Members of the Arts Council within Cottonwood Heights City certainly didn’t slow down for the holiday season. 

During the last city council meeting of 2024 (held on Dec. 17), the Arts Council was able to celebrate some exciting news. The Arts Council was able to receive a $6,075 grant from The Utah Division of Arts & Museums.

(This was accepted through the council’s Resolution 2024-74: Approving a Grant Agreement with the Utah Division of Arts & Museums for FY 2024-25. The resolution was motioned by Councilmember Ellen Birrell, seconded by Councilmember Shawn Newell, and unanimously approved.) 

Two of the Arts Council members were re-appointed as well. Larua Garcia and Brinley Wallace will service for another three-year term. 

(Their re-appointments are result of Resolution 2024-75: Consenting to an Appointment of the Arts Council which was motioned by Councilmember Matthew Holton, seconded by Birrell, and unanimously approved.) 

The Arts Council has been hitting the ground running the beginning of 2025. They have a handful of upcoming events planned for the next few months. 

On Jan. 16, the Arts Council unveiling their brand new logo. The Arts Council describes their logo as “a joyful family dancing with upraised arms, forming the branches of our namesake cottonwood tree, with roots that connect to the form of our beautiful Wasatch Mountains. Aligned with Cottonwood Heights’ commitment to creativity and heritage, and centered on artistic expression is all its forms, we celebrate the spirit, unity and growth of our community.” 

From Feb. 3 until Feb. 28, an art exhibit created by Kristen Benshoff’s fourth-grade students from Canyon View Elementary School will be on display at City Hall (2277 Bengal Blvd.). These 90 geometric pattern tempera paintings were inspired by pop artist Peter Max. 

They will host a Sweetheart Paint Night on Friday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. (until 8:30 p.m.). Local artist Whitney Horrocks will lead attendees through a “stunning masterpiece of your own and will help you with every brushstroke.” Sweetheart Paint Night will be held at City Hall and will cost $14 per person. That cost includes light refreshments and all painting supplies. Registration is required and opens Feb. 3. 

One of the biggest events for the Arts Council is their annual summer musical. This year, the Arts Council will be performing “The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” There will be eight total performances of “The Lighting Thief” running from July 11 until July 19. 

Auditions have already been scheduled for March 14 (6:30-9:30 p.m.) and March 15 (9 a.m. until noon). (Virtual auditions may be submitted through the casting manager before midnight on March 13.) Callbacks will be scheduled for March 22 at 10 a.m.

To learn more about the Cottonwood Heights Arts Council, visit their website at: www.cottonwoodheights.utah.gov/community/arts/arts-council

Or follow their social media pages on: Facebook at @CHArtsCouncil or Instagram at @CHCityArts. λ