Featuring more than 250 works by artists from across the Western United States, Utah Tech University’s Sears Art Museum is set to host the 38th Annual Sears Invitational Art Show & Sale as a celebration of artistic excellence.
The event begins on Feb. 14 with an art preview at 6:30 p.m., in which guests attending the gala have the exclusive opportunity to preview and purchase showcased art before it opens to the general public. Immediately following the preview, the Gala Opening Reception will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and can be secured by contacting Jeanine Nay at 435-652-7537 or Jeanine.Nay@utahtech.edu.
The exhibition and sale will open to the general public on Feb. 15 and run through March 29. The show will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Sears Art Museum, located in the Eccles Fine Arts Center on the Utah Tech campus.
“Recognized as one of the premier art events in the state, the Sears Invitational is more than an art show — it’s a launching pad for many emerging artists, propelling them to national recognition,” James Peck, director and curator of the Sears Art Museum, said. “In an extraordinary display of talent, some of the very best and brightest artists from Utah and beyond showcase new works here every year.”
This year marks a significant milestone for the Sears Invitational as the event transitions to a juried show for the first time. A rigorous selection process drew an overwhelming response, with 418 artists submitting 1,267 works of art. Ultimately, 251 pieces from 208 artists were chosen by the jury, ensuring the highest standard of quality and artistic diversity.
“Many of the most prestigious regional art shows rely on a jury process to ensure high-quality art,” Peck said. “The response was phenomenal, and we’re excited to showcase such exceptional work.”
The 38th Annual Sears Invitational Art Show features a range of styles and mediums, including landscapes, still lifes, Western scenes, contemporary realism, sculpture, ceramics and photography. Participating artists represent a broad geographic spectrum, with contributors hailing from Utah and eleven other states, including Idaho, Nevada, California, Washington, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona and Colorado.
“This year’s applications were particularly strong,” Jeff Jarvis, dean of the College of the Arts at Utah Tech and a member of the jury, said. “I can’t wait to see all of these amazing works of art on display.”
For the second consecutive year, an exhibition catalog will be published, showcasing the extraordinary works included in the invitational. Proceeds from the sales directly support the ongoing operations of the Sears Art Museum, furthering its mission to inspire and educate the community through art.
For more information about Utah Tech University’s 38th Annual Sears Invitational Art Show & Sale, visit searsart.com.