Kanab Arts Board Exhibition Opening Celebrates New Local Artists & Awards Artist and Art Supporter of 2024
Advertisement Space

The Kane County Hospital lobby will be the venue for the Second Quarter Exhibition, scheduled to open on April 17, 2025. The Second Quarter Exhibition celebrates the creativity and skill of four local artists alongside the inspiring works of our talented 4-H students.

Emerging Artists from Kanab Elementary School

The exhibition showcases the colorful works of the 4-H students from Kanab Elementary School, ages 9-12. Their papier-mâché creations, made possible by the USU Extension Kane County 4-H program, demonstrate their creativity and skills in STEAM – science, technology, engineering, and math. The students learned about structure, design, and artistic expression through hands-on experiences, such as papier-mâché workshops. The art materials, provided by Elizabeth Davis, Kane County Extension Associate Professor/Director, Angie Reidhead, Kane County 4-H Program Coordinator, and Megan Brewer, 4-H program assistant, were used to bring their imagination to life. The students were encouraged to choose any medium they preferred, resulting in a diverse range of creations, including digital design, painting, robotics, and sculpture.

  • Some of the 4-H students’ notable creations include:
  • Hunter Bauer, Ashlynne Beazer, Carter Berrie, Emmalyn Brewer, Graysen Davis, Tanzi Henderson, Vayla Henke, Ceci Huntington/Kallie Church, Bryson Palmer, Lander Porter, Elsie Stott, Beckham Walker, and Lexi Walker.

Contemporary Realist Artist Tally Willard

Tally Willard, a contemporary realist artist, will be joining the 4-H student art works at the hospital. Tally graduated from Auburn University with a BFA in graphic design and worked as a graphic designer for a Fortune 500 company before transitioning to fine art full-time in 2008. Her paintings have been exhibited in private galleries and museums across the country, including groups such as Oil Painters of America and American Women Artists.

“As an artist, my goal is to bring to the canvas, a fresh interpretation of the past and present. I prefer an organic subject matter. I strive to paint drama and emotion into each piece by experimenting with colors, texture, and composition,” Tally shared.

Eileen Gilbert Bell

Eileen Gilbert Bell, a local artist, moved to Kanab about 10 years ago and has since dedicated herself to nurturing her artistic passions. She has previously served as president of the Kanab Arts Board and Secretary of the Library Board. Eileen’s artwork reflects her love for the desert landscape and vibrant community. Her journey has involved exploring various mediums and techniques, and she has faced the challenge of fading vision, which has presented new obstacles.

“I love the desert landscape, the local scenery, and the vibrant community I am part of. My journey has involved exploring a variety of mediums and techniques. I enjoy challenging myself to interpret the beauty that surrounds me. Over the past five years, I have faced the challenge of fading vision, which has presented new obstacles, but it has also given me the opportunity to embrace these changes. I hope you enjoy my work as much as I have enjoyed creating it,” Eileen shared.

Macrame Artist Natalie Wade

Natalie Wade, a macrame artist, was raised in Kanab and recently moved back after several years away. She has been married for nearly 26 years and has two grown sons. Natalie creates plant hangers and large wall hangings, often up-cycling items from antique shops and thrift stores with macrame.

“Macrame provides a unique way to revive the beauty of items that have been tossed away. I love creating unique pieces that add a touch of elegance to any room,” Natalie shared.

Wood Burning Artist Jana Stone

Jana Stone, a wood burning artist, was born in Provo and moved to Cedar and then Kanab last year. She studied Graphic Design at Southern Utah University and worked as a graphic designer before discovering her passion for wood burning. Jana creates Southwestern-themed pieces and mosaics out of wood scraps from her projects.

“We knew from the beginning we’d own a business together. We created whatever we could dream up. It all came straight from the heart, and it still does. Now, I focus on mostly Southwestern themed pieces. I also make mosaics out of wood scraps from all our combined projects. I always knew I’d sell my art, the hard part was just deciding what that’d be. Once I figured that out it all fell into place,” Jana shared.

Artist Medium Artist Statement
Tally Willard Painting “As an artist, my goal is to bring to the canvas, a fresh interpretation of the past and present. I strive to paint drama and emotion into each piece by experimenting with colors, texture, and composition.”
Eileen Gilbert Bell Varying mediums “I love the desert landscape, the local scenery, and the vibrant community I am part of. I hope you enjoy my work as much as I have enjoyed creating it.”
Natalie Wade Macrame “Macrame provides a unique way to revive the beauty of items that have been tossed away. I love creating unique pieces that add a touch of elegance to any room.”
Jana Stone Wood burning “We knew from the beginning we’d own a business together. Once I figured that out it all fell into place.”

The 2024 Artist of the Year and Art Supporter of the Year will be awarded officially during the opening reception. Congratulations to Linda McCowan and Ria Hoyt!