Our Global Climate Crisis & Paul Vincent Bernard -VENUE CLOSED

Phillips Gallery is temporarily closed until further notice. You may still view our collection through appointment – Please contact us through email or phone message. Thank you for understanding, we hope you and your loved ones are well.

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The world seems especially topsy turvy and uncertain right now, but we are determined to forge on ahead with an exhibition that we feel is especially relevant and needed.

Whether or not you believe in the predictions of scientists, there is no denying that our ecosystems are changing. We see and feel nature’s wrath by way of catastrophic fires, flooding, severe storms, and droughts. As well as the quieter but no less tragic indicators such as melting glaciers, diminishing flora and fauna, natural habitat displacement and, as we are currently experiencing, an up-tic in the number of life threatening viruses. Human-produced greenhouse gases have caused much of the increase in Earth’s temperatures over the past 50 years. Many feel helpless in the face of this, and take action in whatever form they can. Yet more must be done to turn things around in order to save what we are able.

Could art assist in this endeavor? We believe it can. We have invited 20 of our artists to create work that expresses their concerns, in hopes of inciting the public to exercise their own influence on the crisis. If the experience of viewing this exhibit has the potential to change the ecological consciousness of just one person, then it would be worth their effort. In conjunction with this exhibit, on April 2nd, 6 to 8 pm, Sarah Wright, founder & executive director of Utah Clean Energy will address this issue and share steps we can take for community action.

Paul Vincent Bernard (1995 Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate of the University of Utah) is a Salt Lake City printmaker and painter who creates minimalist landscapes inspired by abstract shapes, paths, and margins found in the spare Utah geography. Dark monoliths and deep black forms are threaded with slender fissures, edged in loose fast scrawls, often jutting into the merest slip of pale horizon. Working in dual media allows Bernard’s sensibilities as a painter to inform his printmaking, while his etchings frequently have a painterly feel. His inks: deep, matte, light-absorbing blacks, are frequently painted onto enamel-coated printing plates or painted panel that are then scratched, rubbed, and scribed-upon in a way that leaves the finished piece with not just gravity but also energy.

Due to COVID-19, we regret to say we will not be holding our opening/artist reception during Gallery Stroll this Friday. Never the less, for those who would like to visit the gallery to see these wonderful exhibits in person, please rest assured that we have been enhancing our cleaning standards by implementing specific guidelines from the CDC. Surfaces, door knobs and railings continue to be disinfected and we maintain a respectful “social distance” with our clientele.

For those who would prefer to stay home, we support and honor your decision. Our website is available for you to peruse 24/7 at www.phillips-gallery.com and our Gallery Director and Fine Art Consultants ready to assist you and answer your q