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Show Grant Speed Magazine features artist Grant Speed, Liiidon artist , is the subject of a feature article in the MayJune issue of "Art West," a magazine devoted to outstanding Western and wildlife art. The article details Speed's long and frequently arduous trek from his early vocation as a cow puncher in West Texas, to his present-da- y gifted accomplishments in bronze sculpture. As Diane Ciarloni Simmons, wn0 wrote the story, relates, Speed has been, at various times in his life a rodeo contender, a teacher, a working cowboy, a student, and a sculptor of Western art. It is in this last pursuit that Speed has truly distinguished himself, but all of these callings have contributed to make the man, and have contributed to the core, the heart, of his work. Speed claims that heredity has had a part in his artistic make-up- . His family descends from James Speed, an old-tim- e British map maker, and there are still Speeds in England who are professional artists. It is the pursuit of this talent, asserts Speed, that differentiates him from other members of his family in West Texas, who haven't followed through with their god-give- n gifts of artistic expression. This "Art West" article relates, at length, Grant Speed's experiences with breaking horses and punching cows. He started out early, at the age of twelve, working at his Uncle Boone's ranch on the Pecos River. Over the course of some ten years, he hired out to ranches from Texas to Wyoming to Arizona, also serving in the Air Force in 1948, 1949, and 1951. In 1952, at the age of twenty-two- , Speed found himself on a ranch at Water Valley, Texas, and it dawned on him that the road through life that a cowboy carved was a pleasant one but it lead nowhere for him. Speed, a Mormon, headed for Utah and Brigham Young University, where he settled on a major in animal science. Even then, although he was doing some sketching and clay modeling, he never seriously considered studying art. It was inconceivable to him that he could make a living at it. Along with his studies at BYU, Speed became an avid participant in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo competitions, often walking away from the arenas with honors. In 1957, however, Spt! was injured rather badly while riding a bronc, and soon, the responsibilities of a wife and child indicated a need to settle down and make a living. After working for five years as a grade-schoo- l teacher in Roosevelt ,and Salt lake City, Grant Speed came to another crossroads this time, his ultimate one. Artistic yearnings were still tugging at him, and the artist realized that he had to give it everything that was in him with "blood and sweat and tears." For approximately eight years, Speed taught during the day and worked on his art all night. He laughingly, relates that he's quite certain he didn't sleep for those eight years! "Saddles to Sculptures," the title of this "Art West" feature, then relates Speed's marvelously happy ending to this searching journey. Speed's very first bronze cast sold with a flourish, and soon afterwards, he was accepted as a meml)er of the prestigious Cowlxy Artists of America, and has served as its president. At exhibition after exhibition, his stunning bronze have sold out on their respwlive opening nights. In 1970, Speed inaugurated his first "vignette" in the sculpture Ridin' Point. This piece incorporated the traditional bronze bust, with a "vignette" of cattle in miniature at the base. The late painter, Robert Jugheed, called Ridin Point a new concept in sculpture. Speed has not been content to rest on his laurels, and has continued to create a body of impressive work. Speed relates, "My strongest subject in terms of my work has been the cowboy, but, again, it's what I know." To look at the reproductions of his work in "Art West's" pages, is to be convinced that he knows this intimately. "Art West" is published bimonthly in Bozeman, Montana. Cowboy artist DEREK HORMAN trys his hand at the fun new art form called shrink art. The child draws a picture on a ., piece of plastic, and when the 'plastic is baked in an oven for a few minutes, it shrinks the entire piece of art. The kids loved it. ' ' ' , , - .f' , . 1 J ' ' i Jf t '. . t .... 4. I V" - ' j t ' s . y ? i J ' S i j f " ' J ..-"- ' 'V v . - . : ' ' j : 1 ; , I 1 ' 'Hs' ' ' ' ,; Review - Thursday, May 12, 1983 - Page 3 Laurie Sowby named arts council president Y jii Laurie Williams Sowby of American Fork has been selected president of the newly formed Utah County Council of the Arts and Humanities. Serving with her during the 1983-8- 4 year are Sherrill Sandberg, Springville, vice president; Charles Lynn Frost, Payson, treasurer; and J. L. Beck, Alpine, secretary. The officers were selected and installed at the recent Utah County Council of the Arts and Humanities conference held at the BYU Con-ference Center. Opening the conference, Springville Mayor J. Brent Haymond stressed "No one person can accomplish more than all of us." Local and personal history, libraries, religion, ethics and some museums were listed as Utah County's strengths in the area of humanities, by Dr. Todd Britsch, BYU humanities professor and a member of the Board of Directors of the Utah Endowment for the Humanities. He listed weaknesses and world and United States history, humanities in the schools, languages and public humanities programs. Ray B. Jones, Provo High School drama teacher, told those assem-bled at the organizing conference that enjoyment needs to be provided that the audience is "going to be comfortable with." He said theater groups need to be willing to adapt plays to allow a comfortable experience for those in attendance. By doing this, works can be presented and become a learning experience. He said he feels there is a need for more theater production facilities, LAURIE SOWBY an awakening or reawakening of love for the theater, and the ability to create opportunities for in-volvement for all who want to take part in the many aspects of dramatic productions. Meeting these needs will help develop successful theater in the state, Mr. Jones said. Chris Ollerton, director of Children's Dance at BYU, said there is a lack in educating com-munities in what is "good dance." Although Utah is known both nationally and internationally as a dance center, community members need to be selective when choosing instructional programs for their families, she said. 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VC 1 a lot easier this year with a First Interest loan you can take up to the full Our money's ON Af ''JJ Security Timeway loan . . . because we term of the loan or, pay it off sooner and SALE! XX t Members FDIC ic.. c First Security Bank of Utah, N.A. First Security Bank of Idaho, N.A. First Security Bank of Rock Springs First Security State Bank '.ender Hire a 16- - or disadvantaged youth ,roni May 1 to September 15, and 'et've up to $2550 in credits on youi taxes. Disadvantaged 18 to can your firm for a year-roun- tax savings. j' Jail Job Service, 373-750- and ask foi 5rtiun about Targeied jobs Ta t ''V."! Police investigate mmes Seth J, Stinson, 1665 E. 1000 S., Pleasant Grove, has told Pleasant Grove police that six sheets of interior plywood had been stolen on May 2. Value of the plywood was listed at $75. The case is being investigated by Sgt. Steve Frampton. They have no suspects at this time. A juvenile has been referred to juvenile court after being apprehended in connection with the theft of eight pair of sunglasses from Mr. G's in Pleasant Grove. The sunglasses were valued at $7 to $15 per pair, according to Sgt. Frampton, who investigated. Julie Ann Smith, 337 E. 1000 N. Apt. D, reported that her license Plate had been taken. The license has not been recovered. The investigating officer is Cody Cullimore. Police are expecting to make an West for the theft of a wallet belonging to Robert L. Adamson at Pleasant Grove High School. The wallet contained $4 and the Personal papers of the owner. Officer Cullimore is handling the case. A youth has been referred to Junvenile court after being arrested 'or the theft of a wallet owned by Kobert G. Reauscheur. The wallet was taken from the home of the wner. It contained $40, it was ported by officer Grant Ferre. An automobile accidenton May 7 at the intersection of State Road 89 and Center Streets resulted in damage to two vehicles. Officer Cullimore reported that a P'ckup truck driven by Karen I). Mazyck, 20, 9950 N. Canyon Rd., peasant Grove, collided with a car ttrwen by Jeremy M. Jackson, 25, Ju S. 400 E., American Fork. uamage to the Mazyck truck was set at $200 and to the Jackson Chicle at $500. 1 here were no injuries reported. |