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Show January 1 03.qxd 12/7/2021 Volume VII Issue VI 3:23 PM Page 3 THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 3 January 1, 2003 New Mural Celebrated Wilkerson Fine Art was packed Friday, November 29, for the unveiling and celebration of the completion of artist Steve Johnson’s mural called “Family the Original NICU” which was commissioned by Drs. Larry and Joan Eggert. After the mural was unveiled to much applause, the Eggerts spoke about their reasons for commissioning the mural. Steve Johnson then introduced the models, used for the mural, most living in Ogden Valley. Amid stories by Drs. Eggert, they introduced Dr. Godfrey of Ogden. He is a well-known retired Obstetrician after whom the doctor in the love, pride, and family are beautifully expressed. Dr. Joan Eggert stated that when they first conceived of the mural, Steve Johnson was the only artist they felt could convey this scene, and the feelings they wished to express. “Without Steve Johnson, this mural would not exist,” she said. Steve Johnson is a rare talent. His world is a cross between Norman Rockwell and Huck Finn, a place where a kid can still be a kid, where a tree-fresh apple qualifies as candy, and where barnyard creatures double as country alarm Ogden Valley Racer Sets National Speed Record Gary Allen Gary Allen of Liberty, Utah recently set a National Speed Record during the World Finals automobile speed trials on the Bonneville Salt Flats in October. Gary attained an average speed of 236.768 mph in two runs through the timed mile in his 5-liter 1975 Chevy Monza. The new record allowed for his induction in the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club for exceeding the previous record of 233.100 mph in the same class. Gary is also the President of the all-volunteer Utah Salt Flats Racing Association that sponsors the World of Speed event on the Bonneville Salt Flats in September of each year. More information can be obtained about participation in the speed trials on the world famous Bonneville Salt Flats at www.saltflats.com. Steve Johnson’s stands next to his mural called “Family, the Original NICU” with Rebecca who modeled for the mural. mural was modeled. Like the doctor in the mural, Dr. Godfrey was known for his house calls. Dr. Larry Eggert eloquently conveyed why he and his wife Joan, both physicians who care for patients at McKay Dee Hospital, decided to commission the mural for the McKay Dee Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Their goal was not only to beautify the waiting area of the NICU, but also to convey a feeling of calm and reflection to ease the spirit during the stressful times of having a child hospitalized. They wanted those viewing the mural to feel they were in a healing environment rather than an environment for the ill. The subject of the mural “Family, the Original NICU” was conceived after the Eggerts saw the painting “Grand Approval.” This Steve Johnson classic shows a grandmother in a rocking chair holding a baby. “Family, the Original NICU” depicts the home birth of a premature infant. The infant is being held by the mother while in bed, the father leaning forward gently pulling back the blanket to peek at the infant, flowers in his other hand. The grandmother is at the head of the bed looking at the mother and child. An older child is sitting at the foot of the bed facing the country doctor who sits on a chair at the foot of the bed listening to the heart of her Raggedy Ann doll. On the floor, two golden retrievers keep a watchful eye. It looks as if you could walk into the room. The feelings of clocks. Drawing from his own lifestyle, Steve Johnson paints the rural west with freckle-faced kids in overalls, feisty old grandpas, and the “gone fishin” pleasures of youth. The fifth generation Huntsville, Utah native has grown up around horses, chores, and country life with family as the focus. Johnson’s art runs the gamut from graphite and colored pencil, to watercolors and oils. His commissioned work includes World Cup downhill ski races, and for the World Cup disabled ski races. Johnson has also gained recognition from range and ranching societies who use his universal themes to focus on the disappearing Old West. Two inspirational coffee-table quality books, “No Bad Apples” and “From the Back of a Horse,” combine country scenes with original verse. Although Steve Johnson usually paints in his 90 year-old chicken coop, that has been converted into an art studio, because of the size of the mural, he worked for several months at the Wilkerson Fine Art Gallery. Many residents of the Ogden Valley and surrounding areas stopped in regularly to see the progress on the mural, and to visit with Steve at the gallery. The evening’s celebration was full of laughter, good conversation, refreshments, and upbeat violin music played by Shelby Ahlstrom of Huntsville. Like in the mural, the community came together in the spirit of family, appreciation, and caring. Happy Holidays! from Coldwell Banker 801-745-8800 Escape the Ordinary! 28 Deluxe Suites Conference Room Indoor/Outdoor Hot Tubs Continental Breakfast Book your Package today! Honeymoons ... Skiing... Golfing Family Getaways... Business Retreats www.alaskaninns.com Gary Allen of Liberty recently set a National Speed Record during the World Finals automobile speed trials on the Bonneville Salt Flats. CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE AT WOLF CREEK RESORT Tuesday, December 31 7 p.m. - 2003 CE SPA TED! I LIM $75 per person Four Course Dinner Dancing to DJ “Cindy Sue” Party Favors & New Year’s Toast Cash Bar Menu Warm Crab & Seafood Cocktail Baby Field Greens with Goat Cheese & Pistachio Vinaigrette Diners choice of: Roast Tenderloin of Beef with Bordeaux Infused Jus or Grilled Alaskan Salmon with Citrus Sabayon Roasted Winter Vegetables Assortment of Fine European Pastries Coffee and Cocoa Bar HOLIDAY ATTIRE SUGGESTED 3900 N. Wolf Creek Drive Eden, UT RESERVATIONS: Call Eric at 745-3737 ext. 101 Credit Cards Accepted 801-745-1259 MAKE IT A FULL EVENING—MENTION THIS AD TO SHERRIE AT MOOSE HOLLOW FOR A SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S LODGING PACKAGE—CALL 745-0203 FOR DETAILS 2547 N. Valley Junction Dr. Eden, Utah 84310 (Formerly Valley Junction Inn) The Hungry Wolf Grill will be closed to the public on New Year’s Eve. |