Utah State art museum finds ways to bring art to the community

By Emma Feuz

Staff members at the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art are finding ways to bring art to the community at a time when creativity and human connection might be more important than ever.

Although its physical building has been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the museum continues to feature new programs and access to the exhibits. According to public relations and marketing coordinator Phillip Brown, the museum’s social media pages remain active—with each post featuring a work of art. Online visitors can also take a virtual tour of the exhibits on the museum’s website.

“I think it’s really interesting that art has always been a way for people to connect with each other and share ideas and for other people viewing art to engage with that,” Brown said. “I think it's interesting to see how many people are turning to the arts as we all are socially distancing.”

The museum is also providing online resources for teachers, including lessons that combine art and science. One such resource is a “junior curators” program in which students can create their own exhibitions using PowerPoint tools, Brown said.

The museum is also encouraging community members to get outside and tour Utah State University’s sculpture walk. With proper social distancing, the walk will serve as the museum’s monthly community art day, Brown said. The sculptures will be available online for those who cannot make the trip to the university.

The importance of the museum’s efforts has not been lost on the art community.

“I think that visual art, like music and dance and performance, takes us out of the day-to-day experience for a moment,” said Anthony Lott, an art professor at Utah State. “It connects us to another human being, potentially across many years or many miles.”

Lott noted the current crisis is part of a long history of events that have tested human resolve.

“Humans have weathered difficult times and in them found beauty and connection and love,” he said. “We can take inspiration from what others like us have endured.”

Brown hopes so.

“Art in some ways can help us talk. Art can give us a break. It's always been community-focused,” he said. “Museums are like libraries. The whole community can come and benefit. The museum can still serve that kind of a function.”