Cedar City

Cedar City Arts Council Invite All To August 18th Social

Featuring new talent, local classes and more

Cedar City Insider Staff

Cedar City Insider Staff

Aug 13, 2026

32 Comments

The Cedar City Arts Council stands as the heartbeat of Southern Utah’s artistic scene, rallying creators and community members alike to celebrate every brushstroke and musical note.

 

Every season brings a fresh opportunity for connection, and this summer is no exception as local residents eagerly anticipate the Council’s much-anticipated Social event, promising an evening of creativity and camaraderie.

 

Held at the welcoming Johnson Center, this gathering goes beyond simple enjoyment—it becomes a launchpad for new talent and collaborative projects.

 

The lineup proudly features Andrea Anderton, introducing the innovative Creative Focus Studio, which offers art classes cedar city residents have been craving.

 

If you’ve ever wanted to dabble in painting, sculpting, or mixed media, these workshops offer the chance to unlock hidden talents alongside other aspiring artists.

 

What sets this community apart is its dedication to hands-on learning, regardless of age or experience level.

 

Alongside these creative opportunities, recent recipients of mini-grants like Sara Hales have proven how a modest boost can spark a wave of musical enthusiasm in local classes.

 

Participants are not just learning melodies and rhythms—they’re developing skills that translate into academic and personal growth, a mission cherished by both educators and families throughout Cedar City.

 

Major local institutions, including Cedar City Music Arts and the Orchestra of Southern Utah, have joined forces with the Council to introduce their thrilling upcoming performances and highlight the city’s expanding cultural calendar.

 

Attendees can look forward to a dynamic set from the Southern Utah String Quartet, setting the tone for a night filled with energy and inspiration.

 

Another highlight arrives from Roger Gold, president of the Council, who will reveal details about the exciting new America250 art contest—a bold initiative inviting all ages to put their mark on Cedar City’s evolving story and compete for meaningful local prizes.

 

For those seeking even more immersive engagement, ongoing events such as Socials, the Final Friday Art Walks, and the active literary group offer plenty of options to get involved.

 

Mini-grants of up to $500 remain available, fueling creative projects and strengthening community ties—a resource any aspiring local artist or group should consider before the next application deadline.

 

As local revitalization surges, the presence of new galleries, classes, and events signals that Cedar City’s art scene is not just thriving but rapidly expanding.

 

Whether you want to join an art class, experience live music, or simply mingle with passionate creators, the cedar city arts council continues to offer a welcoming platform for all who value creative expression.

 

Everyone is truly welcome at the upcoming Social—expect refreshments, lively conversation, and a memorable celebration of community spirit.

 

Everyone is welcome to attend the Social. Refreshments will be served. You can find out more about the CCAC at cedarcityartscouncil.org

32 Comments

Join the conversation

  • SE
    Susan Eames· Aug 17, 5:50 PM

    The arts council really does so much for this community and I don't think people realize it.

  • TG
    Tyler Godfrey· Aug 17, 9:56 AM

    Nice to see Cedar City getting some cultural momentum. We've needed this for a long time.

  • PM
    Patty M.· Aug 17, 9:52 AM

    My neighbor mentioned this and now I'm dragging my whole friend group. The more the merrier right.

  • RS
    Ron Staples· Aug 15, 7:39 PM

    How often do these Socials happen? Would love to make it a regular thing on the calendar.

    • J
      jeff_cedar· Aug 17, 9:05 AM

      Ron StaplesFrom what I remember they do them a few times a year. Not monthly but pretty regular. Worth checking the arts council page to see if there's a schedule posted.

  • CH
    Claire Hutchins· Aug 15, 7:07 PM

    I've always wanted to try sculpting but felt too intimidated. Maybe this is finally the push I needed.

    • T
      TrishM.· Aug 17, 9:54 AM

      Claire HutchinsHonestly sculpting is way more approachable than it looks. I took a beginner class a couple years back and the instructor just lets you go at your own pace. Go for it!

  • MW
    Marcus Webb· Aug 15, 6:42 PM

    Good to see local institutions actually working together instead of competing. Cedar City Music Arts and the Council teaming up is a big deal.

    • P
      PattyLundgren· Aug 17, 3:09 AM

      Marcus WebbTotally agree. I feel like in smaller cities these groups sometimes end up stepping on each other's toes. Nice to see them actually pooling resources for once.

  • A
    amy_j· Aug 15, 5:19 PM

    I went to the last Social and it was low key one of my favorite nights this year. Highly recommend.

  • PR
    Phil R.· Aug 15, 1:45 PM

    Refreshments and live music? I'm there. Simple as that.

  • DC
    Donna Christensen· Aug 15, 12:34 PM

    The literary group is a hidden gem. Wish more people knew about it.

  • N
    nate_utah87· Aug 15, 12:17 PM

    Roger Gold always brings good energy to these events. Looking forward to hearing about the contest.

    • LP
      Lila Pearce· Aug 17, 4:22 AM

      nate_utah87The America250 contest sounds really interesting too. Curious what the age brackets look like and whether it's open to kids as well.

  • BL
    Beth Larson· Aug 15, 10:26 AM

    I love that they welcome all ages and experience levels. That's not always the case with art groups.

  • CV
    Carlos V.· Aug 15, 7:50 AM

    Does anyone know if the art classes at Creative Focus Studio are priced reasonably? That's usually the dealbreaker for me.

  • TR
    Tina Rowan· Aug 14, 2:40 AM

    Sara Hales and the music program work she's done with those kids is incredible. Well deserved recognition.

  • MS
    Mike Sorensen· Aug 14, 12:35 AM

    Cedar City's art scene has grown so much in the last few years. Proud to live here.

    • G
      gwen_suutah· Aug 14, 1:35 PM

      Mike SorensenIt really has. I moved here about four years ago and even since then the number of galleries and events has noticeably picked up. It's one of the things I love about this town.

  • J
    jenna_b· Aug 14, 12:07 AM

    Final Friday Art Walks are so underrated. If you haven't gone you really should.

  • PM
    Paul Merritt· Aug 13, 11:26 PM

    The America250 art contest sounds really cool. Wonder what kinds of entries they are looking for.

  • SO
    Sandra Oakes· Aug 13, 9:07 PM

    Wish these events got more advertising around town. I almost missed this one.

    • TW
      Tom Westover· Aug 14, 12:44 PM

      Sandra OakesSame, I only found out about this through a friend. They really could use some flyers at the library or the coffee shops downtown. Word of mouth only goes so far.

  • K
    kevin_cedar· Aug 13, 8:29 PM

    $500 mini grants are no joke for a local artist just starting out. Good to know those are still available.

  • RT
    Rachel Timmins· Aug 13, 8:11 PM

    My daughter took a mixed media class last year and it genuinely changed how she sees everything. More of this please.

  • GP
    Greg P.· Aug 13, 7:21 PM

    Really glad to see the Orchestra of Southern Utah getting more visibility. They deserve it.

  • MH
    Marcy Holden· Aug 13, 7:08 PM

    The Southern Utah String Quartet is fantastic live. That alone is worth showing up for.

    • DF
      Deanna Foulger· Aug 14, 12:59 AM

      Marcy HoldenRight? I saw them at the Final Friday walk last fall and they were incredible. People kept stopping mid-conversation just to listen.

  • D
    dave_slc· Aug 13, 6:39 PM

    Do you have to be a member of the arts council to attend or is it open to everyone?

    • K
      KarenBishop· Aug 14, 9:35 AM

      dave_slcArticle says everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served. Sounds like it's completely open to the public so no membership needed.

  • LF
    Lisa Fenton· Aug 13, 5:34 PM

    Andrea Anderton's Creative Focus Studio sounds amazing. I've been looking for an art class around here forever.

  • BK
    Brenda K.· Aug 13, 5:15 PM

    So excited for this! The Johnson Center is such a great spot for something like this.

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