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South Jordan Journal

Annual art show boasts largest turnout

Apr 03, 2022 07:09PM ● By Rachel Aubrey

Raj and Rohan Siddamsettiwar stand next to a drawing that was done by their wife and mother, Sushma. The piece is pictured to the top right and was drawn with pencil. (Photo by Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)

By Rachel Aubrey | [email protected]

The 14th annual South Jordan art show awards night was held on March 21 at the Gale Center of History and Culture. This year’s art show had more than 150 pieces of art ranging in 2D and 3D pieces by local artists, both amateur and professional, as well as youth artists. According to Triana Ord, the arts program coordinator for South Jordan City, it was the best turnout to date with more than 60 applicants, the youngest being 6 years of age. The entries were brought to the Gale Center on March 14.

In charge of the voting were members of the South Jordan Arts Council, who had the unenviable task of selecting the third, second, and first place winners in each of the various categories. Janis McClellan has been a member of the South Jordan arts council for eight years. A professional painter and muralist herself, McClellan has painted numerous pictures for clients both commercially and privately. She was among those asked to select the prize-winning entries.

“I’m always amazed at some of the talent,” McClellan said. “It’s fun to see the different artists and what they create.”

One such artist was South Jordan resident Sushma Siddamsettiwar, who was unable to attend the show in person, but sent her husband Raj and son Rohan to attend in her place. A self-taught artist, according to her family, Siddamsettiwar had two entries in the art show, one was done in acrylic paint boasting vibrant colors and one drawing done in gray pencil. This is her third time entering work into the art show.

The winner for the adult 3D category was Lee Allen Dillon, who had two pottery piece entries in the show. Dillon holds a bachelor’s degree in Art and Design and a master’s of Fine Arts, both from Brigham Young University. He has taught pottery and sculpting classes across the Salt Lake Valley, both at the secondary and the collegiate level, and internationally in China. For Dillon, pottery is more than just a hobby, it’s a professional pursuit, as he has created and sold practical pieces of pottery such as dinnerware. According to Dillon, holding art shows encourages people to move away from screens and use a different part of the brain.

“Having artwork, both 2D and 3D, around us everyday truly improves our aesthetic environment,” Dillon said.

Mayor Dawn Ramsey attended the event and applauded the efforts of the applicants and those who coordinated the evening. The mayor acknowledged all the talent that is out there in the community and acknowledged that the art show provides a way for that talent to be seen and appreciated.

“I love the art show, it is a really unique opportunity, one that I hope we continue doing forever as a city,” Ramsey said. “I think art is an important part of community and has proven to be important to our residents.”

The public may visit the Gale Center and see the art on display until April 28. For a complete list of winners visit the following link www.sjc.utah.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1651/South-Jordan-City-14th-Annual-Art-Show-Winners-2022.

Those wanting updates about the arts council events and contests can text SJCARTS to 85775. Those wanting to become more involved with the arts council may apply by completing the following application ww2.southjordanutah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/APPLICATIONFORCOMMITTEES.pdf.