It has been 39 years of the Sears Invitational Art Show & Sale! This prestigious annual show is an anchor of local art. A long-standing tradition that has evolved over time, including growing its reach of artists from southern Utah to the expansive American west. Bringing together museum-quality artwork, accomplished artists and dedicated collectors for nearly four decades, the Invitational is set to open Feb. 14 at the Sears Art Museum on the Utah Tech University campus.
The exhibition will kick off with a Gala Opening Reception on Feb. 13 followed by a public exhibition and sale running through March 28. This year’s show will feature approximately 230 works by more than 170 artists from across the American West, offering a wide-ranging and dynamic survey of contemporary regional art.
“This is our only fundraiser and an exciting time of year at the museum,” James Peck, director and curator of the Sears Art Museum, said. “Some of the very best and brightest artists from Utah and beyond showcase new works here every year. The Invitational consistently creates a buzz of excitement among artists and collectors both locally and throughout the region.”
Organizers received 1,115 submissions for inclusion in the 39 Annual Invitational. Participants were selected from across the American West, with priority given to those working in Utah, Idaho, Colorado and Nevada. The majority of featured artists are from Utah. This year also includes artists from Idaho, California, Washington, Montana, New Mexico, Colorado, Oregon, Wyoming, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii. The final exhibition reflects both depth and diversity, featuring work by established artists such as Martin Blundell, Alexander Selytin, and Larry Winborg alongside a new generation of emerging artists, including art students at Utah Tech University.
The modern art world is embracing new media to share their excitement for the Invitational and to celebrate their work. Many of these artists can be found on social media platforms, such as Instagram, where one can follow along on their artistic journeys. As the Invitational has grown, it is rewarding to see the enthusiastic response. Many of them took to social media to share their exciting news and express gratitude for the opportunity to be showcased by the museum. “My heart just won’t stop racing!” commented plein air artist Beckie Rock on Facebook, “I’m so excited to be a part of this fabulous exhibit. Can’t wait to be there! Thank you, Sears Art Museum.”
3D artist Ken Ragsdale expressed in a Facebook comment, “Always an honor to be included. Thank you so much for selecting my pieces.” “Honored to be included. I recognize some of the fantastic artists. It went so fast last year I didn’t get a chance to meet more. Excited to see and meet more this year. Thanks for an incredible show,” acrylic painter Robert Corsetti said in a Facebook comment.
In an Instagram reel, oil painter Erin Shakespear exclaimed, “I have big news. I’m pretty excited. I have big news. One of my paintings was accepted into the Sears Art Invitational! I’m thrilled, I’m so thrilled!”
Montana-based artist Cynthia Dearing commented on Instagram, “I am beyond thrilled to have been chosen to participate in the 39th Invitational Art Show! Thank you so much! I attended the exhibit a couple of years ago and I was so impressed with the quality of the work that I thought maybe I’d like to submit some time. And it just so happens that I will be in the St. George area for the month of February so, see you all at the gala!”
As you can see, visitors can expect a broad range of styles and media, including landscapes, still lifes, Western scenes, contemporary realism, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Together, these works offer a snapshot of artistic practice in the American West today. For the third year in a row, the exhibition and sale are accompanied by a full-color exhibition catalog, available for purchase for $25.
The Sears Invitational was founded by Robert N. Sears (1915–1995), a retired vice president of Phillips Petroleum, who believed Southern Utah should have consistent access to high-quality visual art. With continued support from Peggy Sears and Utah Tech University, his vision has grown into a cultural cornerstone and a reliable winter-season anchor for St. George’s arts calendar.
Proceeds from art sales directly support the operation and programming of the Sears Art Museum, helping sustain exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community engagement throughout the year.
The Sears Art Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Invitational. Tickets for the Gala Opening Reception are available here. A preview of the art on display can be found here.