3/13/2026

Exhibiting in a very conservative culture

I created this group because I've been really struggling with local exhibition venues and juried shows. I came from 50 years in Santa Barbara, where all kinds of art was valued and celebrated, and I am now living in Utah, which is incredibly conservative, not just politically, but also in what it accepts for art. Having entered several local shows now, that proclaim inclusiveness of all art genres and styles, except for a strong statement against nudity or anything they might deem to go against the LDS/Mormon church. The latter is not said overtly, but in essence is what is said by many. I don't have anything against their religion at all, but I have noticed that the only art that gets recognized and praised, awarded, etc., is realistic art---landscapes, people, animals and flowers, and artwork that depicts Biblical stories, in keeping with the proselytizing emphasis of the dominant culture here. Truly, none of this is said in criticism of this culture into which I was transplanted, but it has created a very real glass ceiling (and walls) for artists of a different background and artistic bent. Bright colors, spiritual (other than biblical), styles that veer off the realistic spectrum are patently ignored, and awards always given to the same Utah landscapes and almost Victorian portraiture. Today, I researched a little to see if I was just imaging this dynamic and realized I wasn't wrong in feeling the way I do. Article: https://artistsofutah.org/15Bytes/towards-a-concept-of-lds-art/ What are your thoughts on this and do you have any tips or insights in how I can navigate this cultural landscape. Thanks!

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Brian SakHuman-Made ArtMar 16, 2026

I'm in the middle of my first juried show, with two of the six images I submitted accepted. I'm in the Sierra foothills, with a very conservative-leaning population also (I do not fit that category). Last night was the artist's reception. Although I didn't win any of the big prizes, I did surprisingly get an honorable mention ribbon. That all being said, it reminded me of being back in school - very "cliquey." And I was really surprised at a lot of the winning images (or top three) in each category. I know there is, of course, a lot of personal preference involved. But many of those photos also fit nicely into the description of what you're finding above. I hadn't really thought about the possibility of it being at least partially related to the local demographics until I read your post. But I'll continue to pay attention moving forward to see if there is a pattern. Regardless, for me for now I'll continue to enter my locally taken photographs into local competitions and take the results with a grain of salt. BTW - I think your artwork is beautiful and it would certainly get my vote.

Wendell MyersHuman-Made ArtMar 15, 2026

Nothing wrong with criticizing a narrow, restrictive and exclusionary culture. Go for it! It sounds like, if you want to be free to paint what you want to paint, you will have to accept exhibiting elsewhere, or accept being ignored by the local "art establishment."

Linnie AikensHuman-Made ArtMar 15, 2026

Thanks, Wendell, yes, I am coming to believe that exhibiting outside the state may be my main option, as well as being ignored by the local art establishment. Thank goodness for ASF!! I may also just have to be more selective in the pieces I enter into the venues in my town, pieces that might fit into a middle ground perhaps, or give them temporary titles alluding to more Biblical themes. Haha! (I'm joking a bit here!...also, truly no disrespect to the Bible. I read it too.)