On Friday, I went to see not one, but two exhibitions showcasing the Utah section of Highway 89. It was a great opportunity to see other artists' perspectives on my favorite topic.
John Telford, one of Utah's most well-respected photographers, has about 60 images from his series, "People, Places and Things Along US-89" at the Rio Gallery in the Rio Grande Station. The photographs are traditional silver gelatin prints in a near-panoramic format. The format is an unusual, but effective choice: most of his subjects are environmental portraits of individuals who live and work along the route. The scale of the prints invites a close inspection, an intimate interaction with each subject.
I particularly enjoyed Telford's portrait of Merlin Figg of Orderville, maker of handmade caskets, and the Freeds, owners of the Lagoon resort in Farmington, shot on the park's carousel. I laughed at the shot of the Kane County sheriff dummy in the squad car, one that has slowed me down on numerous occasions. Telford acquaints the view with a fascinating slice of Utah: beekepers, knifemakers, and politicians.
Telford's panoramic views around Big Water and the Sevier Valley are simply lovely; I wish there had been room for more in the exhibit. Utah's segment of Highway 89 comprises about a third of the overall length of the 1,600 mile historic route; even 60 photos can hardly begin to cover the subject.
I hope to go back to the Rio Gallery on Friday, March 21 for the opening reception (6-9 pm). I hope to see some of my blog-readers there too.
Sadly, I didn't get to "The State Street Project: A Portrait of Utah" until the last day it was mounted. Eight artists interpreted their travels along the highway in collage, photography, watercolours and oil paintings. Because the show is going to travel around the state, I'll have more to say about it in another post, when you can go see it.
