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Welcome to the Arts Summit




Unity Through the Arts!




 

Our 2023 Arts Summit theme this year is UNITY THROUGH THE ARTS. How exciting!

 

The definition of UNITY when applied to art is separate elements working together within a composition to create a sense of harmony and cohesive oneness. As well, VARIETY builds interest by using juxtaposition and contrasting elements to enhance the viewer’s experience.

 

Within our St George art communities, we enjoy the best of variety and desire to add to our unity just as we find in profound artworks, such as a perfectly performed symphony arrangement, film or media piece, or a stage production that is so well timed it produces a standing ovation. 

 

The positive and enduring effects our St George Arts communities have had during recent, difficult years, reveals even more our power to lift, to create, to engage, and to empower.

 

Let us keep up the good work and become even better as we move forward TOGETHER.

 

Wendy Wilson Spooner President-Elect,

St. George Arts Commission




Featured Speaker & Breakout Leaders

Annette Whitaker Everett

Keynote Speaker

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Born in 1950 in Utah and raised in Washington state, Annette grew up constantly drawing. One of her pivotal influences was visiting the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City as a child. There she saw Michelangelo’s “Pieta,” on loan from the Vatican in Rome. Greatly moved by this magnificent beauty, she knew she would create art, too.

Annette’s formal education began at Brigham Young University, followed by the University of Utah and the Art Academy of Cincinnati, Ohio. She continued her art training in various workshops, including Sculpture with Richard MacDonald. Using oil-based clay, she creates figurative pieces in bronze for commissions, special projects, and galleries. She is represented by Illume Gallery West, Phillipsburg, Montana, and Anthony’s Fine Art and Antiques, Salt Lake City, Utah.

After years of being an award-winning painter in oils and pastels, Annette began sculpting as an assistant to L’Deane Trueblood. She helped design and sculpt bronze monuments, including “Saint Clare” for the Saint Clare Catholic Hospital of Weston, Wisconsin, and “The Watermaster” in Saint George, Utah.




Derek Campbell

Fiscal Responsibility for Non-Profits

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Derek Campbell joined the Huntsman World Senior Games as Chief Financial and Operations Officer in March 2014. Derek holds a Master of Business Administration from Southern Utah University, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Dixie State University and has 13 years of experience in banking.

 

Derek grew up hiking and mountain biking in sunny southern Utah and enjoys sharing this pastime with his family. He also appreciates volunteering in the community, learning about new technologies and staying active. 




Peyton Smith

The Grant Writing Process: Local, State, and Federal

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Passionate about cultivating artistic vibrancy and accessibility within local communities, Peyton is a rising Community Arts Manager. As an arts lover and enthusiastic participant, she has committed her life and endeavors to supporting the arts for all. Drawing from a wealth of academic knowledge and hands-on experience, Peyton has honed a keen understanding of the intersection between arts, culture, and society.

After receiving a BS in Theatre Arts from Southern Utah University, Peyton joined the likes of young performers in the grand city of Chicago. She found a casting Internship with renowned regional theater, Lifeline Theatre, and a home at a local YMCA Head Start Program helping children enhance their socio-emotional development through theater games and activities. From that point Peyton decided to return to her schooling and received a MS in Arts Administration from Boston University along with two graduate certificates in Performing Arts Enterprises and Fundraising Management.

 

Throughout her educational and professional career, Peyton has been most proud of her travel to the UK and France to discuss cultural policy with foreign leaders and organizations such as the Arts Council of England, Makerversity at Somerset House, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Musée du Quai Branly, Opéra Comique, and many more. 

 

Peyton continues to be an advocate for the transformative power of the arts, and her commitment to creating inclusive spaces where creativity thrives remains unwavering. As the Community Arts Manager for the City of St. George, she is eager to continue her journey of fostering artistic dialogue, nurturing emerging talents, and reinforcing the belief that art is a cornerstone for building vibrant and connected communities.




Sherlynn Davis

Basic Marketing for the Arts

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Sherlynn Davis moved to St. George to attend college, fell in love with the community, and has made it her home. She is a dancer at heart, having danced in high school, at Dixie State College, and with the St. George Dance Company.  She worked with SGDC from 2008 until 2022, serving as the Executive director from 2018-2022.   

She has a great love of the arts that blossomed in her because of her connection with Glen Blakely while serving as his student aid.  His mentorship started her on a journey of appreciating art in all its varied forms - graphite drawings, pottery, sculpture, architecture, and painting, just to name a few.  Currently, she is raising four beautiful children, attending Utah Tech full time, working on a Bachelors in Business, and Ubering. 

For fun, she's fond of reading and enjoys gardening. She loves St. George because of its warm climate, endless outdoor recreational opportunities, and variety of artistic culture.  She is excited and passionate about the opportunity she has to help the art culture continue to grow and thrive in this beautiful place.