When UVU art history major Whitney Willardson steps into the UVU Museum of Art, she’s not just preparing materials or greeting guests; she’s helping visitors become artists themselves. As part of the Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau exhibition, Willardson helps design hands-on art activities for the Museum’s art education and community programs, Art for All and Open Studio. These interactive experiences let visitors explore Mucha’s distinctive style, transforming the Museum’s Art Haus into a space of creativity for visitors of any age.
“When I first got the news that not only were we hosting this exhibition, but I would also get to plan art activities around it, I was ecstatic,” said Willardson with a smile. “Alphonse Mucha is one of my favorite artists. I have a book on him at home.”
Willardson’s latest activities draw directly from the world of Alphonse Mucha, the celebrated Czech artist in late 19th-century Paris, whose innovative techniques in print work, changed the landscape of advertising and print-mass production. Organized by the Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, CA., the exhibition hosts pieces from The Dhawan Collection and highlights 75 pieces, including rare original proofs, drawings, books, posters, and more.
Willardson personally tests all the activities the public can participate in, often creating detailed breakdowns that allow her to lead patrons through the art classes and activities more effectively. “Art can be intimidating,” explained Willardson. “So, we work hard to make sure there are plenty of ways people of all levels of art experience and interest can enjoy the exhibitions at the Museum.”
The current Art for All projects is based on the lithographic process, a technology Mucha utilized. Artwork would be drawn on limestone slabs and treated with a chemical process that allowed ink and paint to adhere only to the drawn designs and be transferred to the final print.
The process of putting together layers of artwork that Willardson has created is similar to the templated elements Mucha created “We can’t exactly use limestone slabs, but we can create activities that at least mimic aspects of the process or call back to Mucha’s work,” said Willardson.
Through programs like Open Studio and Art for All, the museum is not just a place to look at art, but a place to experience it. These programs, and free admission to the Museum, reflect UVU’s and the Museum’s goal to make the arts accessible.
As Willardson prepares for graduation, she hopes to carry these experiences into a future career in museum or arts education. “I’ve seen just how much the education programs we have can help with building community and creating a third space for people to enjoy,” explained Willardson.
The Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau Exhibition is on display now until March 14, with activities led by Willardson and other staff happening weekly. Also available at the Museum is a Mucha-themed scavenger hunt that ends with a free exhibition button, offering another fun way to explore the galleries. Admission is always free, and all are welcome.
To learn more about the exhibition, contact the Museum at [email protected] or visit the Museum’s Plan Your Visit page.
(Whitney Willardson making Mucha-themed art pieces.)
A cake-themed, community-created artpiece at the Art Haus.
