Connect Finals
Join us at the 2024 Connect Finals at Urban Arts Gallery, an exciting art competition celebrating the creative talents of this year’s Connect participants while raising funds for the 2025 program. Winning artists will showcase one standout piece in hopes of claiming cash prizes, offering an opportunity for artists to shine and art lovers to connect and engage.
Connect is an inspiring and accessible program designed to celebrate the creative diversity of Utah’s residents. By bringing art to the forefront and creating opportunities for anyone to participate, it enhances the cultural landscape of the state and fosters a sense of unity and pride in the artistic spirit of Utah.
Event Highlights
Public Voting
All attendees can cast their votes for favorite artworks, adding to the excitement of the evening.
Cash Prizes for Artists
Attractive cash awards await the winners, selected through a combination of public votes and expert judging.
Exhibition
The winning artworks will be displayed in the Urban Arts Gallery throughout December and January 2025.
Networking
Meet fellow artists and enthusiasts, and explore creative connections.
Drawing & Silent Auction
Enter for a chance to win unique goods and prizes from local businesses.
Fundraising
Support the growth of the Connect program for 2025 and beyond.
H0w Connect Works
Each Connect location functions a little differently, but generally you can expect networking, professional development, a chance to critique and vote on others’ artwork.
Artists are encouraged to bring up to two pieces of artwork per event. Artwork can be any medium. Show up on time so you can sign in and set up before the activities begin.
Invite your family and friends. You don’t need to bring art to participate.
Networking and Collaboration
Artists have the opportunity to network, collaborate, and share ideas with fellow participants, fostering a sense of artistic camaraderie. This program is not only about art; it’s about building a stronger and more connected artistic community across the state.
Professional Guidance
Established artists and art educators provide guidance and support to budding artists who wish to refine their skills or gain insights into the art world. You can learn about the specific upcoming professional development opportunities by following Connect on social media.
Voting
Artists and patrons have the opportunity to vote on the artwork submitted in each event. Six artists are selected during every Connect. Winners have an opportunity to participate in the annual Connect Finals. This event offers the potential to win cash prizes and opportunities to participate in future events hosted by the Utah Arts Alliance.
Connect Finals Schedule
6PM Admission & Cocktail Hour
Explore the Connect Artists’ Showcase while enjoying drinks from Moab Brewery.
Purchase drink tickets at the front desk and mingle in a vibrant, creative atmosphere!
7PM Food Will Be Served
Enjoy delicious food while exploring the artwork in the Connect Finals exhibit.
7:30PM Artwork Discussion
Take a seat as artists share insights about their work! Each artist will have 40 seconds to discuss their piece.
For more details, be sure to read the bios accompanying their artwork.
8:30PM Voting Officially Opens
Voting is now open! Don’t miss the chance to join the silent auction featuring local art and goods or
enter the opportunity drawing for more exciting prizes.
9PM Voting Closes
Voting is now closed! While we tally the votes, we’ll announce winners from
the opportunity drawing and close the silent auction.
9:30PM Connect Winners Announced
Please take a seat as we announce the winners of Connect. Stay tuned for the big reveal!
10PM Connect Finals Ends
The Connect Finals have wrapped up for the year! Thank you for your support, and
we can’t wait to see you at our next Connect meetup in 2025!
Highlights from Last Year's Connect Finals
The Urban Arts Gallery is located in the Gateway Mall at 116 S Rio Grande St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Parking Options at The Gateway:
North Garage: Convenient access from both 400 West and 100 South. This garage offers easy entry to nearby spots like the Olympic Fountain, The Plaza, Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, The Depot, and other retailers on the north end of The Gateway.
South Garage: Also accessible from both 400 West and 100 South, this garage is closer to the Megaplex Theatres, Clark Planetarium, Wiseguys Comedy Club, and other shops on the south end.
Please note, there is a fee for parking in both the North and South garages.
Alternative Transportation: UTA / TRAX
For hassle-free access, UTA / TRAX is a great option! The Gateway is located in the UTA Free Fare Zone, making public transit easy and affordable.
TRAX: Take Route 701 or 704 to the Arena or Planetarium stops for direct access.
FrontRunner: Just two short blocks from the North Temple Station stop if you’re arriving by FrontRunner.
See you at the Connect Finals!
We want to thank our sponsors for making the Connect Finals possible!
Please take a moment to visit our sponsors’ websites and learn more about them.
ZAPisYou.org
SLC.gov
TheMoabBrewery.com
DrEricMcEntire.com
TranswestCU.com
DickBlick.com
GSEcclesFoundation.org
ArtsAndMuseums.utah.gov
DeeFoundation.org
Arts.gov
HashKitchen.com
MyCannaPlug.com
ChungasSLC.com
RicoBrand.com
NHMU.Utah.edu
Scheels.com
FlankerSLC.com
