Meet our February/March Artists
Seven artists will join us for the months of February and March at the Gallery sponsored by the Midway Art Association, in Midway, UT. The Gallery is in the Town Hall in space 120B. It is part of the Association’s mission to give our members an outlet to show their art to the public, whether they are established artists or just getting started in their practice.
The Gallery is open Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., the second Friday of the month until 8 p.m., or by appointment.
An open house will be held on Saturday, March 7, from Noon to 5 p.m.
to view the art and meet some of the artists. Light refreshments will be served.
Here are some interesting facts about our seven new artists.
C. Matt Dawson
Matt Dawson is a Utah-based artist specializing in landscapes and still life. He began his artistic journey during a two-month
sabbatical in 2022, traveling through eight western states and visiting national parks, monuments, and off-the-grid locations.
Matt paints primarily in oil and watercolor, though he is not limited by these mediums. His work has been showcased in events such
as Wasatch Plein Air Paradise in 2025 and in exhibitions at the American Fork Steel Days Art Show and the Highland Fling Art
Show in 2024 and 2025, where he earned recognition and awards. Matt shares his work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmdfineart
Joan Ellsworth
Joan says, “I started my art career by drawing on any piece of paper I could find around the house. When we ran out, I would draw on the blank pages of my mother’s books. To her credit, she never yelled at me for doing so.” Joan studied at the University of Utah and has also participated in numerous workshops from Kathryn Stats, David Santillanes, Ron Rencher, Carl Purcell and others. She has also done mentorships with Dave Santillanes and Susan Gallagher. She says, “Bottom line is I love to create art!"
Carol Granger
Carol Granger hails from Indiana and spent much of her life in the Midwest before moving to Heber City, Utah, in 2018 to be closer to family. With a background in interior design—specializing in health care facilities—Carol has explored many artistic mediums, but her favorite is currently oil. She also works with gouache and experiments with cold wax. Landscapes are her preferred subjects, aligning with her passion for hiking and the outdoors. Carol often paints “en plein air,” using these smaller works as a foundation for larger pieces. She draws inspiration from Edward Hopper’s quote: “If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.”
Emily Lawrence
Emily Lawrence is an emerging artist who explores landscape, atmosphere, and quiet narrative through various mediums. Having lived on three continents and in six U.S. states, her art reflects a long-standing relationship with different places and transitions. Emily is dedicated to developing her technical skills and lets curiosity guide her process. As a mother of three teenagers, she balances her art with everyday life, drawing inspiration from nature, earthy color palettes, and the simple practice of noticing moments of joy.
NJ Pesci
NJ Pesci is a self-taught artist originally from New York and Massachusetts. His art draws inspiration from the dynamic nature of water and the ocean, capturing their fluidity and depth in seascapes. Now residing in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, NJ’s work is also influenced by the local landscapes. His art invites viewers to reflect, question, and forge meaningful connections with their surroundings.
Website: https://njpesciart.com/
Dane Rigby
Dane Rigby is a lifelong resident of Orem with a strong attachment to the outdoors and Utah’s natural beauty. His paintings are characterized by realistic representation, striving to capture the essence of what evokes emotion in nature. Though he is not formally trained in fine arts, Dane has focused on landscape painting since retiring from a career in higher education. He enjoys both plein air and studio work. Dane describes his goal as creating realistic images that stir memories, evoke emotions, or inspire others to discover special places in Utah. He considers his paintings an expression of gratitude for the world God has given. Most of the works in this exhibit are based on plein air studies.
Janet Ritchie
Janet Ritchie was born into a family deeply engaged in the arts, surrounded by concert violinists, painters, and strong convictions.
Inspired by the first rays of morning light, she found guidance and encouragement from her older bohemian sister—a free spirit of
the '60s who could sing like an angel and paint like a master. Together, they spent nights listening to music and watching the
sunrise. Janet picked up a brush at an early age, living a vagabond life and traveling through many states in her VW bus,
always accompanied by her paints. She later attended graphic design school at Platte College in San Diego and studied with
exceptional instructors in Seattle, Tucson, and Utah. Janet continues to live a fulfilling, regret-free life in Utah.
Meet our April/May Artists
Seven artists will join us for the months of April and May at the Gallery sponsored by the Midway Art Association, in Midway, UT. The Gallery is in the Town Hall in space 120B. It is part of the Association’s mission to give our members an outlet to show their art to the public, whether they are established artists or just getting started in their practice.
The Gallery is open Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., the second Friday of the month until 8 p.m., or by appointment.
An open house will be held on Saturday, April 4, from Noon to 5 p.m.
to view the art and meet some of the artists. Light refreshments will be served.
Here are some interesting facts about our seven new artists.
Andrés Bravo
Born in Santiago, Chile, and nurtured in a family of self-taught artists, Andrés Bravo realized his passion for drawing and painting at the tender age of 8. Andrés thrives in several mediums and modes of expression—particularly portraiture, still life, and original concepts conveyed via acrylic, pastel, and ink. His interest in “old things” has recently fostered an exploration of the juxtaposition of old and new. Andrés has shared works in many local shows and exhibits, including in the Springville Museum of Art. He is also known for creating beautiful frames, including
many found in LDS temples around the world.
Annette G. Campbell
Annette G. Campbell
Born on the island of Jamaica, Annette carries the warmth and spirit of her heritage into every work of art. She earned her bachelor’s degree in international studies, with an emphasis in Social Work and Art, at BYU – Hawaii, where her passion for culture and creativity came together in meaningful ways.
Her artistic practice spans across multiple media, including oils and watercolor. Each creation reflects beauty, culture, and
spirituality, expressed through the language of classical technique.
Annette’s work has been exhibited throughout Utah as well as in Hawaii. Internationally, she has showcased her art in Italy, with exhibitions in Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice. She completed an intensive classical art program in Florence, Italy, specializing in traditional Renaissance techniques. Accepted into a master’s program in Classical Art, Annette aspires to return and continue her studies. Her work draws inspiration from sacred scriptures and historical figures, offering a timeless vision that invites reflection, connection, and peace.
Kristena Eden
Annette G. Campbell
Kristena, a Bluffdale resident states, “My art is a revelation of cultures from past and present. These influences from around the world are interwoven into my life and expressed through my art. The use of ancient Raku technique of firing pieces adds to its
natural form and expressing deep cultural bonds. I want to bring to the viewer a sense of connection: a connection to their past or to memories of a simpler life. I believe the things we see and the way we express them reflect who we are. I am a published artist from Utah. I was born in Oceanside, CA and studied at St. Charles College, MO, the University of Utah, Utah State, Utah Valley and Brigham Young Universities. I have traveled the world studying art of different cultures, finding the touch of the Master’s hand in the hearts of all people. I choose to paint, sculpt, and form pottery from the heart of life itself. Through my work I invite all to feel a part of the magical mystery found in the soul of
mankind.”
Website: kristenasfineart.com
Email: kristena.eden@gmail.com
Alison Jensen
Deena Riley Millecam
Alison Jensen was born in Salt Lake City and has lived here all her life. Her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were all artists. Alison graduated in Fine Arts at the University of Utah and has studied informally ever since. She has received awards for her work at Murray City and the Utah State Fair and has been a featured artist through Murray City twice. Much of her work depicts the areas around Kamas and Woodland, UT, where she owns a cabin, happily speaking of natures’ creations!
Deena Riley Millecam
Deena Riley Millecam
Deena paints with watercolors and oils in St George, Utah. She enjoys Plein Air painting, teaching, and curating at Red Cliff Gallery in St George. Her true love is her family and biking. Deena gives tribute to teachers and peers who have shared their expertise and knowledge along the journey. She exhibits in Red Cliff Gallery, Zion’s Staircase, Gallery 35 and Arrowhead Gallery located in St George. Her monthly art visit, sharing ideas to the Ovation Assisted Living Community, has been a great opportunity to meet new and budding artists! She enjoys commission work and feels it an honor to paint for others. She says, “Art is a lifestyle. Boredom is not! Buying supplies is delicious. Being without is not! Finding new friends is a gift. Being lonely is not! Creating and appreciating is heaven. Without these, life is not!”
Shauna Powell
A resident of Saratoga Springs, Shauna says, “Anyone can learn [art] if you practice enough. I decided to give it a try and here we are... still learning and still practicing. I think I will be for life. As with most subjects, the more I learn, the more I realize I have yet to learn.” She has taken several online courses and in person classes with Jane Anne Woodhead, Dan Wilson, the Midway Art Association Plein Air Retreat. She also has weekly paint nights with SWAG and artist mentor, Richard Horrocks. She says, “I've been lucky enough to be at home the past 25 years raising my 6 kids and recreating as a family in the beautiful state of Utah. We've loved hiking peaks, mountain biking, canyoneering, skiing, and rock climbing. My husband and I spent a lot of years pushing kids up mountains, and now they must push me. Through it all, I’ve loved finding the connection to all things with the Creator of all things. So grateful for our Savior and this beautiful world that He created.”
Brian Thayne
A Midway resident long known for his watercolors, Brian Thayne is now gaining quite a reputation for his bold and colorful oils a swell. A graduate of BYU, Brian has traveled the world in search of meaningful subject matter. Chosen locales include parts of Europe, Mexico, Trinidad, as well as the mountains and deserts of the Great American West.
