Sears Dixie Invitational to feature 200 works of art, unveiling of rare statue
Featuring over 200 works of art created by more than 100 artists, Dixie State University’s 33rd Annual Robert N. and Peggy Sears Dixie Invitational Art Show & Sale kicks off with a lineup of events President’s Day weekend.
The festivities will commence at 2 p.m. on Feb. 14 with an unveiling ceremony of the rare historical statue, “President Abraham Lincoln Signing the Emancipation Proclamation” by artist Stan Watts. Set to be unveiled and displayed outside of the Dolores Doré Eccles Fine Arts Center, the statue is one of only three installed worldwide. Additionally, Dixie State’s version is the artist’s proof and features subtle details and differences that set it apart from the other two statues. The work of art was donated to Dixie State by K.C. and Nancy Erickson and is the largest in-kind donation the university has received.
“This is a one-only sculpture, so we have the best of the best and there won’t be any more like that made,” Kathy Cieslewicz, director and curator of the Sears Art Museum, said. “Of all of the places it could have been installed, it belongs at Dixie.”
The events will continue with the free Artist Symposium presented by the 2019 Sears Dixie Invitational Purchase Prize winner, Araceli Selytin, who’s winning painting, “Arches,” is now part of Dixie State’s Permanent Art Collection. The symposium will begin at 3 p.m. in the Eccles Fine Art Center.
The highlight of the day, the opening gala, will take place at 6 p.m., also in the Eccles Fine Art Center. The formal dinner will feature live music and a presentation about the future of the Sears Art Museum. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to preview the art at 4 p.m. Tickets for the black-tie-optional event are $75 per person.
“Everyone in the entire state and region can come to the Sears Dixie Invitational and buy art that is very affordable by artists who are very well known or on the rise,” Cieslewicz said.
The Sears Dixie Invitational Art Show & Sale, created as a way to fund the preservation of the art on the Dixie State campus, offers the community the opportunity to enjoy beautiful art by some of the most successful artists from across Utah and the nation.
“It has become very important that we continue this tradition,” Cieslewicz said. “This is our only fundraiser. It is an essential part of keeping our museum operating, producing educational programing and preserving the collection.”
The 33rd Annual Robert N. and Peggy Sears Dixie Invitational Art Show will be on display Feb. 15 through March 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The museum is located in Dixie State’s Dolores Doré Eccles Fine Arts Center. For more information or to make reservations for the opening gala, call 435-652-7903 or visit searsart.com.