Art Elevated: Utah Governor's Mansion Artist Awards
A little-known part of the state’s history, Utah Governor’s Mansion Artist Awards series has honored Utah’s visual, performing, and culinary artists at the historic Utah Governor’s Mansion since its inception in the late 1930s.
Originally conceived by Governor Henry H. Blood — who was purportedly looking to raise funds to secure a piano for the mansion — the artist awards have been upheld by Governors Michael Leavitt, Olene S. Walker, Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Gary R. Herbert, and Spencer J. Cox. The series traditionally features three events per year and serves as a fundraiser for the historic Governor’s Mansion.
With a glimpse into each artist’s inspiration and creative process, this limited series highlights Utah’s rich history of art and artists, and the incredible depth of the state’s creative talent.
2023 Awards Recipients
Season Three
Among this year's winners are visual artists Ben Steele and Jeff Hein, along with musicians Joel Rosenberg, Dr. Yu-Jane Yang, and Marshall McDonald. Join PBS Utah in the celebration as we explore the exceptional contributions of these talented individuals to Utah's creative landscape
Artist Ben Steele graduated from the University of Utah in 2002 and continued his education under David Dornan and Paul Davis. His work is featured in personal and corporate collections, including figures like Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, and Steve Carell. Steele's art combines classical techniques with a contemporary touch, resulting in a portfolio of still life, portraiture, and landscapes.
Joel Rosenberg is an accomplished violist and the Music Director of the American West Symphony and other Utah ensembles. The Juilliard graduate has conducted worldwide, including the Elizabethan Philharmonic and Orchestra of Victoria at the Sydney Opera House, the Elbland Philharmonic in Germany, and other performances with renowned artists like Leon Fleisher.
Jeff Hein is an artist based in Salt Lake City with a passion for handmade items. He began studying drawing in 1992. His work has been featured in magazines such as “American Art Collector” and exhibited in prestigious locations such as the Utah Museum of Fine Art. He values a pure and intimate relationship with his subject matter and sees each painting as a personal record of his experience.
Dr. Yu-Jane Yang is a renowned pianist and director of Keyboard Studies at Weber State University. She has been recognized with prestigious awards, has conducted master classes worldwide, judged piano competitions, and mentored award-winning students who have secured scholarships at esteemed music schools. Her commitment to education is evident through the achievements of her students.
Marshall McDonald is a multi-talented musician with a unique style that combines classical, inspirational, film score, and new-age genres. His film scores and symphonies have been performed internationally, including by the China Philharmonic Orchestra. He has diverse experiences, from performing as a hand double pianist on television to being a guest soloist with the Tabernacle Choir.
2022 Awards Recipients
Season Two
2022 Governor’s Mansion Artist Awards Recipients:
Clytie Adams, dance teacher, founder of the Clytie Adams School of Ballet
Paige Crosland Anderson, abstract artist
Dr. Richard Elliot, principal organist, Tabernacle Choir
Maricia Price, arts supporter and philanthropist
Paisley Rekdal, Utah Poet Laureate, professor
Leroy Transfield, sculptor
Carrie Trenholm, fused glass visual artist, educator
2021 Awards Recipients
Season One
Season 1 Episode 1
V. Kim Martinez & Jack Ashton
Meet muralist V. Kim Martinez and former Utah Symphony violinist Jack Ashton.
Season 1 Episode 2
Good Company Theatre & Fidalis Buehler
Meet painter Fidalis Buehler and the Washington sisters from Ogden's Good Company Theatre.
More About this Limited Series
Each year, three visual artists and three performance artists are selected by the governor and first lady from a pool of nominees submitted by the Governor’s Mansion Artist Awards Committee. The awards events raise funds in support of the Governor’s Mansion Foundation’s mission to preserve and furnish the Governor’s Mansion, a beautiful historic home on South Temple in Salt Lake City that was donated to the state by the Kearns family.
Governor Spencer and First Lady Abby Cox are enthusiastically continuing this Utah tradition. With the intent of recognizing and awarding first-rate artists for life-time achievements.
As Abby Cox states, “I hope that the artists we select reflect our inclusive vision for Utah — a celebration of what makes this state beautiful, unique and diverse. We want people to be seen and feel that they belong. Everyone should have a place. We want people to feel that when they come into this home.”