Sad clowns, fulfilled workers

"Georges Rouault: Circus of the Shooting Star" is being touted by Utah Museum of Fine Arts curators as a kid-friendly exhibition with hands-on art lessons and a puppet theater. But a close look at these prints from a 1930s French book on the circus finds an exhaustion and even a deep sadness behind the color and glitter. In a nearby gallery, visitors will encounter "At Work: Prints from the Great Depression," which, despite its name, is an exuberant exploration of labor and the meaning it gives life. The exhibit features more than 60 prints, some by American masters, including Thomas Hart Benson.

When • "Georges Rouault": through May 13; "At Work": through May 6

Hours • Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; (Closed Mondays and holidays)

Admission • $7, $5 seniors/youth; free for children under 6, U. students and staff, and UMFA members

Where • Utah Museum of Fine Arts, 410 Campus Center Drive, Salt Lake City

Info • 801-581-7332 www.umfa.utah.edu

Understanding Iran

With the threat of attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities growing daily, Fahimeh Amiri's "Reaching for Liberty" exhibit is particularly timely. Amiri's theme reaches back to ancient Persia's Darius the Great, a time, she says, of freedom for women. Yet, on the same canvas, Amiri offers a view of modern Iran, with women draped in black.

When • Ongoing

Where • Finch Lane Gallery, 54 Finch Lane, Salt Lake City

Info • gallerystroll.org

The nature of watercolors

Carl Purcell's watercolors in this solo show chronicle his search for natural patterns in nature and on farms. Purcell retired from Snow College after teaching painting and drawing for 30 years and has written two books, Painting With Your Artist's Brain and Drawing With Your Artist's Brain.

When • Feb. 17-Mar. 9

Where • Slusser Gallery, 447 E. 100 South, Salt Lake City

Info • 801-864-1918

The art of art business

Michael Melik has had a broad career in the arts, ranging from being a painter/sculptor and songwriting poet to working as an art dealer and gallery owner. He will present a talk on contemporary art, his personal philosophy, and his Salt Lake gallery as part of Southern University's Art ongoing Art Insights series.

When • Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m.

Where • Centrum Arena, Southern Utah University, Cedar City

Info • www.suu.edu/arts

Art from the inside out

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is seeking volunteers to serve as weekend docents guiding visitors through galleries. In return, volunteers will learn some art history and polish their people skills while hanging out with terrific art. Training is given in six 90-minute Saturday classes.

When • Applications due March 3; training begins March 10

Where • Utah Museum of Fine Arts, 410 Campus Center Drive, Salt Lake City.

Info • 801-585-9875, www.umfa.utah.edu

Get your event listed here by contacting Glen Warchol at gwarchol@sltrib.com.