Arts Council of Washington County

03/02/2026

10/19/2024

https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/we-don-t-want-to-see-it-go-away-washington-county-arts-community-calls-for/article_9ce70dec-8ce0-11ef-95ad-df65ca22821c.html

Ten years ago Washington County residents passed the Recreation, Arts and Parks sales tax to provide additional funding for recreational, cultural and sporting-related pursuits across the county. This November they’ll

03/21/2024

https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2024/03/21/avm-spc-southwestsymphony-24-southwest-symphony-showcases-youth-musicians-explores-the-grandeur-of-iconic-classics-in-next-show/

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Continuing yet another stellar season of bringing live classical music to Southern Utah, the Southwest Symphony will next enthrall audiences with the exquisite beauty and thrilling power of 19th-century composers. Featuring Mussorgsky’s dynamic and emotionally charged “Pi...

02/29/2024

The Creative Age - Creativity Meets Technology - is just two days away! You can still register at artswashco.com to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear from the best thinkers in their fields.
This event is for anyone who desires to continue to learn - is that you? It is practically free - the registration covers breakfast and lunch.
Join us at the Eccles Fine Arts Center at Utah Tech University, St. George Saturday March 2 - 8:30 am. Check out this great article by Adele Park in St. George News https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2024/02/26/apk-concerns-about-ai-to-be-addressed-at-creative-arts-conference-in-st-george/

Call for more info - 801-867-1867
artswashco.com

ST. GEORGE — Artificial intelligence and artificial reality are part of the new frontier. This technology has the ability to enhance everything from art to health care. The 6th Annual Creative Age Conference, happening on Saturday, March 2, aims to help the public learn how to take advantage of th...

02/27/2024

https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2024/02/26/apk-concerns-about-ai-to-be-addressed-at-creative-arts-conference-in-st-george/

ST. GEORGE — Artificial intelligence and artificial reality are part of the new frontier. This technology has the ability to enhance everything from art to health care. The 6th Annual Creative Age Conference, happening on Saturday, March 2, aims to help the public learn how to take advantage of th...

02/23/2024

MEET OUR PRESENTERS
The Creative Age Symposium - Creativity Meets Technology
March 2
Utah Tech University Eccles Fine Arts Center
register today at artswashco.com

Dr. DREW WILLIAMS
Executive Director of Utah Arts Academy
Creativity in Education
In a space that has become a battle ground for politics, schools should embrace the arts as a method and tool to provide students opportunities to navigate, hear, speak, listen and learn at a deep level.
Drew Williams, Ed.D. currently serves as Executive Director and founder at Utah Arts Academy (UAA). He earned his Master's in Educational Leadership and his Doctorate of Education in Strategic Planning and Organizational Theory. Having performed for three decades as a professional touring and studio musician, as well as serving as a dedicated educator and administrator, Drew found the perfect fit in an arts-focused school. Always an advocate for arts education, Drew’s interest in creating UAA was the perfect way to blend his educational passion with an environment to advance students' abilities and excel creatively. Drew began his journey as a woodshop teacher, and when he and his wife (also a talented musician and songwriter) decided to move to Nashville, TN., they both continued to play music and work in education. Throughout their years in Nashville, they toured with groups nationally and internationally, released three studio EP’s and, most importantly, had three beautiful children: Emmy, Holland, and Beckham.

02/20/2024

MEET OUR PRESENTERS
The Creative Age Symposium - Creativity Meets Technology
March 2
Utah Tech University Eccles Fine Arts Center
register today at artswashco.com

Qigong
Benja Peterson
Benja has been teaching Kundalini yoga since 2004. Started in her living room, then at Summit Athletic Club, Dixie College, Red Mountain Spa and other venues.
She was a Buddhist nun at age 18. Benja converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint in 1977, this influenced her to come to America. She also teaches Qigong and meditations, such as Zazen. What inspired her to resume teaching is sharing with her students "The Art of Contemplation" by Richard Rudd.
Benja is stepping away from her successful restaurant business, with the exception of dropping in to greet customers. She is most interested in devoting her time and energy to helping individuals. you can participate in a Qi-Gong session by attending her workshop at the 2024 Creative Age Conference, St. George on March 2. Register at artswashco.com.

02/20/2024

MEET OUR PRESENTERS
The Creative Age Symposium - Creativity Meets Technology
March 2
Utah Tech University Eccles Fine Arts Center
register today at artswashco.com

Meet our Presenters!
The Creative Age Symposium - Creativity Meets Technology
March 2, 2024
St George, Utah
artswashco.com

BRADLYN WISSERT, MPH

Coordinator of Community Programs and Education for the University of Nevada, Reno; Dementia Engagement, Education and Research (DEER) program

Dementia Self-Management and Dementia Conversations

A creative, relationship centered approach to developing personalized strategies to live well with dementia. Attendees will explore the differences between a biomedical view of dementia and a social-relational view of dementia, and the importance of understanding that people living with dementia are full beings – worthy of respect, and vital parts of their community. The second session will provide an opportunity to learn how to facilitate “Dementia Conversations”, virtual groups in an engaging participant driven program. This session shares the story of this innovative programs success and provides resources for replication. Participants will have the opportunity to hear firsthand about the sheer power of simply sharing lived experience!

With nearly a decade of experience facilitating community-based educational opportunities, Bradlyn is passionate about health equity and supporting underserved populations, thereby improving quality of life for all. In her work at the DEER Program, Bradlyn develops, implements, and evaluates innovative programs that aim to support people living with dementia in living well.

02/19/2024

MEET OUR PRESENTERS
The Creative Age Symposium - Creativity Meets Technology
March 2
Utah Tech University Eccles Fine Arts Center
register today at artswashco.com

The Importance of Art in the Patent, and Product Development Field

Dr. Provost has been involved with various patents since the early 1970’s. In the 1970’s he worked on the insulin pump, the portable dialysis machine, and received a patent for the re-sealable cereal box top. He is associated with multiple patents ranging from mechanical devices, dental products, medical devices and medical software products. He has always donated his time and money to help others. For two years he was the Chairman of the March of Dimes Walkathon for the state of Utah, and also served as Chairman for the American Diabetes Association’s Walk America fund raiser.

Dr. Provost has helped over 200 individuals through the patent process by helping with prototype construction, and proof of concept analysis. After the passing of his 17-year-old son Dusty, he has dedicated his life to supporting and helping individuals and institutions develop new ideas. The passing of his son led to his most recent patent the Illuminated Infusion Line.

Dr. Provost, along with his wife Donna, and his daughter Emma, started Teen’s Kickin Cancer, a youth leadership organization that raised money to help pediatric cancer patients and their families. Approximately five years ago Dr. Provost founded the Innovation Guidance and Solutions Center at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah. He is presently the Founder and Director of that organization and has helped students, faculty, and community members file over 195 patents.

02/19/2024

MEET OUR PRESENTERS
The Creative Age Symposium - Creativity Meets Technology
March 2
Utah Tech University Eccles Fine Arts Center
register today at artswashco.com

ELIZABETH GUNTER
Introduction to Augmented Reality in Art
Elizabeth Gunter's presentation at the Creative Age Conference introduces a pragmatic workshop, "Introduction to Augmented Reality in Art." Designed for artists and non-artists alike, the session begins with an insightful overview of Augmented Reality (AR) and its capacity to elevate art experiences by seamlessly blending digital elements with the physical world. Emphasizing practical understanding, the workshop showcases diverse examples of AR art installations, demonstrating how AR can revolutionize traditional art forms and captivate audiences in innovative ways. The focal point of the workshop is a hands-on activity where participants, grouped collaboratively, engage with AR art creation apps on tablets or smartphones. This segment encourages experimentation and creativity, supported by technical guidance. The workshop concludes with a dynamic sharing and discussion session, providing a platform for each group to present their unique AR creations and fostering dialogue on potential applications of AR in future artistic projects. Elizabeth's workshop stands as a grounded and accessible exploration into the intersection of AR and art, offering tangible insights for creative minds across diverse backgrounds.
Elizabeth Gunter is an artist, graphic designer, and brand transformational consultant seeking creatives. Raised in New York City with one foot in New Jersey, her exposure to the fine arts began young. This grew into a deep appreciation for poetry, photography, and painting. An art scholarship drew her to Chicago, and then a fateful road trip carried her to Southern Utah, where she fell in love with the red rocks beneath stark blue skies.
Elizabeth’s greatest triumphs include her two adorably precocious children, working with national brands to make beneficial imprints on the world, and opening ART Provides, her very own studio, event space, and gallery in a stunning historic theater. Here she hopes to create connections through art, both inside the minds of individuals, between small groups, and within larger communities.
Away from a canvas, Elizabeth enjoys travel, exploring the great outdoors, meditation, and meeting mindful, open, authentic people. She swears in Spanish when surprised, breaks into solo dance parties to release stress, and obsesses over fancy inks. She can’t help it. Art supplies and those who use them have her heart.
Register for the 6th annual Creative Age conference! artswashco.com

02/19/2024

MEET OUR PRESENTERS
The Creative Age Symposium - Creativity Meets Technology
March 2
Utah Tech University Eccles Fine Arts Center
register today at artswashco.com

STEVE LIPSON
Keynote Speaker
Founder and Executive Director of ElderTech Academy
Express Yourself!

We’ll look at the unique intersection of creativity and technology, particularly focusing on how this relationship unfolds for older adults. A critical point to acknowledge is the limited access to technology training that many older adults experience. This gap significantly hinders our ability to explore and utilize technological advancements as tools for creative expression. Once people get some training, its easier to understand what the technology can do when applied in the creative process. Technology does not replace creativity; rather, it acts as an accelerant, opening new doors and pathways for creative thought and expression.This concept becomes especially relevant with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), representing the latest leap in technology. AI has the potential to expand creative avenues exponentially, offering older adults an invaluable opportunity to engage with this new frontier. AI and related technologies can be used to generate music, create art, write stories, and much more, effectively serving as a new palette for the artistically inclined. By embracing AI, older adults can not only stay abreast of modern advancements but also enrich their creative endeavors.Importantly, technology should not be viewed as a threat to our creative processes. Instead, we should see it as a set of new pathways that can enhance and expand our creative capabilities. An example of this is music technology: innovations have allowed easy and inexpensive access to new, customizable/virtual instruments and personal production tools. Older adults can leverage these tools to compose music, experiment with new sounds, or even connect with music from around the world, thus fostering a deeper engagement with creativity through technology. While it's crucial to address the barrier of limited technology training for older adults, it's equally important to emphasize the synergistic potential between creativity and technology. With AI and other technological advancements, we are not replacing creativity but are being provided with exciting new mediums to express it, a horizon that older adults are well-positioned to explore and enjoy.

Steve Lipson is the Founder and Executive Director of ElderTech Academy, an intergenerational nonprofit in Northern California helping older adults learn and understand computer and mobile technologies. At ElderTech Academy, he also directs the Imageination Project, the first program in the nation to introduce older adults to the world of artificial intelligence. Since the early 1980’s, he has been actively involved in the use of technology in the creative arts, and as a musician and electrical engineer, coauthored music software intended specifically for performing musicians. Soon thereafter, Steve became acutely aware of the technology problems people face as they age and in response co-authored Young@Heart: Computing for Seniors (McGraw-Hill/Osborne Media). He is an active advocate for older adults in the world of technology and currently serves as a Senior Senator in the California Senior Legislature.
register for the 6th annual Creative Age conference at artswashco.com