Ah, to be a fly on a wall. Peek into the lives of others. Thanks to UNLV- and U of U-trained photographer Amanda James (also of Leif Flowers), you can do just that if you hurry up. Inspired by the life of her grandmother, in a show called “Shadows,” Amanda steps into the lives of the elderly and offers a glimpse into their day-to-day routines, exploring age and memory. Her raw (but beautifully lit) photo essay exposes her subject’s drive and vulnerability as well as their collections and possessions.

Have a look at walking in their shoes.

{Shadow Boxes}

“Shadows” by Amanda James
Now through November 13
Art Access / VSA Arts of Utah
230 S. 500 West #125
Salt Lake City, Utah
www.artaccess.org
www.amandajamesphotography.blogspot.com

Brigham Young University- and University of Utah-trained artist Meredith Prevot could turn your grandmother’s sofa into a work of art. She’ll also incorporate vintage wallpaper, embroidery hoops and other textiles into her delicately thought-out paintings.

Take it from her most recent show, titled “Embellissement,” now on at the Kimball Art Center in Park City—a series of mixed media collages that bring together oil, acryclics, vellum and upholstery fabric. Each seems to celebrate women as designers and artists, and to that we say, “party on.”

{Embellish}

“Embellissement” by Meredith Prevot
Now through Sept. 28, 2009
Kimball Art Center
638 Park Avenue, Park City
Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.
Admission free
www.meredithprevot.com

Ever wanted an oil-on-canvas of your grandmother’s Eureka or your dad’s camera from college? Local painter Wendy Chidester gives these oldies new life (or simply a final resting place) with her paintbrush. Nostalgic and memory-filled, one of Wendy’s portraits might be the ideal piece of art for the modern home. You can’t move forward without looking back.

You can see Wendy’s paintings at Coda Gallery in Park City and www.wendychidester.com.

By Jessica Baucom

You’re in that stage. It’s time to trade in your poster-pinning thumbtacks, but you’re not quite ready to invest in that beautifully-painted (not to mention beautifully-framed) oil by your favorite local artist. With a little help from student art shows and letterpress stationers, you’ll find there are plenty of ways to keep your walls sophisticatedly adorned without breaking the bank, nor your budget. Here’s how:

Student Art:

Some of my favorite items come from the free-thinking, unrestrained minds of students—and they’re usually affordable, to sweeten the deal. Locally, the University of Utah often holds student art sales at the end of each semester featuring awesome finds. In December, I picked up a print by emerging local talent Zane Lancaster for the low price of $20! A broader range of student art is continually displayed online at Ugallery. Here, you can search thousands of young artists’ work by genre, size, price, and even by school.

Above images, left to right: “Etame Postularia” by Melissa Grosjean, “Mockery” by Michael George, “Ice 4″ by Kaylie Abela

Paper & Fabrics:

I learned this trick from some highfalutin designers, so don’t worry about it not being legit. Use a simple black or white frame and lay a piece of interesting fabric or beautiful wrapping paper behind the glass where you would normally insert a photo. This works nicely for making a unique addition to an eclectic mix, or hung in a group with similar pieces.

Above images, left to right: Off-white Black Braid and Border Paper Brackets from Papersource.com, and textiles from IKEA.

Eatery as Art:

Some dishes are too cool to stay in the cupboard, and it’s these pieces that often come off as my favorite pieces of art—from plates to platters and dishes in all shapes and sizes. A simple plate hanger from the hardware store in the correct size is all you need to hang an heirloom plate passed down from your great-grandmother or a contemporary piece like a playful melamine tray.

Above images, left to right: Deer Tray by John Derian for Target, Small Square Plate by Cul de Sac, Sea Life side plate by Thomas Paul

Vintage Maps:

Interesting in shape, color and content, a vintage map or two can make a quick fix for a blank wall space. Conduct a cinchy online search, or head to Sam Weller’s Bookstore (254 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City) where you’ll find a wide selection of affordable maps in a large room on the lower floor. If you have trouble locating this treasure trove, have a salesperson point it out for you. You’ll also find great maps a few blocks away at Ken Sanders Rare Books (268 S. 200 East, Salt Lake City), though they can be a bit more pricey.

Postcards & Greeting Cards:

Ever been so pleased with a cute card in the mail that you couldn’t throw it away? Here’s your chance to let that little token shine. Frame it just like you would a photograph and give it life beyond the mailbox. Or, if you’ve yet to receive that card, go ahead an indulge in the coveted letterpress stationery you’ve been eyeing. Twenty dollars won’t sound so bad when you consider what a pricey piece of art might cost in its stead.

Above images, left to right: “Cosmic Crochet Card” by Lart Cognac Berliner at LittleOtsu.com, “Signal Flags XO” by Black Pearl Press, “Ship Carte Postale” by John Derian

Calendars:

Yes, everyone needs one. No, they’re not typically viewed as part of the artistic sphere but with all the great options out there—not to mention the heavy emphasis on design—they might as well be. Plus, a cool calendar will add some character to your casual art gallery inspired by this post.

Above images, left to right: calendars from Muji, Office PDX and OrangeBeautiful

You’ll find simple, clean frames that you won’t tire of and which will mix well with others at places like Pottery Barn, Michael’s, IKEA and TJ Maxx.

YHO reader Amy has a collection worth talking about: she gathers works of art from the cities she calls home. She’s readying to move to Phoenix, and wants to pick up an SLC token before flying the coop. Amy called on YHO to round up recommendations for affordable artworks that represent the vibe of Salt Lake City in obvious or not-so-obvious ways.

Let’s put our heads together on this one. Any leads for Amy? Post them below!

Nie in Need: Reach out and help one-time Utahn, blogger extraordinaire and extraordinary survivor Stephanie Nielson of the Nie Nie Dialogues in her road to recovery by tuning into and bidding on items as part of Nie Nie Day, as organized by Design Mom. We know you’ll feel good. Click here and start your bidding!

In Case: Cancel your plans and get yourself to the Gallivan Center for an evening with alt-country goddess Neko Case. But if your date’s just too hot to give up, then snag some tickets to see the Bob of all Bobs when Dylan plays Deer Valley on Sunday instead. More info here.

Two-For: Head to Park City’s Kimball Art Center to see Erin Westenskow Berrett‘s “Shoe Series” (on through Oct. 1) and Brittany Powell‘s “West Elm” installment (on through Oct. 26). Powell makes wall-size reproductions of the West Elm catalog with contact paper and an exacto knife. And we already told you about Erin. Learn more here.

Scope It Out: Good news! One of our fave Utah County shops, Kaleidoscope, is stayin’ open for business despite earlier reports. Head in to the shop, and say hidee-ho and welcome back to Megan, Kim and crew. Here’s to more Odd Molly and Faryl Robin!

For the weekend, we have campy Swiss Days to look forward to. Or, why not get up and away and visit the Park City Showcase of Homes, while you’re at it? In the meantime, if you want to help local photo amateur-ess Mary Elizabeth win $500 (and we know you do), click here to give her a vote. She’s contestant no. 15.

The cute little boy hanging out in our sidebar for the past few months may have caught your eye. You know, the one that some genius photographer captured while her subject was lost in his own world, bathed in natural light. We thought it was high-time we discuss the girl behind the lens (though the image is definitely talk-worthy, too). Everyone, meet Utahn Wynona Robison.

Wynona became interested in photography while pregnant with her second son. “I learned he would be born with a cleft lip and palate, and I spent a lot of time thinking about the rules of beauty, symmetry … and I was much more interested in another level of beauty,” she says.

We’ve gotta say that it shows: Rather than simply paint a pretty portrait, Wynona’s photos are intimate and spontaneous and tend to reveal her subject’s character rather than their physicality. This seems to be particularly important in children’s photography, when quirky personality traits just begin to reveal themselves.

From a big ol’ family (even in Utah terms), Wynona says she’s always been very comfortable around kids, which comes in handy when capturing images of little persons that tend to a) clam up, or b) put on their best cheese face when the camera comes out. We guess that it doesn’t hurt that kids are about ten times cuter than adults (our words, not hers).

But Wynona photographs adults too. Though child portraiture is her thang, she’s also available for family portraits, engagement sessions and more. See more at her website and blog.

{Strike a Pose}

Wynona Robison Photography
(801) 557-4917
www.wynonarobison.com
www.wynonarobison.typedpad.com

{Doorprize} Say cheese! Wynona is gifting one YHO reader with a free child’s sitting and $50 print credit (a $210 value). Want your little one placed behind her lens? Leave just one comment on this post before Friday, August 29 at midnight.

Check out these pretties. Holladay resident Erin Westenskow Berrett’s still life paintings include everything from fanciful cupcakes and four-inch heels to egg cartons and teapots. We love a girl that knows how to depict an everyday object as a piece of art. (Though it’s true that not every high heel is ordinary.) We’re also fans of her application of texture and color.

Educated in fine art at the University of Utah, you can see Erin’s work at the Garage Gallery in Park City. Also be sure to check out her website. Three cheers for local talent!

We came across yet another Utah-trained artist to claim. Angela Bentley Fife graduated from the University of Utah with an emphasis in drawing and painting. In the good company of other YHO faves like Chelsea James and Lindsey Frei, Angela illuminates both the feminine figure and feminine subject matter with her paintbrush. This lady can turn fashion spreads into figural paintings and fine art with both substance and style.

Her pretties are fit for the walls in our homes or the walls of local and regional galleries. Angela has participated in the Utah Womens Artists Exhibition, the Springville Salon, Park City Arts Festival and Art and Soup.

They say it takes two to tango. For Argentine-turned-Utahn Leo Patrone, all it takes is a pack of film and a solid camera … or maybe some Super 8, just for fun (and we’re not talkin’ about a motel, here). The rest is history, saved on film.

Leo moved to Utah from Mar del Plata at the ripe old age of 14. After borrowing his friend’s Canon AE1 on a trip to So Cal, he became addicted to photography—film photography, in particular. Citing lighting, color and composition as his most treasured photographic factors, Leo now travels across country shooting weddings and family portraits each year. He also shoots, develops and scans his own film for quality control. And who doesn’t like a perfectionist in their photographer?

Aside from the technicalities, here’s what we love about Leo’s photos: they’re teeming with style. Just look at them—it’s as if he packs a stylist in his camera bag. And we all know that getting a well-styled photo is sometimes half the battle. What we’ve dubbed “The Fair Shoot” pretty much says it all.

Nowadays, this self-taught favorite is booking for bridals, weddings, family portraits, couples’ shoots, and he squeezes some personal work in on the side. Check it out at the Leo Patrone blog. We think you’ll like what you see.

{Picture That}

Leo Patrone Photography
(801) 360-7786
www.leopatronephotography.com
www.leopatronephotography.blogspot.com

{Doorprize!} Who wants another go-round with their engagement pics? Or, who needs some engagement pics in the first place? These sessions are some of Leo’s favorites (as you can see), so he’s decided to gift one YHO reader with a free engagement/couple session and he’s throwing in a free 8×10, too. If you want in on this $485 value, leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Friday, July 18.

Let’s hear it for local lady Nicole LaRue, who made her very first showing at art-and-design mecca Surtex and the National Stationery Show this year, and to hot reviews. Also the mastermind behind “101 Hip Handmade Gifts” (and they really are hip)—Nicole applies her illustrations and designs to T-shirts, fabrics, children’s books and her very own line of stationery.

Nicole’s stuff is never fussy but filled with color and originality. Quippy one-liners like “Does this hat make my butt look big?” complement her greeting cards. Combined with her sometimes-pretty, sometimes-cool creations, you can’t help but wish you were friends with her.

Check out more of Nicole’s work here.

You know it’s summer when the list of things to do and see gets longer and longer as the days get hotter and hotter. Thank goodness for those nights. Here’s what’s up this week:

Art Party: The Utah Arts Festival kicks off its fifteenth year today and runs through Sunday at Library Square. We don’t know where to begin with all that goes down in this four-day extravaganza, so we’ll just direct you to the site. Start your search here.

Look Alive: The funniest musical you’ve never seen took the stage at Capitol Theatre yesterday and stays through Sunday. It’s not too late to stay up with The Drowsy Chaperone. Get your tickets here.

Funny Guy: For a good time, hang out with Jerry Seinfeld when he takes Abravanel Hall with his live comedy act tomorrow night. Even his old material never gets old, but here’s to hoping for some new stuff. Get your last-minute tickets here.

Lavender Blues: If you’ve got a hankering for some lavender (or a paddle boat or pony ride), head to Young Living Farms in Mona, Utah, for the Lavender Days taking place Friday and Saturday. You’ll see 120 acres of lavender waiting to be harvested. More info here.

Sale Away: If you’re looking to stimulate the economy this weekend with some local shopping, here are some tips: Bastille is celebrating ten years in SLC with a 10%-off-sale-price sale beginning Saturday morning. Mode Boutique is currently holding a summer sale with 30% off items from its first spring shipment. And Ken Sanders Rare Books gives a generous 25% off everything in store beginning July 1 for its month-long sale.

Other things worth checking out include a sidewalk sale along Broadway (300 South) with live music on Saturday; the Gallivan Center’s fifteenth birthday today with free cupcakes and pizza; and Independents Week, where you can be educated on the benefits of eating and buying locally.

We were thrilled to be tipped off to works by graphic designer Valerie Jar. This recent University of Utah grad (just a month out of school) has one of those portfolios that’s fun to peruse even if you’re not in the market for design work: colorful, inventive, inspiring and hip.

We were even more thrilled when Valerie tipped us off to her new Etsy shop, which made its debut over the weekend. At Cityablaze, Valerie lets her creative side run rampant. You’ll find Valerie’s illustrations turned into cool owl pillows, whimsical screenprints and relief prints—and all at reasonable prices. Our hearts went pitter-patter for her spiral-bound 2009 calendar.

Check it all out here.

Bee Seen: For mingling, last-minute Mother’s Day shopping or good old-fashioned people-watching head to the Beehive Bazaar and After Party; the final weekend of the popular Oh Sweet Sadie showdown; or the classy Art Market, all taking place this weekend. If you’re feeling extra zealous, we dare you to attend all four. Think of the bragging rights!

Cultcha: You’ve got some options for art-viewing, too. Head to the UMFA to view the latest exhibit, Utah’s Premier Artists, or head to Flynn Artipelago (3474 S. 2300 East, Millcreek) where 20 artists will open their doors to the public this Friday and Saturday.

Watch Out: See lovable seniors cover The Clash in the promising “Young At Heart” rockumentary opening this weekend at the Broadway. Or pedal your way to the Pedal Pusher Film Festival at the Depot. Last but not least, see how BYU grad Stephenie Meyer’s vampire love story is being interpreted in the official Twilight Trailer. Steamy or no?

And if you’re up for a good jog-with-meaning, don’t forget the Race for the Cure this Saturday.

If you have the slightest interest in art (or simply the looks of fine baked goods), get thee to the Springville Art Museum for the new Wayne Thiebaud exhibit, on now through July 29. A contemporary of Andy Warhol, Thiebaud is best-known for his still life works depicting bakery windows. He’s also revered for bringing together traditional and contemporary, and for his studied and simple, cheery color palettes.

A nationally-acclaimed artist, his works can be seen in museums nationwide. Thiebaud has a special connection to Utah, however, because he spent part of his childhood on a ranch north of St. George.

How do you not like a guy who says of his art, “I am desperately trying to make it look not so bad.” Go check it out. Take our word for it: for Utah, this is kind of huge.

p.s. We know we already mentioned it, but goings-on of this caliber deserve multiple writeups.

p.p.s. It’s also FREE.

{Cakewalk}

70 Years of Painting: Wayne Thiebaud
Springville Museum of Art
126 E. 400 South, Springville
March 28 – July 29, 2008
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 3 – 6 p.m.
www.smofa.org

When Ali got married back in 2004, she went out on a limb and selected a photographer from a Utah wedding guidebook. She chose him strictly for his style—she didn’t even have a referral to go on. She simply liked what she saw: photos that displayed candid vision, vibrant colors and sometimes a subtle, vintage appeal. When she actually met the photographer when time came to shoot engagement photos, she liked the person behind the lens, too.

She wasn’t the only one. Many years and many weddings later (as a photographer), Jonathan Canlas has only impressed us more, and illuminated hundreds of nuptials. He’s captured the hearts (again, as a photographer) of brides and grooms nationwide, and has garnered attention from The Knot on many occasions.

And rightly so. He shot with a Holga when none of us even knew what one was. In a digital age, he’s loyal to film. (Even teaching a cool, film-centric workshop in Hawaii for fellow photographers next week.) His portraits are unbeatable. His grasp on color and tone, still unrivaled. You’ll love his eye for detail.

Lately, we’ve grown into big fans of Jonathan’s family portraits too; never overposed nor awkward, we think his style rings true. He knows how to capture the personality of a family without reaching for that dreaded dose of cheese.

Jonathan recently became a YHO sponsor, which, naturally, makes us appreciate him all the more. But now you’re gonna love him, too. Shout it from the rooftops, tell your friends, tell your dog’s friends. Here’s the scoop:

{Doorprize!} Jonathan Canlas is offering up one sweet deal: A family sitting for up to eight people (or one immediate family) as well as a complimentary 11×14 print, a $300 value. The images will be available for proofing for nine months, and the winner will get 30 percent off all orders placed within the the first ten days following the shoot. Wowee. Wanna win this one? Leave just one comment on this post by 10 p.m. on Friday evening. Remember to check back to see if you’re the lucky winner.

{Picture This}

Lindsey Frei is another local artist whose works we’ve been admiring from afar. Her still life paintings are fuss-free and bright, and subject matter ranges from fashion-inspired portraits and loose flowers to everyday items like shoes, ceramic mugs—even pacifiers and rubber duckies. In a series called “Alterations,” she found inspiration in an abandoned suitcase of women’s clothing.

In her artist statement Lindsey says, “I choose neutral subjects because they are often free of expectations … the beauty in painting … lies in the transformation from an ordinary thing into a specific statement with human interactions.”

Her paintings are placed in galleries from coast to coast (from Park City to Windham, New York to Carmel, California), but lucky for us, Lindsey’s work is currently showing at the Phillips Gallery in Salt Lake City through Feb. 8.

{Go See}

Paintings by Lindsey Frei
Phillips Gallery
444 E. 200 South, Salt Lake City
Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, Monday and evenings by appointment.

We’ve had paintings by University of Utah grad Chelsea B. James bookmarked for a while now. We’re partial to her still life works, with their soft color pallettes and feminine subject matter, though her landscapes are the kind we’d love to decorate our walls with, too. In her artist statement, Chelsea says, “I am intrigued by subtle shifts in value and color, yet seek a personal interpretation of the objects rather than a replication.” We’re also big fans of the titles of her paintings, like one depicting a pair of yellow pumps and a glazed donut called “Going Out For Dessert.”

You can visit Chelsea’s website or blog to see more. She’s in the process of relocating back to Salt Lake City, so we hope to see more of her work at local gallery shows throughout the year. She’s already scheduled for one group show at the Pickett Fairbanks Gallery (aka Magpies Nest) in the Avenues in Salt Lake City in May.

Welcome back, Chelsea!

Spotted: Cool limited-edition poster commemorating the release of the Utah quarter, designed by Zach Jones

Good For: Marrying your mother’s design sense and your father’s history buff-ishness.

Where: The Mandate Press (aka Seraph Stationery)

How Much: $75, printed on Cranes Lettra 100 percent cotton paper (now available for pre-order)

We came upon Papaya! as we were preparing for the onslaught of fun-and-stylish calendars that always let loose in anticipation of January 2008. Papaya started out as a mother-and-daughter duo that focused on creating “luscious, brave, heart-centered artwork.” We feel like this description holds true, as the designs feel like they could have been plucked from Luhrmann’s “Romeo and Juliet”—with a refreshing and exotic feminine angle. (Click here, for some good examples.)

As we said, the 2008 calendars caught our eyes first. But as we started digging around the site, we came across favorite blank note cards like “I Miss You” and “Girl With Parrot.” Or maybe it’s the selection of journals or the envelope series that will be the most “papayalicious” to you. We think the Love Letters might be good for framing.

See more from Papaya! here.