Welcome to the first installment of the Utah Transit Authority's Art Crawl Guide, a curated journey through the vibrant world of art accessible by our public transit system. At UTA, we believe that art has the power to inspire, connect, and enrich our communities. We are proud to showcase the remarkable artistic landscape of Utah and provide a guide that not only highlights the incredible artworks scattered throughout the region but also offers a unique perspective on accessing these cultural gems using our transit network.
From thought-provoking sculptures to captivating murals, this self-guided tour will take you on a delightful exploration of our community’s thriving creative spirit via many forms of public transit. Embark on this art-filled journey, celebrating the fusion of public transit and artistic expression.
Traveling Stones and Other Vagabonds by Nori Sato — Salt Lake Central Station
How to get there: To begin the art crawl, head to Salt Lake Central Station. Salt Lake Central Station is an intermodal transit hub, making it a natural starting place whether you’re arriving via bus, TRAX, or FrontRunner — or by car and utilizing the station’s free day parking.
Nori Sato's installation, Traveling Stones and Other Vagabonds, is a captivating display at Salt Lake Central Station. The artwork consists of a collection of fifteen large stones inset with bronze suitcases, briefcases, trunks, and other “carrying elements.” Each stone represents a unique journey, symbolizing the diverse experiences of travelers passing through the station. As you admire these vibrant stones, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on the interconnectedness of our individual journeys.
“Legends of Rock” by Gina Ribaudo, “Sego Lilies” by INSA, Urban Arts Gallery — Gateway Plaza, 537 W. 600 S.
How to get there: From Salt Lake Central, cross the platform to board the TRAX Blue Line toward Draper. Ride the Blue Line two stops to Planetarium Station, then walk south on 400 West along The Gateway. The Gateway is a sprawling, open-air retail and office space, home to a variety of murals and art installations.
On your right, you’ll encounter the “Legends of Rock” mural by Gina Ribaudo, paying tribute to iconic musicians who have shaped rock and roll. Marvel at the larger-than-life portraits that exude the raw talent and energy of these legends. Down the path, Insa's “Sego Lilies” is an interactive mural inspired by Utah's state flower, the sego lily. Viewers can download the GIF-ITI app and see his work come to life.
As you explore the many other works of art at The Gateway, make sure to visit the Urban Arts Gallery, a collection showcasing the work of local and emerging artists. Gateway Plaza is a vibrant testament to Salt Lake City's thriving art scene, offering a captivating fusion of music, nature, and contemporary expression.
“Jazz Mural” by Trent Call — 110 S. Main St.
How to get there: Walk back to Planetarium Station, or walk past the Delta Center over to Arena Station. Board the TRAX Blue Line toward Draper or the Green Line toward West Valley Central, and ride until City Center Station. Exit the platform and walk south, crossing the street and walking past the Zion Bank Building until you see the mural on the right.
Since 1979, Salt Lake City has been home to the Utah Jazz, our NBA team. This mural, located in the heart of the city, captures the dynamic energy and passion of the Jazz team and their devoted fans. The mural showcases over 40 seasons of Jazz history, filled with legendary players like John Stockton and Rudy Gobert and hidden gems such as Dr. Dunkenstein and Godzilla. As you admire the larger-than-life depiction of basketball prowess, you can't help but feel the electric atmosphere and the deep connection between the team and the city.
Water Walk by John Pace and John Shaw, “Wildlife Wall” by Dale Christensen, Asteroid Landing Softly by Kazuo Matsubayashi — Gallivan Center
How to get there: From the “Jazz Mural,” cross the street then continue walking south on Main Street for about five minutes until you see signs for the Gallivan Center, or return to the City Center Station and take the Blue or Green Line one more stop to Gallivan Plaza Station. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll see Water Walk straight ahead, “Wildlife Wall” further on, and Asteroid Landing softly as you walk toward State Street.
The Gallivan Center is a hub of artistic expression, featuring several captivating works of art. Among them, Water Walk, “Wildlife Wall,” and Asteroid Landing Softly stand out.
Water Walk is an interactive installation that invites visitors to follow a meandering path while listening to the soothing sounds of water. “Wildlife Wall,” adorned with intricate murals designed by Utah first graders, celebrates Utah's diverse fauna. Asteroid Landing Softly is a striking sculpture that captures the grace and mystery of a celestial body descending to Earth and also doubles as a sundial.
These artistic marvels at the Gallivan Center will leave you in awe of the talent and creativity of the artists involved.
Utah Arts Festival and More — Library Square/Washington Square Park
How to get there: From the Gallivan Center, continue walking along Main Street or State Street, then turn left onto University Boulevard, about a 10-minute walk. You can also board the Blue Line at Gallivan Plaza station, ride until Courthouse Station, then transfer to the Red Line toward University Medical Center, and ride one stop to Library Station. Once there, follow signs for Arts Festival.
Between June 23 and 25, 2023, visit the Utah Arts Festival, the largest multidisciplinary arts festival in Utah. Purchase a ticket to Arts Festival and ride free on UTA busses, FrontRunner and TRAX throughout your art crawl. Visit the UTA booth to see the winning entries from UTA’s annual “My BeaUTAHiful Community” student art competition and pick up your own UTA coloring pages.
If you’re on this art crawl before or after those dates, the Library Square area is still an excellent location to find works of art. At the Salt Lake City Public Library, several art exhibits are always on display, highlighting local Utah artists. To the southeast, the Leonardo is a science and art museum where visitors can explore the convergence of science and art. Further east, outside the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building, are several noteworthy sculptures, including Serve and Protect by Greg Ragland and Tribute to the Nation’s Constitution and Flag by Torleif S. Knaphus.
No matter the kind of art you’re after, the Library Square area is an excellent destination for exploring a number of works within close proximity.
Gilgal Sculpture Garden by Thomas Battersby Child Jr. — 749 E. 500 S.
How to get there: Return to Library Station, located on the Red Line on University Boulevard and 200 E. Board the train toward University Medical Center, and ride one stop until Trolley Station. Turn right to walk south on 700 East, then turn left onto 500 South, about a two-minute walk. The sculpture garden is nestled on the left side of 500 South, about halfway down the block.
Gilgal Sculpture Garden is an outdoor art gallery filled with intriguing sculptures created by Thomas Battersby Child Jr. The garden's mystical ambiance and symbolic sculptures, including the famous Joseph Smith Sphinx, create a unique, otherworldly experience that cannot be missed.
Utah Museum of Fine Arts — 410 Campus Center Drive
How to get there: From the Gilgal Sculpture Garden, continue walking east on 500 South, then turn left onto 800 East. Turn right onto 900 East, then board the Red Line toward University Medical Center at 900 East Station. Ride until University South Campus Station, then exit the platform and walk south on South Campus Drive until you reach the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.*
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. Housing almost 20,000 pieces of art from various periods and cultures, the museum offers a rich and immersive experience. Discover masterpieces by renowned artists, explore thought-provoking contemporary installations, and delve into the world of ancient civilizations. From classical sculptures to modern paintings, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts presents a captivating journey through the realms of artistic expression.
*Note that there is a bus bridge between 900 East and Stadium Stations until Tuesday, July 11, 2023, which may cause some delays.
Out of the Blue (the Whale) by Stephen Kesler — 900 S. 1100 E.
How to get there: After exiting the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, walk north on South Campus Drive until you reach the U Museum of Fine Arts (WB) bus stop, located next to a bench and a University of Utah sign (pictured below). Board the 9 bus, then ride until 900 S / 1100 E, or until you see a giant, colorful whale in the center of a roundabout.
Out of the Blue is a mesmerizing sculpture that first garners the immediate attention, then the imaginations, of passersby. This impressive artwork, created by Stephen Kesler, stands 40 feet wide and hosts murals from a rotating selection of artists. As you circle the sculpture, keep your eyes peeled for quotes inscribed on the sidewalk perimeter, and look to the base of the sculpture for several mystical, miniature creatures lining the statue’s foundation.
Seven Canyons Fountain by Boyd Blackner, Elizabeth Blackner, Stephen Goldsmith, and John Swain; The Doll and Dare by Dennis Smith; and The Chase Home Museum — Liberty Park
How to get there: Return to the same stop at 900 S / 1100 E where you arrived, and hop back onto the 9 bus until you reach the bus stop at 900 S / 600 E, right across from Liberty Park. From there, continue down the road that bisects the park until you reach the center of the park, where you’ll find the Seven Canyons Fountain to your right, The Doll and Dare in the distance to the left, and the Chase Home Museum straight ahead.
A variety of artworks dot the green fields of Liberty Park. Begin your exploration with the Seven Canyons Fountain, a collaborative masterpiece by Boyd Blackner, Elizabeth Blackner, Stephen Goldsmith, and John Swain. This dry fountain captures the essence of Utah's breathtaking canyons, with stone formations that transport you to the heart of nature's beauty.
Nearby, you'll find The Doll and Dare, an intriguing sculpture by Dennis Smith. This thought-provoking artwork challenges conventional notions of beauty, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of self-perception.
As you continue your journey, make sure to visit The Chase Home Museum, located within the park. Housed in a historic Victorian mansion, the museum showcases a diverse collection of art and artifacts that offer insights into Utah's rich cultural heritage.
“Magic School Bus” by Roger Whiting — Tanner Frames, 18 E. 800 S.
How to get there: From Liberty Park, return to the bus stop at 900 S / 600 E. Get back on the 9 bus again, and ride until the 900 S / State St stop. From there, walk north on State Street for one block, then turn left onto 800 South and walk until you see the mural.
The captivating “Magic School Bus” mural is located on the on the east side of Tanner Frames. Created by talented artist Roger Whiting, this mural brings to is full of vibrant and whimsical detail, including a dragon DJ! The mural pays homage to the joy of learning and exploration and reminds viewers of the fun that can be found in the surrounding valley.
Liberty Park is a treasure trove of artistic and cultural wonders, inviting you to embrace the beauty and thought-provoking narratives that reside within its boundaries.
Three Creeks Confluence by Various Artists — 950 W. 1300 S.
How to get there: From Tanner Frames, continue west on 800 South until you reach the station at 800 S / 200 W. Board the 9 bus again, and ride 10 stops until you reach California Ave / 900 W. Exit the bus, then walk north on 900 West for one block until you see the bridges on your left.
Three Creeks Confluence is a serene and picturesque location where three waterways — Emigration Creek, Parley's Creek, and Red Butte Creek — converge. This natural meeting point showcases the harmonious merging of these distinct bodies of water. The bridges at Three Creeks Confluence feature features twenty unique panels designed by local artists to reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Three Creeks Confluence serves as a focal point in the community, hosting concerts, farmers markets, and other outdoor gatherings throughout the year.
International Peace Gardens — 1160 Dalton Ave S
How to get there: The Jordan River Parkway Trail runs between Three Creeks Confluence and the International Peace Gardens, about a 12-minute walk. Simply continue walking on the path after the bridges, and you’ll eventually end up at the International Peace Gardens. You can also board the 509 bus at 900 W / California Ave (across from Utah Community Action) and ride two stops to 900 W / Fayette Ave, then cross the street to reach the International Peace Gardens.
The International Peace Gardens is a captivating oasis that celebrates cultural diversity and promotes peace and harmony. One of two peace gardens in the nation, this beautifully landscaped garden showcases a collection of sculptures, monuments, and floral displays representing different nations from around the world.
Jordan River Current by Colette Hosmer — Jordan River Parkway, Gadsby Trailhead, 1223 W. North Temple St.
How to get there: There is no direct transit route between the International Peace Gardens and the Jordan River Gadsby Trailhead, but UTA provides a low-cost rideshare service for those in west Salt Lake City. Simply download the UTA On Demand app and input the Jordan River Gadsby Trailhead as your destination. Alternatively, use a bikeshare/scooter app to reserve an alternate form of transportation, and cruise along the Jordan River Parkway Trail until you reach the trailhead.
Conclude your art crawl at the Jordan River Gadsby Trailhead, where you'll find the mesmerizing Jordan River Current sculpture by Colette Hosmer. This stunning artwork consists of a series of 8-foot-tall trout sculptures, also located at other locations along the Jordan River Parkway Trail. Jordan River Current intertwines art and nature and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and appreciating the natural environment that surrounds us.
Thanks for participating in UTA’s art crawl! We hope this curated guide has provided you with a glimpse into the vibrant artistic landscape of Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas. Luckily, your exploration doesn't have to end here. For more information about local art and art along UTA stops, we invite you to visit saltlakearts.org. This valuable resource will keep you connected to the latest exhibitions, events, and opportunities to immerse yourself in the thriving arts community. Thank you for joining us on this art-filled expedition, and may your artistic adventures continue to inspire and uplift you.
