carter, who immerses herself in the emotions of her paintings; Carol Pettit Harding, whose paintings are inspired by the natural landscape of the American West; Carol Dunford Jackman, who sculpts human figures; and MaryAnn Free Smith, a watercolorist who tries to reveal beauty through her art. The show will remain through Feb. 4.

Ogden art: A juried exhibition of paintings by members of the Palette Club of Ogden opens Friday with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Eccles Community Art Center, 2580 Jefferson Ave., Ogden. The show contains paintings on a variety of subjects and will continue through Jan. 25. For information, call 801-392-6935 or visit www.ogden4arts.org.