This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
One of the largest gatherings of the Utah arts community — including artists, administrators, educators, students, and arts supporters — will convene at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center on Thursday, May 2, for a day of networking, workshops, and performances at the 7th annual Mountain West Arts Conference.
Registration is now open at artsandmuseums.utah.gov. Keynote speaker Idaho State Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb will discuss the importance of art in living a rich and rewarding life. Buckner-Webb is a nationally recognized inspirational speaker, trainer, consultant, coach, and jazz/gospel/blues singer. She has recorded with jazz great Gene Harris, released a debut solo CD, "By His Grace," and was a 2004 Excellence in the Arts award winner for the State of Idaho Governor's Awards in the Arts. The 2013 conference will feature workshops on a number of topics, including youth engagement, grant writing, cultural diversity, media relations, and hands-on art.
Presenters and speakers with regional and national expertise will be on hand to share inspiration, including: Douglas McLennan, founder and editor of ArtsJournal; Maria Garciaz, Executive Director of NeighborWorks Salt Lake; Douglas Sonntag of the National Endowment for the Arts; Carrie Trenholm, Beverley Taylor Sorenson Endowed Chair of Elementary Arts Education at Southern Utah University; and Maryo Gard Ewell, Manager of the Creative District Program for Colorado Creative Industries. Performances will be given throughout the day from artists such as Daniel Day Trio, AirFare, and 2013 Utah Poetry Out Loud winner Devin Jones from West Jordan High School. Registration is $95 for the full conference, including the Governor's Leadership in the Arts Awards luncheon, or $55 for the luncheon alone. Educators can receive points toward Utah Educator's License recertification. For more information, visit the Utah Arts & Museums Web site at artsandmuseums.utah.go