Classic A journey through art at SUU

The display of current faculty work is a biannual tradition at the Southern Utah Museum of Art, but for the 125th anniversary of the university, the museum wanted to do something extra special. Thus, the journey into the past began.

SUMA’s exhibit “Classic” ran from Jan. 17 to March 4, showcasing art from art and design faculty over the course of SUU’s history. Current faculty members’ art was also included.

The mediums of art were widespread, and many pieces featured southern Utah landscapes and SUU-related subjects. Each display was magnificent, capturing a different point of view, culture and handiwork, something to be expected from such a diverse collection of artists.

A century of time was displayed across the museum, beginning in the 1920s and stretching all the way to present day. “Classic” is a reminder that great art has been a part of SUU’s legacy longer than the art department itself and will remain here long after today.

Mary L. Bastow: 1929-1968

Mary L. Bastow began working at the Branch Normal School in 1929. She is described by SUMA as “the art department,” teaching the first classes on design, drawing, art appreciation and everything else an art student could hope for. In 1939, SUU’s Division of Arts began, and heralded as its founding chair was Bastow. Her work featured at SUMA includes a watercolor piece and an oil painting of the College of Southern Utah barn. However, it is lucky that we are able to see any of her art at all.

In the Old Main Fire of 1948, the library and art department were turned into rubble. Among the destruction was Bastow’s entire lifetime of work. Of course, she continued to paint, and because of that, we were able to see a glimpse of what was once lost.

Gaell Lindstrom: 1954-1957

Initially a high school art teacher in Cedar City, Gaell Lindstrom came to the College of Southern Utah with an interest in watercolor. His work features rich, dark colors and fascinating architecture that acts more as a window into another world than a framed image.

Lindstrom explained his art simply: “Painting starts where my words leave off.” The statement feels entirely appropriate, as he leaves hundreds of museum goers across Utah speechless.

Thomas Leek: 1961-1985

A former chairman of the art department, Thomas Leek was another powerful force in SUU’s arts. In 1976, he founded SUMA’s predecessor, the Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery. He served as the director of the gallery long after his time at SUU.

Another artist with a fondness for watercolor, Leek’s pieces capture the bright colors found throughout landscapes. His stark oranges and soft greens add a delightful softness that draws the viewer in and invites them to stay.

Leek himself considers the pieces “ideological summaries of life experiences.”

Carol Jeanne Abraham: 1975-1977

Carol Jeanne Abraham leads us away from soft watercolors and rich oils and into the world of sculpture. Her piece displayed at SUMA, while untitled, has a magnificent science to it that was discovered by the artist herself.

When attending the Rochester Institute of Technology, Abraham was credited with the discovery of “thixotropic” clay. This clay has a very interesting property where it becomes a fluid while being manipulated and settles in solid when left alone. Her contribution to art and science has left meaningful impacts in both.

Arlene Braithewaite: 1978-2009

Before her time at SUU, Arlene Braithewaite served as an artist and writer for the Color Country Spectrum and remains active in the Utah art community today. While at SUU, she taught Drawing I-III and Art Methods for Secondary Teachers.

Her work in pastels captures an astounding amount of movement and light. She has received awards for her work across Utah and has completed commissioned pieces for Cedar Breaks National Monument and Dixie National Forest. She was also recognized as a celebrated artist for Zion National Park’s Centennial Plein Air Invitational in 2019.

Jeremias Paul: 2007-2014

Primarily interested in the experiences of space and how they are perceived and understood, Jeremias Paul uses color photography to capture strange and mystical images, many of which offer a panoramic experience.

While at SUU, he served as the head of the photography program and an assistant professor of photography. His work is regularly exhibited across the United States

Russell Wrankle: Current

The present brings us to the work of Russell Wrankle. Working in ceramics and clay, Wrankle produces mind-boggling pieces that force you to look just a little bit closer. He mainly sculpts animals but also creates more abstract pieces. Three of his pieces were displayed at SUMA, each of them more eccentric than the last.

While currently on sabbatical, he will return to SUU to continue teaching in the fall semester of 2024.

Though the exhibit has closed, many of the artists can be found online to satiate the need to see more. We wait with great anticipation for the next collection of faculty art, but until then, SUMA will continue providing a step into the art world for free.

Hours and information on upcoming exhibits can be found at their website at suu.edu/suma.

-Written by Audrey Gee