Olivia Jackson, a third grader at Helen M. Knight Elementary School, examines some of her entries in the second annual Student Exhibition at Gallery Moab. She is one of 16 students whose work will be displayed during February at the gallery.

The New Year began with an exciting opportunity for Gallery Moab, the co-op owned by a group of local artists and photographers. A new location became available in the front of McStiff’s Plaza and the group was quick to take advantage of the opportunity to move up.

The space, formerly occupied by Sandstone Gallery, is larger, brighter and more centrally located, bound to draw more traffic and increased interest in local art. Most of January was devoted to preparing the new gallery for opening, including the addition of mobile walls to add display space, new track lighting and other improvements. The new gallery location also includes a classroom that will be used for workshops and lectures.

As shown in photo 1, lots of white paint was expended to prepare a bright and neutral environment for the display of artworks of many kinds, including paintings, watercolors, prints, photographs, ceramics and sculpture. There are 16 active members of the co-op who take turns volunteering to run the gallery.

The public is invited to a Grand Opening event, Friday February 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. On hand will be fourteen young artists from the Helen M. Knight Elementary School featured in a special exhibition of their work (see more about this below).

Special Exhibition of Kids’ Art Highlights February Events
A month-long exhibition at Gallery Moab during February will feature works by young aspiring artists from grades K-6 at Helen M. Knight Elementary School. Organized by Bruce Hucko, who serves the school as Art Coach, the event builds on the success of the first such event last year.

Hucko works with all classes at the school, and for this project he provided them with skills then let them work to their own vision. “I attempt to nudge them to greatness,” he said.

Participants entered art they produced on their own time. Works by sixteen children were chosen for the exhibition, which runs for the entire month of February at Gallery Moab’s new location at 51 S. Main, #1 in McStiff’s Plaza adjacent to the Visitor’s Center. The gallery will be open each day during February from noon to 5.

Work by gallery artists can been seen at gallerymoab.com and on Facebook or call 435-355-0024

This colorful portrayal of a pink flower was created in acrylic paint on canvas by Ella Munger, also a third grader. As the school’s art coach, Bruce Hucko, noted, “These kids don’t hold back on color.”	This intricate paisley-like design featuring roses and twining stems was created by sixth grader Montana Adams, a sixth grader. “My dream has always been to become an artist,” she said.	Artists are pictured using their brushes to help prepare for opening of the new location for Gallery Moab at McStiff’s Plaza. The gallery will host an open house to celebrate its new location on February 7 from 4 to 6 p.m.