November 24th, 2023

Written by Eileen Treasure, Manager

Aaron Memmott is our renowned cityscape painter and will be featured with Fred Calleri in our next show, “Alpine Attitude,” opening Friday, December 8 at Gallery MAR, Park City. Don’t miss your opportunity to meet both artists!

Aaron Memmott grew up between Connecticut and Northern California and draws inspiration from coastal towns and places in between. He received his BFA from University of Utah and his MFA from Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where he also taught. Memmott’s teaching skills took him to Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) in Georgia for three years before deciding to return to Utah to be a studio artist. He has found artistic friends and a comfortable home in the small community of Helper, Utah. Interestingly, Memmott’s grandfather worked on the railroad that runs through Helper — named for Soldier Summit on the North side of town that required ‘helper engines’ to push coal trains over the top towards Ogden, Utah. Memmott brings to life the vintage steam engines, still-life and Main Street, Park City as well as the rooftops of major cities.

“Sun-Drenched Daydreams” coming soon to Gallery MAR from Aaron Memmott depicts Main Street, Park City, one of his favorite scenes.

 

“Down the Line,” oil, 40″ x 32″ shows off the steam engine of yesteryear. Coal trains (circa 1880’s) needed a helper engine to scale Soldier Summit northward out of Helper, UT, Memmott’s hometown.

Memmott always wanted to be an artist. “When I was a kid, I loved cartoons, skateboarding and music, so I would copy characters like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny and skateboard graphics like gestures and skulls. Album cover artwork and illustrations also fascinated me. In high school I started to become serious about studying art and began to paint. I was lucky enough to have some very successful artists as encouraging teachers along the way.”

Memmott’s studio showing a rooftop scene of Helper, UT and two of his iconic still life studies. Who doesn’t remember peeling the lifesaver wrapping down to find the red ones?

Helper, UT, in central Utah, features 7 very fine art galleries and over 20 established artists who share ideas, studio space and friendship at the local pub.

Helper, Utah puts on an Arts Festival each August. The historic storefronts feature restored, original neon signs as well as seven art galleries.

 

One of Aaron Memmott’s oil paint palettes. Enjoy the blending and imagine the journey to the canvas.

 

Aaron Memmott in his home studio in Helper, Utah. Whether the Magnificent Mile of Chicago or bottles of High West Whiskey, Aaron has a gift for presenting subjects as artistic beauties.

 

Installation of one of Memmott’s Main Street scenes, “Park City Shelter.”

 

Another Main Street scene, “Winter Fresh (Crisp Day on Main)” adorns an entryway in Park City.

 

Three small Park City scenes in progress–McPolin Barn (top), Main Street (center) and High West Garage (bottom).

 

The McPolin Barn in Four Seasons makes a delightful grouping.

Mark your calendar for Friday, December 8 from 6-9 pm at Gallery MAR.  Come enjoy food, live music and two artists with new collections. “Alpine Attitude” features Aaron Memmott and Fred Calleri, and both artists will be in attendance. See you there!