UMFA Patio Party: Four Reasons to Visit Now (and Often)
By Sydney Inks, communications coordinator, UMFA
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts at the University of Utah is the state’s destination museum for global visual arts, welcoming art and culture lovers of every age and background. For U students, staff and faculty members, this community-focused, thought-provoking gem is right at your fingertips—just steps away from your office, classroom or dorm. And it’s free for U (thanks, Arts Pass). But free admission for U faculty, staff and students isn’t the only reason to visit. Here’s why you should come now (and throughout the semester):
- We’re throwing a Patio Party.
This week the museum is hosting a Welcome Week Patio Party to introduce ourselves to newcomers and catch up with old friends. Come by for free iced coffee, cookies and other giveaways plus games, music from K-UTE Student Radio and more. Stop by anytime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Aug. 20-23.
- UMFA events can inspire you and feed your own creativity.
In the midst of class prep and long nights at the library, taking a break to let your creative juices flow is never a bad idea. From art making to yoga and mindfulness, from live music to films, the UMFA is the perfect place to unwind, engage your senses and connect with campus and community. Want the latest info on upcoming events? Visit the online event calendar and sign up here to receive our twice-monthly e-newsletter.
- There’s always something new to see.
If you’re thinking “I’ve already been there,” think again. UMFA’s collection includes nearly 20,000 works of art from around the world, spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. New work regularly rotates from the museum’s collection into the galleries, and the museum hosts exciting temporary exhibitions every year. This fall, three exhibitions of contemporary art will be on view, including “Site Lines: Recent Work by University of Utah Art Faculty,” “salt 14: Yang Yongliang” and “ACME Lab: MIRROR | MASK.” World art that’s free for U? Don’t miss it.
- It’s the perfect spot to meet friends or enjoy a personal afternoon getaway.
Feel like grabbing lunch and catching up with friends? The Museum Café has great sandwiches, salads and specialty coffee drinks plus a nice big patio. Need a space to clear your mind, ponder your future or hit the books? UMFA has reading nooks (Trailhead, Basecamp and Lookout) where you can get cozy and learn more about the art on view. Sketching in the galleries is welcomed, too. The galleries are also a nice place to get to know that special someone, maybe when the UMFA is open late on Wednesday nights.