Post by Chris Wolfe on Jan 18, 2005 17:46:58 GMT -5
-article by Chris Wolfe
Editor-in-Chief
Most people have heard to St. Louis, St. Paul, and maybe even St. Thomas, but how many people have ever heard of St. George? I bet that less than two people said, “I have!” Well, first let me tell you a little bit about St. George, which by the way, is a city in Utah.
St. George was founded in the mid-nineteenth century, during the Civil War. The Mormons of Salt Lake City were living through very harsh conditions, and the Civil War cut off most of Utah’s trade with the South. The Mormons were hurt the most by their sudden deprivation of cotton.
The Mormons found it necessary to find a Southern refuge to help rebuild Utah’s economy, so they headed to Southwestern Utah. The people there lived hard lives trying to live in the rough conditions in this area.
Over time, the conditions got better, and more and more people flocked to St. George, especially in the winter, when temperatures average in the high 50s. St. George is now the fastest growing metropolis in the West, and has recently reached 75,000 in the city and 125,000 in the county. The people of St. George are extremely cultured people, which could explain why St. George has been considered as a major art Mecca in the West.
St. George and Southern Utah house over ten National Parks, Monuments, Recreation Areas and Forests. The three most famous are Zion National Park (one hour), Bryce Canyon National Park (two hours and forty-five minutes) and Arches National Park (five hours and thirty-five minutes). These parks house amazing canyons, mountains, valleys, and most of all, red rocks. The best way to experience the true beauty of these parks is to take a hike through the mountains. All three parks have trails that help show you the best viewpoints in the park, and the best places to take pictures. The cover page photo was taken in Zion National Park, on the Court of the Patriarchs Trail. The Canyon Overlook Trail is another amazing trail if you don’t have much time but still want to see a lot. Other National Areas in the region include Cedar Breaks National Monument, Dixie National Forest, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase National Monument. The Grand Canyon is only a four-hour drive from St. George.
The St. George Metropolitan Area houses many museums, most of them dedicated to the Mormon history (the city is 90% Mormon, so what do you expect?). But the city of St. George has one museum dedicated to solely art, The St. George Art Museum (47 East 200 North, St. George. Tel: 435-634-5942). It isn’t the CMA, but it suits Southern Utah. They are currently hosting a juried exhibition and a ceramic exhibition, along with their permanent collection. Washington City also has a small art museum attached to their historical museum.
But what St. George lacks in art for viewing only, it makes up in art for purchase. Especially near the National Parks, there are many specialty galleries. One of my personal favorites is the Worthington Gallery in Springdale, outside of Zion National Park. This gallery is mostly a pottery gallery, but it’s main attraction are the beautiful windmills outside of it. These wrought iron machines are all hand-made and retail for usually over $1000. Be sure to stop after taking in the natural beauty of Zion. Another favorite place of mine is Kayenta, a dedicated art community, about 10 miles north of downtown. Kayenta houses nearly ten galleries, with everything from pottery to photography. Although each gallery is unique in its own way, one stood out the most to me. Juniper Sky (851 Coyote Gulch Court, Kayenta. Tel: 435-674-2306. Web: kayentahomes.com/junipersky) is an eclectic mix of modern and old-fashioned, both living in harmony together. Maybe the huge entry door attracted me. Maybe the bright colors that I could see looking into the almost all window walls pulled me in. Whatever is was, I’m glad it happened, because this is by far my favorite gallery in St. George. St. George is home to many more galleries, especially in the Historic District and Ancestor Square, all of which you will want to see.
But what if live entertainment is more your forte? St. George has something for you too! Tuacahn (1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins. Tel: 435-652-3200), an outdoor theatre literally in the middle of a canyon, is one of the most breathtaking theatres in the country. They put on around four shows per year, each running for a season. I always enjoy seeing the shows that are put on here, because they are world-class. Just be sure to bring a water bottle (and maybe a jacket)! Tuacahn also has a high school dedicated to the Performing Arts. This high school is considered one of the best in the Western United States. The students also put on plays (usually for charity) periodically throughout the year. St. George also has an Opera House, and will soon have a new Art House Theatre, dedicated to independent films.
The only drawback in the art department that St. George has is that there is little art of fashion. Red Cliffs Mall, St. George’s only mall, has less than 50 stores, all of the stores being extremely small. And no, you won’t find an Abercrombie & Fitch or Express here, but if you like American Eagle or Old Navy, then you’re set! St. George does have one small outlet center with around 30 stores, but it’s nothing amazing. Nevertheless, Las Vegas, which has amazing shopping, is only 2 hours away. At least they have a new Starbucks to help pass the time!
Getting to St. George can take a little bit of time. If you’re planning to fly you have two options. The first option (which is much easier) is to fly into Las Vegas, and take I-15N for 2 hours to St. George. The other option is to fly to Salt Lake City or Los Angeles first, and then catch a very tiny plane into St. George. But travel will be much easier soon, with the groundbreaking of a new airport late next year. St. George is a land of opportunity, with beautiful homes, beautiful weather and beautiful people; it is one of my favorite places in the world! For travel info, please visit stgeorge.com
E-mail this reporter at:
photoeditorcw@yahoo.com
Editor-in-Chief
Most people have heard to St. Louis, St. Paul, and maybe even St. Thomas, but how many people have ever heard of St. George? I bet that less than two people said, “I have!” Well, first let me tell you a little bit about St. George, which by the way, is a city in Utah.
St. George was founded in the mid-nineteenth century, during the Civil War. The Mormons of Salt Lake City were living through very harsh conditions, and the Civil War cut off most of Utah’s trade with the South. The Mormons were hurt the most by their sudden deprivation of cotton.
The Mormons found it necessary to find a Southern refuge to help rebuild Utah’s economy, so they headed to Southwestern Utah. The people there lived hard lives trying to live in the rough conditions in this area.
Over time, the conditions got better, and more and more people flocked to St. George, especially in the winter, when temperatures average in the high 50s. St. George is now the fastest growing metropolis in the West, and has recently reached 75,000 in the city and 125,000 in the county. The people of St. George are extremely cultured people, which could explain why St. George has been considered as a major art Mecca in the West.
St. George and Southern Utah house over ten National Parks, Monuments, Recreation Areas and Forests. The three most famous are Zion National Park (one hour), Bryce Canyon National Park (two hours and forty-five minutes) and Arches National Park (five hours and thirty-five minutes). These parks house amazing canyons, mountains, valleys, and most of all, red rocks. The best way to experience the true beauty of these parks is to take a hike through the mountains. All three parks have trails that help show you the best viewpoints in the park, and the best places to take pictures. The cover page photo was taken in Zion National Park, on the Court of the Patriarchs Trail. The Canyon Overlook Trail is another amazing trail if you don’t have much time but still want to see a lot. Other National Areas in the region include Cedar Breaks National Monument, Dixie National Forest, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase National Monument. The Grand Canyon is only a four-hour drive from St. George.
The St. George Metropolitan Area houses many museums, most of them dedicated to the Mormon history (the city is 90% Mormon, so what do you expect?). But the city of St. George has one museum dedicated to solely art, The St. George Art Museum (47 East 200 North, St. George. Tel: 435-634-5942). It isn’t the CMA, but it suits Southern Utah. They are currently hosting a juried exhibition and a ceramic exhibition, along with their permanent collection. Washington City also has a small art museum attached to their historical museum.
But what St. George lacks in art for viewing only, it makes up in art for purchase. Especially near the National Parks, there are many specialty galleries. One of my personal favorites is the Worthington Gallery in Springdale, outside of Zion National Park. This gallery is mostly a pottery gallery, but it’s main attraction are the beautiful windmills outside of it. These wrought iron machines are all hand-made and retail for usually over $1000. Be sure to stop after taking in the natural beauty of Zion. Another favorite place of mine is Kayenta, a dedicated art community, about 10 miles north of downtown. Kayenta houses nearly ten galleries, with everything from pottery to photography. Although each gallery is unique in its own way, one stood out the most to me. Juniper Sky (851 Coyote Gulch Court, Kayenta. Tel: 435-674-2306. Web: kayentahomes.com/junipersky) is an eclectic mix of modern and old-fashioned, both living in harmony together. Maybe the huge entry door attracted me. Maybe the bright colors that I could see looking into the almost all window walls pulled me in. Whatever is was, I’m glad it happened, because this is by far my favorite gallery in St. George. St. George is home to many more galleries, especially in the Historic District and Ancestor Square, all of which you will want to see.
But what if live entertainment is more your forte? St. George has something for you too! Tuacahn (1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins. Tel: 435-652-3200), an outdoor theatre literally in the middle of a canyon, is one of the most breathtaking theatres in the country. They put on around four shows per year, each running for a season. I always enjoy seeing the shows that are put on here, because they are world-class. Just be sure to bring a water bottle (and maybe a jacket)! Tuacahn also has a high school dedicated to the Performing Arts. This high school is considered one of the best in the Western United States. The students also put on plays (usually for charity) periodically throughout the year. St. George also has an Opera House, and will soon have a new Art House Theatre, dedicated to independent films.
The only drawback in the art department that St. George has is that there is little art of fashion. Red Cliffs Mall, St. George’s only mall, has less than 50 stores, all of the stores being extremely small. And no, you won’t find an Abercrombie & Fitch or Express here, but if you like American Eagle or Old Navy, then you’re set! St. George does have one small outlet center with around 30 stores, but it’s nothing amazing. Nevertheless, Las Vegas, which has amazing shopping, is only 2 hours away. At least they have a new Starbucks to help pass the time!
Getting to St. George can take a little bit of time. If you’re planning to fly you have two options. The first option (which is much easier) is to fly into Las Vegas, and take I-15N for 2 hours to St. George. The other option is to fly to Salt Lake City or Los Angeles first, and then catch a very tiny plane into St. George. But travel will be much easier soon, with the groundbreaking of a new airport late next year. St. George is a land of opportunity, with beautiful homes, beautiful weather and beautiful people; it is one of my favorite places in the world! For travel info, please visit stgeorge.com
E-mail this reporter at:
photoeditorcw@yahoo.com