DSU, St. George Art Museum to celebrate Halloween through art
DSU, St. George Art Museum to celebrate Halloween through art
The Dixie State University Art Department, Booth Honors Program and Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences Department are collaborating with the St. George Art Museum to bring two Halloween art exhibits to southern Utah this fall.
DSU’s second annual Scary Fun Halloween Art Show, which is on display in Dixie State’s North Plaza Gallery, will feature a closing costume party at 6 p.m. on Oct. 27. As part of the festivities, the Viewers’ Choice award will be presented to the artist of the piece that has received the most votes from gallery visitors.
“Scary Fun was a big success,” McGarren Flack, director of DSU’s North Plaza Art Gallery and co-organizer of the art show, said. “People of DSU and its surrounding communities really came up with some excellent work, and the quality of the art in the show reflects that. A closing costume party to celebrate the event is the perfect way to enjoy the art one more time in the lead up to Halloween.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to view the art, speak to artists, and enjoy refreshments and the awards ceremony for best costumes. Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume and participate in the fun. The exhibit, which is on display weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 31, includes submissions from students, faculty, staff and community members and was juried by internationally known visiting ceramic artist Sarah Pike.
The university is also collaborating with the St. George Art Museum to present Scary Lights and Pumpkin Frights, a showcase of Halloween art and artifacts at 6 p.m. on Oct. 27 and 28. Visitors can stroll through the decorated museum and enjoy the display of antique, vintage and contemporary Halloween art and artifacts, ranging from pre-1910 postcards and 1920s decorations to contemporary Halloween art and toys.
Dixie State students, faculty and staff have been working on carving and painting jack o' lanterns to display at the museum on Oct. 27. Others are welcome to bring their own pumpkins as well, which they can pick up after the show.
“Our students and faculty have been picking out different kinds of pumpkins and getting ready to display them at the museum's big event this weekend,” Shane Christensen, DSU Art Department chair, said. “Some people have been open about their plans, but others are working in secret. I'm excited to see what they come up with. I think other people will enjoy it too.”
All community members are welcome to attend. Supervision of young children in the galleries are recommended, but the organizers hope that families will attend.
“Halloween isn't just fun; it's also an incredibly visually interesting and engaging time of year,” Jeff Yule, DSU Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Department chair and co-organizer of Scary Fun, said. “It's a real pleasure for those of us at DSU to cooperate with the St. George community on activities like this one. We're happy to be able to do that and excited to see the results.”
