If you enjoy looking for new work by up-and-coming Utah artists, consider taking in lunch soon at Cannella's restaurant. Cannella's is among the many fine local establishments offering their wall space to display the talent of Utah artists.
Cannella's, which became the daily hangout of the Italian media during the recent Olympics, has been serving up tasty Italian fare and fine art ever since they opened twenty-five years ago. Owners Joe and Missy Cannella take an informal approach to accepting artists and hanging their work. And they have always provided the display space at no charge to the artists.
Without the healthy commission charged by galleries, art at this kind of venue can be very attractive to art lovers on a budget. Most of the artwork at Cannella's is in the $50-500 range.

Cannella's is located in Salt Lake City at 204 East 100 South and is open for lunch Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm and for dinner Thursday through Saturday 5:30pm to 10:00pm.

"Homemaking"         Lori Nelson

Each year Salt Lake City's Rio Gallery showcases the visual artists awarded the Utah Arts Council’s Individual Artist Grant.  This year’s exhibit will continue through April 19th, 2002.  The Rio Gallery is located in the south end of the Rio Grande Depot just south of the Gateway on 310 South Rio Grande Street (455 West) and is open Monday through Friday, 9-5.  Each artist in this exhibit received a $1200 grant in 2001 to help fund supplies, travel, or workshops to further their artistic and professional career.

The artists who received grants this year are: Visual:   Alex Bigney, James Charles, Dana Costello, Lenka Konopasek,  Lori Nelson, Steve Stones Craft:  Sue Cotter, Kathleen Royster, Maryann Webster Photography:  Daniel Arsenault Ethnic:  Earl Denet

" Mutant Tide Pool IV" Maryann Webster

The Utah Artist Endowment awards approximately 20 Individual Artist Grants each year.  Professional artists of all disciplines (visual, performing, media, literature, etc.) may apply for up to $1200 to aid in their creative and professional development.

Applicants are reviewed by discipline-specific peer panels, approved by a board committee, and ratified by the Utah Arts Council Board of Directors. Reviewers are recognized for expertise in their discipline as well as for their broad understanding of contemporary and ethnic art.  Grants are based on artistic merit rather than need. There are two deadlines per year for Artist Grant applications:  the first weekday of June and the first weekday of October.  For further information about these grants and how to apply, please visit: http://www.arts.utah.gov/ias/iasgrants.html   --Laura Durham

"Mullet Crunch Cereal" Steve Stones