Utah Tech University to open 37th Annual Sears Invitational Art Show & Sale with gala

Featuring more than 170 works of art from 90 invited artists, Utah Tech University’s 37th Annual Sears Invitational Art Show & Sale is set to commence with its Gala Opening Reception and Art Preview.

Providing attendees with the opportunity to be the first to view and purchase the showcased art, the gala and preview are set to take place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16 in the Sears Art Museum, located in the Eccles Fine Arts Center on the Utah Tech campus.

The show includes a diverse range of art, including landscapes, still lifes, Western scenes, contemporary realism, sculpture, ceramics and photography. Additionally, the invitational serves as a pivotal starting point for many featured exhibitors, propelling artists into national recognition.

“Some of the very best and brightest artists from Utah and beyond showcase new works here every year, creating a sight to behold,” James Peck, director and curator for the Sears Art Museum, said.

Since the inaugural Sears Invitational Art Show & Sale, a portion of the proceeds from each piece purchased has been allocated to help fund the Sears Art Museum. The goal of the invitational is to give Southern Utahns the opportunity to purchase art, gain a purchase prize to add to Utah Tech’s Permanent Collection and educate UT students and the community.

Following the Gala Opening Reception and Art Preview, the exhibition and sale will open to the general public on Feb. 17 and run through March 31. In support of the invitational, the museum will be open for extended hours: Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m. The museum is always free to visit.

Tickets to the Gala Opening Reception and Art Preview are $75 per person and available by contacting Jeanine Nay at 435-652-7537 or Jeanine.Nay@utahtech.edu.