The Visual Art Institute is a nonprofit after-school art program for youth ages 5 - 18. The purpose of VAI is to foster and preserve the creative voices of youth by assisting them in exploring their imagination and artistic abilities through in-depth training, independent study, and experimentation in all aspects of visual art. Find out what makes VAI unique.

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REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER WORKSHOPS HAS BEGUN!

Summer Figure Academy--for junior high and high school students.

Art at the Aviary--for elementary school students.

Register now--classes fill up quickly.

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GARFO ART CENTER

July 1st
1982: let’s start here

Closing Reception and Artist/Curator Panel Discussion
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 6-9pm, discussion 7:30

Join us July 1st at Garfo Art Center at the Visual Art Institute (a non-profit
organization) in the old Garfield Elementary building for the closing reception of
1982: let’s start here—an exhibition themed around the year VAI moved into
Garfield. A group show, consisting of nine Salt Lake artists—Trent Call, Jan
Andrews, Tessa Lindsey, Brian Patterson, Gentry Blackburn, Davina Pallone,
Mary Toscano, Jim Williams, and Allison Baar—the exhibition looks back at the
year 1982, through several different lenses; using a cross-section of ages and
media. Installation, video, and paintings—both vintage 82’ and new—reflect the
peculiar collision of pop-culture, science, and politics in a year when the
computer was named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year, and the artificial heart,
the compact disc, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller were released to the public.

The panel discussion will be an open analysis of the exhibition, and will
offer insight to the different artists’ conceptual approaches—politically, culturally,
and visually, and their media/material choices.

Admission is FREE and open to the public
Location: Visual Art Institute, 1838 S. 1500 E. SLC, UT 84105

For further information, e-mail:   staffbox.vai@gmail.com

Bicycle racks and parking are plentiful—north side of the building. Wheelchair accessible.

Public Transit: from downtown: take TRAX to University South Campus stop.
Take bus 17 to 1700 S. from Sandy: take TRAX to 2100 S. Take bus 17 or 21 to
1500 E. Bicycles: 1500 E from the University of Utah is recommended.

Calendar has other current or upcoming events.

In the News

June 2009

Gallery Goings On:GARFO  • Catalyst Magazine highlights the Visual Art Institutes' recent progress with the Garfo Art Center at the old Garfield schoolhouse.  "This building has so much history, but not many people know what's going on inside of it now," says Despain.  "The GARFO Gallery is going to invite community members inside to meet the teachers, artists, and students here, and explore our space," adds Riches.

September 2008

Visual Art Institute Receives a City Weekly Arty Award  •  Salt Lake City Weekly held it's Arty Awards evening to celebrate Utah’s art community. VAI received the Staff Choice Award "Best Early-Immersion Art Program."

July 2008

Class Act - Drawing Figures  •  VAI's Figure Academy is very unique chance for students to develop a portfolio of figure drawings and paintings. This intensive workshop is taught similar to a college class. Students' skills go from A to Z in a couple of days. Visit Figure Academy for more.

Go to Newsroom for all past news

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