Utah Illustrator Featured in National Traveling Exhibit

The illustrative work of Utah artist Jean Arnold is featured in the national traveling exhibition This is Our Land, an exhibit coming to the Rio Gallery, 300 South 455 West, Salt Lake City. Arnold’s work is among the exhibition’s 80 original illustrations for children’s literature created by artists from around the world.

According to a Utah Arts Council press release, This is Our Land is a response to the growing degeneration of knowledge and understanding of global geography and culture practices among youth and teens.

 

“This is Our Land sits apart from the other exhibitions we’ve curated at the Rio Gallery, and we are pleased to have a Utah artist be a part of it,” said Margaret Hunt, executive director of the Utah Arts Council. “This exhibition is a unique hybrid of literature and the visual arts, which is of particular importance to Utah families. As the heart of the Mountain West, often we feel we operate outside the immediate, visible influence of others. Yet, this is far from the truth. We are increasingly touched by other cultures. Now, more than ever, it is vital for our youth to understand the physical and cultural geography of our world, and to have a positive, non-threatening environment in which to learn it. This exhibition can be that very tool.

 

Jean Arnold earned a bachelor of fine arts degree (cum laude) from USU in 1983. She continued postgraduate study at the University of Utah, then completed four one-month residencies at the Vermont Studio Center. In 1997-98 she completed a studio residency and summer school at the International School of Art, Umbria, Italy. She earned her master’s of fine arts in painting from the Vermont Studio Center/Johnson State College in Johnson, Vt.

 

This is Our Land was curated by the Meridian International Center and sponsored by the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The exhibit opened Jan. 11 at the Rio Gallery, located at the Rio Grande Depot, Salt Lake City. A special public opening will be held in conjunction with the Gallery Stroll Friday, Jan. 18, from 6-9 p.m. at the gallery. The exhibition is open to school tours, and lesson plans, online resources and supplemental materials are available. To schedule a tour, contact Laura Durham (ldurham@utah.gov) or call (801) 533-3582.

 

For information about the exhibit, contact Lydia Durand (Ldurand@utah.gov) or call (801) 236-7548.