UBTech partners with Uintah Basin Visual Arts to open gallery

By Heather Lowry

When Robin O’Crowley heard from Deena Millecam – then president of Uintah Basin Visual Arts – that the group was partnering with Uintah Basin Technical College to establish an art gallery on the Vernal campus, she knew she wanted to be involved and immediately volunteered to chair the committee.

Through the partnership, artists from UBVA donate artwork for an annual art auction, benefiting the UBTech Foundation Scholarship fund. The artwork is currently on display in the UBTech art gallery on the main floor of the Vernal campus. There are 15 local artists represented, each with a different artistic style and method.

“I believe that our partnership will grow and build the visibility of our local artists,” said UBTech Vice President of Instructional Services Mark Dockins. “This is a fantastic place for the local artists in the Uintah Basin to showcase and sell their artwork.”

Most of the artwork now on display is for sale. Ten percent of the proceeds will go to scholarships at UBTech. The artwork will change periodically, with the next rotation starting at the end of September.

The first art auction will be held sometime in 2022.

O’Crowley hopes that when people visit friends and family in the Basin, the visit will include a trip to the gallery.

“It is a beautiful place, more sophisticated – like being in a real museum,” she said.

Dockins played a key role in turning the idea into reality.

“Deena Millecam and I were having lunch together, and she was talking about her work with  UBVA. She was talking about some of the challenges of trying to do shows with large pieces of artwork. That got me thinking about our Vernal campus and the huge white walls in our front computer lab,” said Dockins.

His vision included auctioning off the art to raise money for student scholarships.

“When I approached President Weight, he was very open to this idea and loved the concept of highlighting our local artists in our building,” Dockins said. “This would never have happened without the work and inspiration of Deena, Robin, Lori, Louis, and President Weight.”

Committee members working with O’Crowley are Lori Burchinal, Louis Kamler, and Celissa Hatch.

“All of us are involved in something to help get the group established in the community,” said O’Crowley. “This project is close to home and easy to get to.”

For more information or to join UBVA and show your artwork, contact Robin O’Crowley at: danarobin1929@yahoo.com.

                                                                     

                                        Inviting all artists to join UBVA

All mediums encouraged!

Sculpture, pottery, painting, textiles, drawing, and more!

Our goals are to promote and encourage artists, teach the value of creativity, and grow the art community in the Uintah Basin. Come to a meeting! First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 PM at the Innovation Hub.

UBVA.org

Uintah Basin Visual Arts Committee displays artwork at the UBTech Vernal Campus. A percentage of the sales will be donated to the UBTech Foundation for student scholarships.

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