Aaahh -- the delightful month of May! Birds return, flowers bloom, and fresh new art appears on the walls of Gallery Moab. Our artist-owned and operated cooperative is a colorful showcase for the talents of artists from Moab and the surrounding region, and a magnet for art enthusiasts.
Our Guest Artist this month is Lester Hixson, a mixed media artist from Grand Junction, Colorado. By trade a “faux painter” (decorative painting replicating the appearance of materials such as marble, wood or stone) and cabinet refinisher, Hixson describes himself a “newbie” as a fine art painter. He currently works in oil, acrylic and plaster. He calls his long and varied journey “A Life Shaped by Art and Service.”
Hixson was born in 1945 on the Modoc Indian reservation in Klamath Falls, Oregon and grew up surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest. He recalls, “From an early age, art became a profound source of joy and expression … The world of colors, textures, and forms ignited a lifelong passion, but the path ahead would require balancing this artistic calling with other duties.”
Hixson made the significant decision to enlist in the Marines in 1965 at the age of 20. He says, “The years in the military offered a different kind of challenge, building resilience and discipline. Yet, even in moments of quiet, thoughts would often drift back to the canvas, to the bold strokes that had once consumed the heart.”
He continues, “After completing military service, the pull toward art was undeniable. [He} dove into the world of commercial art, a field that blended creative vision with practicality. This experience opened the door to exciting new opportunities, and soon a bold new chapter began—an international journey that would take him to Venezuela. Here, he took on the role of art director and product designer at a ceramic plant, a position that allowed [him] to blend his artistic sensibility with innovation.”
While in Venezuela Hixson met “the love of his life, a partnership that has now lasted for over 38 years,” together raising two daughters and enjoying three grandchildren. All the while, art remained at the core of his life. He continued to experiment with various techniques, constantly exploring new ways to express the world’s beauty and complexity. He says, “Even as time passed, that same spark from childhood remained—bright and undimmed. Now, with decades of experience in both art and life, [he] continues to be driven by a singular truth: that creativity is not just a passion but a way of living, one that has shaped every chapter of his incredible journey.”
Meet Hixson and enjoy his work at a reception at Gallery Moab on Thursday, May 1, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Come mingle with other artists and art enthusiasts, and enjoy refreshments. While you’re here, peruse the variety of original fine art and artisan crafts we offer. It’s a great place to find a perfect gift or memento.
Open Sunday & Monday 12:00 – 3:00 p.m
Tuesday through Saturday 12:00 – 6:00 p.m
Call 435-220-0891 and we will gladly open by appointment during other hours.
We look forward to your visit!
Gallery Moab LCA • 59 South Main Street #1, Moab, Utah 84532 • 435-355-0024
gallerymoab.com
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