This exhibition is the culmination of a 16-week project, which questioned our interpretation of “A Sense of Place”, and how it relates to living in the mountain west. During Spring 2021, a unique Collections Engagement Grant from the University of Utah’s UMFA and Marriott Library Special Collections, was awarded to Al Denyer and students taking her MFA critique class at the University of Utah. Graduate students utilized both collections in their research and responded by creating unique visual artworks, which spoke to their creative interests and expertise. The artists included are Professor Al Denyer, Candace Vonhoffman, Holly Nielsen, Bryce Billings, Tess Wood, Reilly Jensen, Eric Robertson, Christina Riccio and Hannah Nielsen.
Trees on display represent different countries and ethnic backgrounds as well as family traditions. Spread throughout the Utah Cultural Celebration Center and complimented by the Winter Scenes & Holiday Dreams exhibition, community wreaths, nativities, and other festive décor, the Trees of Diversity exhibit showcases the richness of culture in our community, both here and abroad.