This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Utah Arts Alliance talks big about its new west downtown center: Founder Derek Dyer says the SLC Arts Hub will change the landscape of the local arts scene.
The Arts Hub, at 663 W. 100 South, will have 33,000 square feet of space for exhibits and performances, as well as dance, photography and artist studios. In addition, there will be office space for nonprofit groups and a community garden — plus an eighth of a city block for parking.
Dyer says some artists and groups have already moved into the new arts space. "We have resident groups like Salt Lake Capoeira, Samba Fogo, B-Boy Federation and Incendiary Circus," he said. "We will have the Gray Wall Gallery exhibits, as well as the UAA permanent collections gallery. It will be exciting to see the community that we will develop there as we move forward."
As part of this transition, the Utah Arts Alliance is moving out of the Gray Wall Gallery on Pierpont Ave., and its old headquarters at 2191 S. 300 West, but will keep a gallery space on Main Street.
Dyer, who earned a degree in multimedia design from Salt Lake Community College, began his career as an art gallery assistant. While working as a graphic designer, he opened an arts and entertainment company, Derek Dyer Productions, holding concerts, performances and art shows. He operated his own art gallery for several years, closing it in 2003 to focus on building the Utah Arts Alliance, which aimed to create a community for artists. "We started with one location and now we currently reach about 50,000 people through our different programs," he said, which include galleries, a recording studio and label, Midnight Records, and events such as the Urban Arts Festival.
Dyer, who will also have a studio in the SLC Arts Hub space, is an artist whose works include the world's largest disco ball. The ball, which earned him an entry in the 2005 Guinness Book of World Records, has been displayed at many festivals and events, including several appearances at the Salt Palace Convention Center. The piece will eventually be displayed at the Arts Hub.
During the day, he said, the Hub will be filled with resident artists and nonprofit workers. At night, the space will be used for classes, exhibits, performances and events. "The great thing about the space is there is room to grow and expand as necessary," Dyer said.
An early event at the new space was the Connect Annual Gala and Awards ceremony, part of UAA's monthly series, which included exhibits and voting. Three artists — Chris Madsen, Heath Montgomery and Stuart Hackwork — won cash prices.
In conjunction with the event, we talked to a handful of artists about their work and the new center:
Chris Madsen • How would you describe your photography?
Emotionally cinematic. I shoot mostly strong emotional pieces that may even be a bit dark or macabre but still feminine and beautiful. I like my work to let the viewer experience the emotion and let their imagination tell a story.
How do you think the Arts Hub will contribute to the local arts scene?
I plan on moving into the new space for the new year. I am excited to have the synergy of being around other artists. I think it will become a major factor in the art scene. This is a great place for artists to set egos aside, and interact and inspire each other.
Local artists whose work you'd recommend?
If I could afford it, me and everyone I know would have their house filled with art from so many of the great local artists. Some of my favorites are fellow displayers this year at the Arts Hub: Stuart Hackworth, Adrian Prazen, Heath Montgomery, Cat Palmer, Michelle Condrat, just to name a few, but the list really goes on. We have so much amazing talent here.
More info • burningpaperhearts.com
Stuart Hackworth • How would you describe your photography?
Evolving. I have only been shooting in my current capacity for about four years. I am still learning and growing with every shoot. If I had to put a descriptive word to it, I think it would be creative. I want to do something that evokes wonder and intrigue. I don't think I have a set style yet, because I want to do it all.
How do you think the Arts Hub will contribute to the local arts scene?
Before the summer of 2011, I had never been an "artsy" kinda guy. Before getting involved through a good friend and fellow photographer, Chris Madsen, I had never been to an art gallery. I now have a love for the interaction and opportunities to meet and mingle and gain inspiration through these amazing and talented artists.
More info • Facebook.com, Hackworth Photography
Cat Palmer • How would you describe your photography?
Urban feel of mixed media with photography on metal. Most of my work has a message of empowerment with it.
How do you think the Arts Hub will contribute to the local arts scene?
The Arts Hub is fantastic! The perks as an artist being there are endless. I love my new space, there is a communal conference room, a kitchen and a space for studio shooting. There will be a community garden, an outdoor 900-person circus tent and plenty of space to house events. I love the downtown location right off of the Front Runner. This will be a great space for artists to create and come together.
Local artists whose work you'd recommend?
Besides my hubby, Blake Palmer? He has some cool stuff at Jed's Barber Shop and the Utah Arts Alliance building on Main St. I would go with Desarae Lee, a sketch artist with an Edward Gorey style, or Romy, a mixed media artist with a lot of access to Latin art.
More info • catpalmer.com
Anthony Granato • How would you describe your art?
Conceptually, most of my work is social commentary. Physically, I create mixed media paintings to fit antique and vintage frames.
Local artists whose work you'd recommend?
James Silva is turning into quite the "Sharpie" powerhouse. He's definitely on the rise and we'll be seeing great work from him in the new year.
More info • anthonygranato.com
features@sltrib.com; facebook.com/nowsaltlake —
The SLC Arts Hub
Where • 663 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City
More info • utaharts.org;
Contact • 801-651-3937; derek@utaharts.org
Utah Arts Alliance Main Street Gallery
Where • 127 S. Main St., Salt Lake City
Hours • Monday-Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.