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SALT LAKE CITY — Many people dream of having original art in their home and not just being relegated to mass-produced paintings with pithy quotes at decor stores; however, cost is often prohibitive.
A newly opened show, “Art in the Home,” located at the Rio Gallery is hoping to change that reality for people who can't afford expensive original artwork. The show organizer and participating artist, Clinton Whiting, had a vision to offer original art to families or individuals in a fair trade exchange.
“The idea came out of years of thinking of ways to get more original art in people's homes. I'm a strong advocate for the arts and for people having original artwork on their walls,” Whiting said.
According to Whiting, 14 professional artists generously donated paintings and sculptures to be exchanged for objects from families who do not own original art.
“About a year ago, I had the idea of trading original art with people who can't afford it and who don't have any. I called up some artist friends to see if they would donate small artworks and I made a proposal to Utah Arts and Museums. The proposal was juried in, and I began putting it all together,” Whiting said.
Jason Wheatley is one of the participating artists who believes “that art is one of the best ways to enrich a home.”
“For many reasons, art can be too expensive for many people who would love to hang a painting or place a sculpture in their home. This show gave these people a unique opportunity,” Wheatley said.
Participants can choose from donated artwork that resonated with them. Restrictions weren’t placed on what could be traded, but many people put great thought and care into their exchanged items.
“Once they chose the painting, I gave it to them and, in many cases, gave them a few days to think of the object they wanted to trade. Some participants knew right away what they wanted to trade. Most had to think it over for a few days,” Whiting said.
Charity Gleason was a participant who thoroughly enjoyed the experience. She said she heard about the project by word-of-mouth. She explained that as a public school teacher, her budget is tight. The idea of trading something of value for an art piece she selected was very appealing.
“This experience started out as a fun way to introduce some local art in my home, but it ended up being more of an emotional experience than I had expected,” she said.
She chose a painting of a human heart.
“When I look at the piece, it made me think of love lost and love found," Gleeson said. "I lost my father to a stroke two years ago, so I decided to trade my father’s high school car club sweater to represent a love lost. At the time of my father’s passing, I had just rekindled a relationship with an old friend — that spoke to me of love found.”
The show’s opening night brought together artists and participants.
“To meet the artist and talk about how her piece affected me, and to see my father’s sweater on display was truly emotional,” Gleeson said.
Hilary Jacobson, a participating artist recalls that opening night was like “walking in blind to the outcome, which added to the intrigue for me.” She said she loved seeing the responses the participants had to receiving original pieces of art.
“I was particularly moved by the response to my own work and emotional by the choices of trade from their new owners. There is no greater gift for an artist than to have another human and, in this case, a stranger, develop a deep connection and appreciation for what you have created,” she said.
After a month with their art, participants completed a reflective survey to gauge their experiences of having art in their home and how it’s impacted them and their families.
This follow-up was one of the things that drew Wheatley to the project.
“What intrigued me the most was Clint's commitment to finding out how the artwork affected the people who took it home,” Wheatley said.
The exhibit includes a variety of media, styles, genres and creations by the artists, displayed with the objects traded by the project participants. The survey responses are also included for patrons to view.
Reflecting on the whole project, Whiting said it “has been an incredible process.”
“I have met some of the greatest people in our city. After attending the opening and meeting the participants, most of the artists agree that the participants made the greatest sacrifice in this collaboration,” Whiting said.
As Whiting looks toward the future, he plans to take the concept on the road, with the Granary Gallery in Sanpete County already inviting him there.
The “Art in the Home” show is on display until March 9 at the Rio Gallery.
Participating Artists:
- Paige Crosland Anderson
- Namon Bills
- Jeffery Hale
- Stephanie Hock
- Hillary W. Jacobsen
- Abraham Kimball
- Steve McGinty
- Jeff Pugh
- Bruce Robertson
- Heidi Somsen
- Steven Stradley
- Claire Tollstrup
- Justin Wheatley
- Clinton Whiting Rio Gallery - 300 S Rio Grande St, Salt Lake City
- Phone: 801- 245-7252
- Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Emily Howsley is enjoying her adventures in the wild blue yonder of Texas.
