Utah Museum of Contemporary Art presents: Art Fitness Training Get art fit, lose the art fat! (SLC: JAN 28, FEB 4, FEB 11)

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art presents: Art Fitness Training

Get art fit, lose the art fat!

Contact: Emily Brunt | emilyb@slartcenter.org  | 801.328.4201 x 115

www.utahmoca.org | 20 S West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Tue-Thu & Sat 11 AM – 6 PM, Fri 11 AM – 9 PM

For Immediate Release:  December 16, 2011

SALT LAKE CITY- The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art is pleased to announce the launch of Art Fitness Training, its new flagship program for everyone who has ever wanted to feel more confident in a museum setting.  The first round of Art Fitness Training will occur on three consecutive Saturdays: January 28, February 4, and February 11 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.  Registration is $75.00, or $60.00 for UMOCA members, and includes participation in all three classes. Register at www.utahmoca.org/art-fitness.  Space is limited.

With an emphasis on close observation and easy to grasp principles, this three-part, participatory workshop is designed to give all audiences the ability to appreciate even the most difficult contemporary art. 

“Museums have for too long encouraged visitors to rely on the institution for an explanation of the art, allowing the general public to get flabby when it comes to art interpretation,” says Felicia Baca, Curator of Education and Public Programs, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art.  “Art Fitness Training empowers the viewer to interpret, understand, and enjoy the works using the tools they already possess.”

“There are parts of the program that will be hard work, but there’s no reason for us not to have fun while we are all getting back in shape,” says Adam Price, Executive Director, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art.  “This is a great chance to impress your friends and family with your new art muscles when visiting museums, galleries, and private collections.”

The three sessions will be held at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, and at a residence featuring one of Utah’s premier privately-held contemporary art collections.

Work out gear is optional, but encouraged.  Appropriate for college-age and up.

Art Fitness Training is presented in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, and sponsored by the Utah Valley University’s Honors Program.  UMOCA extends a special thanks to Utah Museum of Fine Arts for supporting the session held at UMFA.

Felicia Baca and Laura Hurtado stand in front of Kim Schoenstadt’s Diving Board Helix (Wall Drawing). Adam Price stands in front of Wendy Red Star’s Thunder Up Above, 3. Stirs up the Dust. These promotional images and others will be available for download at utahmoca.org/press. Both art works currently on display at UMOCA.

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (formerly Salt Lake Art Center) was recognized as Best Museum in the State of Utah for 2011.  Founded in 1931 and now located in the heart of Salt Lake City, UMOCA exhibits groundbreaking work by leading local and international artists. Recent exhibitions include Fallen Fruit of Utah, a state-wide collaboration with museums and individuals about the role of fruit in Utah’s history, led by artist collective Fallen Fruit; and Kim Schoenstadt, winner of the 2011 Catherine Doctorow Prize for Contemporary Painting.  Upcoming exhibitions include the annual installment of Sundance Film Festival New Frontier, and also Play Me I’m Yours, inviting the people of Salt Lake to show off their piano skills on street corners all over Salt Lake.  UMOCA rounds out its offerings with a lively mix of award-winning educational programs, film screenings, panel discussions, and events celebrating Salt Lake’s vibrant local art scene. UMOCA is located at 20 S. West Temple, just off the intersection with South Temple. Admission is free year-round. Business hours are Tuesday-Thursday: 11 am-6 pm; Friday: 11 am-9 pm; Saturday: 11 am-6 pm; closed Sunday and Monday. For more information call (801) 328-4201 or visit www.slartcenter.org.

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Emily Brunt

Director of Communications, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
801.328.4201 x115 | m: 801.232.7362 | emily.brunt@utahmoca.org  | www.utahmoca.org