Art Around the Corner Foundation Announces Third Annual “Partner in the Arts” award

“Southern Utah is a more beautiful place because of Matt Clark,” said Art Around the Corner chair Dannielle Larkin. “Like the artist himself, Matt’s sculpture delivers creativity, purpose, endurance, and often a dose of good humor.”

Matt Clark is the 2009 recipient of the Art Around the Corner Foundation’s Partner in the Arts award.

A lifelong resident of southern Utah, Clark grew up on a ranch north of St. George. He became interested in welding and working with metal at age 15, when he purchased a welding machine and taught himself to use it. That early interest in working with metal evolved from attaching trailer hitches to a full-time career as a metal sculptor.

Ranging from contemporary to whimsical, Clark’s sculpture has been recognized with numerous awards, including:

-2006 Best of Show Art in the Park, St. George, UT
-2005 Best of Show Art and Jazz Festival, Grand Junction
-2004 Purchase Award Winner, Art on the Corner Competition, Grand Junction
-2004 First Place Award, Sculpture Category, Annual St. George Art Juried Festival
-2001 and 2000 First Place Awards, Sculpture Category, Regional Annual Juried Exhibition, St. George Art Museum

Along with friend Cindy Trueblood, Clark co-chaired and nurtured the Art Around the Corner outdoor sculpture exhibit for several years, and continues to participate as a contributor and consultant.

“Southern Utah is indebted to Matt, not only for his vision and dedication to his craft, but also because of his willingness to give generously of his time and talents to our community,” said Larkin.

Presentation of the Partner in the Arts award will occur on 28 March at a gala marking the opening of the 2009 Art Around the Corner exhibit. The exhibit will include two of Clark’s sculptures, “Desert Rain Totem” and “Composition #6”.

The annual Partner in the Arts Award honors an individual (or couple) who has supported the arts and enriched the St. George artistic community. Previous recipients include Doug and Elaine Alder, Sue and the late Merv Cox, and L’Deane Trueblood.

Art Around the Corner is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting the arts and enriching the community of St. George. Originally formed as the Pioneer Center for the Arts Foundation, this group been a major force behind projects like the restoration of the Opera House and building the St. George Art Museum and Social Hall.  Ongoing Foundation undertakings include the Art Around the Corner open-air sculpture exhibit and the Partner in the Arts Award.