New Exhibitions at NEHMA Bring Other Facets of the West to Life

The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art at Utah State University is preparing to unveil two new exhibitions, Meet the Fletchers and Jim Mangan: The Crick, on February 21st. These exhibitions offer distinct perspectives on the American West, inviting viewers to contemplate its multifaceted identity.

Exploring Artistic Legacies and Hidden Communities

Meet the Fletchers delves into the contributions of artist Calvin Fletcher, a founder of USU’s art department and a key figure in establishing Logan, Utah, as a centre for modern art. The exhibition showcases paintings of local landscapes and explores the artistic experimentation within the Fletcher family—Calvin, his wife Irene, and their son Dale.

Did You Know? Calvin Fletcher was described as a “flexible artist and beloved teacher” who actively brought visiting artists to campus to broaden students’ artistic horizons.

Curator Danielle Stewart notes that Calvin Fletcher “was not dogmatic in his approach to art.” The exhibition highlights how each family member, while possessing a unique style, shared a commitment to artistic innovation and their family’s artistic legacy.

A Photographic Journey into the West

In contrast to the familial focus of Meet the Fletchers, Jim Mangan: The Crick presents a photographic exploration of a lesser-known aspect of the American West. Artist Jim Mangan’s work centers on a community of young men, often called the “Lost Boys,” encountered while initially photographing the architecture of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) community in Southern Utah and Arizona.

Expert Insight: These exhibitions, presented together, suggest a deliberate curatorial choice to juxtapose established artistic lineages with glimpses into marginalized or hidden communities within the broader narrative of the American West. This approach encourages viewers to consider the diverse experiences and identities that shape the region.

Mangan’s portraits capture the vulnerability and youthful energy of these young men, set against the backdrop of the Western landscape. A talk with artist Jim Mangan is scheduled for April 4th.

The exhibitions, alongside NEHMA’s current exhibition, The Lure and Lore of the West, collectively examine how art influences our understanding of place, community, and identity in the American West.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the opening date for these exhibitions?

The joint opening reception for Meet the Fletchers and Jim Mangan: The Crick is February 21st.

Will there be opportunities to hear from the artists and curators?

A gallery talk with curators Danielle Stewart of NEHMA and James Swensen of BYU, and Fletcher descendant Ronald Jenkins, will be held during the opening reception on February 21st. Jim Mangan will host an artist talk on April 4th, and another artist talk with Jim Mangan and novelist Judith Freeman is scheduled for April 9th.

Is there a cost to visit the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art?

Admission to the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art is free and open to all.

How might these exhibitions contribute to a broader understanding of the American West and its artistic representations?