4 minute read
A guide to the artistic opportunities in Logan
by Ella Stott
In the midst of classes, jobs and events, it can be hard to find time to explore what Logan has to offer outside of its beautiful scenery, but Logan has a unique local arts scene that can make your experience as a student at Utah State University more diverse and rewarding. Here is a guide to some of the incredible artistic endeavors in the city.
#1: THEATER
One of Logan’s hidden secrets is if you’re ever in the mood for a theater performance, you’ll likely be able to find one on any given weekend. First of all, the USU Theatre Arts Department has free shows for students four times a year. This season includes “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” More information on the theater performances can be found at cca.usu. edu/theatre/current-season.
In addition to USU-specific shows, there are many local productions happening in the heart of Logan. CacheARTS, Cache County and Logan city’s local art agency, holds performances and hosts touring groups at the Ellen Eccles Theatre, located at 43 S Main St. This season’s variety of shows include Odyssey Dance Theatre’s “Thriller” and CacheARTS’ “Hadestown.” USU students get discounted tickets to performances at the theater, so be sure to grab a seat! Information on Ellen Eccles Theatre shows can be found cachearts.org/shows.
Smaller groups host year-round performances, including the Valley Actors Club and Logan Youth Shakespeare. Be on the lookout for upcoming and unique shows!
#2: MUSIC
USU also has a very active Music Department that holds a variety of concerts and shows every month. The university also works with the Fry Street Quartet, a nationally recognized string quartet, on performances each year. Updates on upcoming events, including band, chamber and choir concerts, can be found at cca.usu.edu/music/calendar.
Different places across Logan hold open mic events where many local singers and songwriters perform weekly. For example, Grounds for Coffee, located at 27 N Main St, has an open mic for poets and musicians every Sunday from 6–8 p.m. USU has a monthly PoBev — Poetry & a Beverage — open for everyone to perform poetry or music. You do have to fill out a form beforehand to ensure your spot, but experts and beginners alike are welcome to join the stage on the monthly night of live art and music.
The Ellen Eccles Theatre often has musical performances in addition to its theater shows. This season of music includes “Red Hot Chilli Pipers” and “International Guitar Night,” which unites guitarists from around the world. Smaller groups and theaters might have musical performances available for the public, too — keep your eyes peeled.
#3: ART GALLERIES
USU’s Tippetts and Eccles Galleries, held in the Daryl Chase Fine Arts Center, hosts a new art gallery almost every month, showcasing interior design, undergraduate research, BFA capstones, ceramics and paper and clay exhibitions. Each art exhibition is unique and open to the public from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, and the calendar of exhibitions can be found at cca.usu.edu/art/ events/tippets-and-eccles-galleries.
While USU has an incredible range of art galleries, other groups, including the Artists’ Gallery and the Prince Gallery, showcase the efforts and talents of local artists. Both of these galleries have artwork for sale, so if you’re interested in purchasing a piece for some new room decor, check out the work local to Cache Valley.
#4: MUSEUMS
The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art, located in the USU Fine Arts Center, holds events, exhibitions and collections celebrating national and local artists alike. Every few months, NEHMA garners a new themed exhibition, keeping the museum work fresh and exciting to old and new visitors. The museum is a great place to learn more about art, study in an inspiring location and even grab a bite to eat. Noni’s Coffee Shop on the first floor offers coffee and tea, soups and pastries — and you even get to enjoy it with dishes made by the ceramics students.
USU also has the Museum of Anthropology on the second floor of Old Main, holding events, opportunities for learning and entertainment resources. The USU Museum of Geology showcases local rocks and fossils through tours and the annual RockN-Fossil Day in the Geology Building. The Intermountain Herbarium is also located on USU campus. Underneath the Junction, you can find plants from the Intermountain Region and around the world.
Outside of USU, Logan has the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum, and nearby in Wellsville, there is the American West Heritage Center. Both focus on the history of Cache Valley’s settlement, showcasing Native American and pioneer life.
#5: WRITING
In addition to open mic events, like Grounds for Coffee, and the monthly PoBev, Logan’s Helicon West provides the opportunities for local writers to share their work. Every other Thursday at 7 p.m., writers gather in the Logan Library to enjoy a reading followed by an open mic. More information on Helicon West can be found at heliconwest.wordpress.com.
#6: HANDS-ON ART
If you want to get more involved in art, take advantage of the opportunities in Logan! USU has many clubs for musicians, artists, writers and performers to refine their craft and get to know people interested in the same subject. There are also one-credit classes for non-majors in singing, different instruments and dance for those who want to learn art with some accountability and limited time commitment.
CacheARTS accepts adult students for their classes in ceramics, painting, photography, dance and guitar, and it also holds open events throughout the year. While it can be worthwhile to look at and listen to art, actually participating in it can provide a nice break from classes and schoolwork.
This school year, look for opportunities, both at USU and in the Logan community, to be engaged with the artistic community. Try something new, support classmates and local artists and take advantage of the four years you’ll have as a student in this city!
