Encircle Gallery: Art For The Community, By The Community
Art
The spacious Encircle gallery at 331 S. 600 East in Salt Lake City may seem like walking into any historic home that has been converted into a high-end art gallery and gathering space. Exquisite pieces in a variety of mediums made by talented artists adorn the walls, drawing visitors in and captivating their attention.
The SLC Encircle gallery is more than just another art gallery showcasing local talent. Encircle refers to the gallery as a “home” because the space is a unique intersection between art exhibition and LGBTQ+ advocacy. While the gallery and art is a major part of each home, the homes primarily serve as gathering spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and their family and friends as part of Encircle’s greater mission, which is to highlight and expand the perspective of LGBTQ+ art by creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ and allied artists.
Encircle currently has three “homes” that also serve as gallery spaces, with one each in Salt Lake City, Provo and St. George. A Heber home is expected to open in late April. Half of the proceeds from each art piece sold go to the artist while the other half goes to support the broader Encircle organization, a nonprofit aiming to bring people together by promoting LGBTQ+ artists in a safe and inviting environment. The art is all made by local artists that are in one way or another affiliated with Encircle and the LGBTQ+ community, either as members themselves or allies.
LGBTQ+ youth ages 12–25 can come to the home to find a safe and accepting space and participate in a variety of programs.
Art has always been a part of Encircle’s mission, and the gallery’s existence pays homage to John Williams, an inspirational figure behind Encircle’s creation. Executive Director Jordan Sgro explains that Williams, who was a successful entrepreneur and champion for social issues in the Salt Lake City area before his murder in 2016, was passionate about art. Part of the inspiration for art in all of the Encircle “homes” came from thinking about what Williams would do with the space.
Encircle originally held art sales a few times a year to raise money for its programs, which include therapy, support programs, art and music education, mental health services and more. The organization eventually decided that art should be available for purchase year-round and began curating unique art for each home.
The art ranges from watercolor to photography, mixed media and everything in between. Perhaps the most notable work in the Salt Lake gallery is Winged Dress, a 57.5” x 42.25” oil on panel work by J. Kirk Richards that depicts a rainbow angel’s wings coming off of an empty dress. In contrast to Richards’ abstract work, longtime Encircle artist Colby Sanford uses acrylics to create realistic depictions of humans and the raw emotion that they express in different situations. Other artists such as Megan Ah You and Annie Farley depict the serene and calming beauty of nature while Ascha Lorissa Rowley, the artist behind Spheres of Influenced, use mixed media to create ethereal, semi-abstract pieces rich in symbolism.
LGBTQ+ youth ages 12–25 can come to the home to find a safe and accepting space and participate in a variety of programs including therapy, friendship circles, support groups or even a place just to hang out. Each home has a full kitchen, several lounge areas, musical instruments and a fully stocked art room.
Art has always been a part of Encircle’s mission, and the gallery’s existence pays homage to John Williams, an inspirational figure behind Encircle’s creation.
Fane Harris, Encircle Salt Lake City’s Associate Home Director, says that the space is designed to mimic many of the elements of a home atmosphere in a physical sense and in the sense that the “home” is a place for people to receive affirmation and to learn how to provide and receive validation.
Encircle galleries continuously obtain new pieces. All of their current offerings can be found on their website, encirclegallery.org. In June, Encircle will celebrate the opening of their Heber home. For more information about Encircle and its programs, visit encircletogether.org.