## Salt Lake City’s Skyline Could Get a Dramatic Makeover: County Plots to Sell Historic Salt Palace
Imagine a bustling new downtown district, complete with vibrant entertainment venues, upscale dining, and a revitalized Salt Palace. This isn’t just a daydream, it’s a proposal brewing in Salt Lake City.
News broke recently that Salt Lake County is considering selling a portion of the iconic Salt Palace Convention Center to Smith Entertainment Group, the entertainment giant behind Vivint Arena and the Maverik Center. This move, part of a larger plan to create a dynamic new downtown area, has sparked a wave of excitement and debate. But what does this mean for the future of the Salt Palace, and for Salt Lake City as a whole?
Artists in Action: Capturing the Energy of the Game
On a typical game day, the concourse at the Delta Center is filled with frenetic energy. Fans rush by, on their way to grab food or a T-shirt before finding their seats. But at last week’s Jazz game against the Washington Wizards and Utah Hockey Club’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, fans had a chance to stumble upon something different: artists cordoned off in V-shaped areas, stationed in front of canvases, mixing paints on palettes with a sharp focus on their work.
The 16 artists – eight at the basketball game and eight at the hockey game – are part of “En Plein Air,” a sports and arts collaboration between the Smith Entertainment Group Foundation and The Blocks, the name given by Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County to a stretch of downtown that serves as the cultural core of Utah’s capital. The artists’ works are inspired by the teams, the game day atmosphere, and the creators’ own connections to the sports.
Profiles of the Participating Artists and Their Creative Processes
Denyse R Davis, an artist at the Jazz game, was painting an action shot of two players, one shooting a basket while the other attempted to block it. The final product was a vibrant exposition of color and brushwork, both part of her signature style.
Alethia Rodriguez, also known as Lunares, created a beaded piece inspired by her experience as a figure skater. She wanted to capture an image of what “hockey feels like.” That image is a rendition of skates mid-hockey stop – a move that allows players to quickly come to a stop and exude, as Lunares describes it, a “wave of snowflakes.”
Clinton Whiting, on the other hand, created outlines or sketches before getting to the arena. When he arrived at the basketball game, Whiting had to pivot his plans, changing his original idea for a black background to something more dynamic so the basketball team’s violet uniforms could stand out more.
Shaandiin Powell decided to freestyle her artwork. All she knew before starting was that she wanted to capture the experience of being at the game and essence of hockey culture. “I am very inspired by all of the experiences that I am going through,” she said. “I just wanted to come and take it all in.”
By the end of the first period of Thursday’s hockey game, Powell had come up with a coloring book outline of a hockey player, stick, puck, and the main jumbotron.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Creating Art in a Live Sports Setting
Creating art in a live sports setting comes with its own set of challenges. The artists had to adapt to the fast-paced environment, navigating the energy of the crowd and the pressure of creating something meaningful in a short amount of time.
Merinda Starnes, the program manager at The Blocks, said “en plein air” is French for “in the open air.” “In the open air, plein air, is really a way to captivate the environment [and] energy,” Starnes said. “It’s a live piece happening right in front of your eyes.”
Despite the challenges, the artists were able to rise to the occasion, producing vibrant and inspiring works that capture the essence of the game.
The Results: Vibrant Works Inspired by Sports and Culture
The artwork produced during the event is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. The pieces are a vibrant representation of the energy and excitement of the game, capturing the essence of the teams, the players, and the fans.
A Showcase of the Artwork Produced During the Event
The artwork will be on display and available for purchase this week, giving fans and art enthusiasts a chance to take a piece of the game home with them.
The event is not only a celebration of the artists and their work, but also a celebration of the cultural significance of the game.
The Impact of the Event on the Local Art Scene and Community Engagement
The event is a testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement. It brings together artists, athletes, and fans, creating a shared experience that transcends the game itself.
The event also highlights the importance of supporting local artists and the role they play in shaping the cultural identity of the city.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Salt Lake City’s Future
The “En Plein Air” event is not just a one-time collaboration between artists and athletes; it’s a sign of something bigger happening in Salt Lake City.
Economic and Cultural Implications: A New Era for Downtown Salt Lake City
The event is part of a larger effort to revitalize downtown Salt Lake City, creating a vibrant cultural core that attracts visitors and residents alike.
The potential economic benefits of the new district are significant, with new businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues opening up in the area.
The cultural significance of the district is also substantial, shaping the identity of the city and its people.
Challenges and Opportunities: Navigating Growth and Development
As Salt Lake City continues to grow and develop, there are challenges and opportunities that come with it.
The city must navigate the complexities of growth, balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.
However, the opportunities for collaboration and innovation are vast, creating a bright future for Salt Lake City.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed sale of a significant portion of the Salt Palace to Smith Entertainment Group marks a pivotal moment in Salt Lake County’s efforts to revitalize its downtown area. As outlined in the article, the deal would involve the county selling approximately 4.3 acres of the convention center’s property to the entertainment company, paving the way for a new downtown district featuring a hotel, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The move is expected to generate significant revenue for the county, while also enhancing the overall appeal of the area and attracting more visitors and businesses.
The implications of this deal extend far beyond the confines of the Salt Palace, however. It represents a bold step towards transforming Salt Lake City’s downtown into a thriving hub of activity, one that can compete with other major metropolitan areas in the region. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that its infrastructure and amenities keep pace. The proposed district has the potential to become a catalyst for further development, driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
As Salt Lake County moves forward with this proposal, it is crucial that stakeholders and community members remain engaged and invested in the process. The success of this project will depend on careful planning, collaboration, and a commitment to creating a vibrant and sustainable downtown area. As the city looks to the future, one thing is clear: the fate of the Salt Palace and the surrounding district will have a lasting impact on the character and trajectory of Salt Lake City. Will this deal mark the beginning of a new era of growth and prosperity, or will it fall short of its promise? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the future of Salt Lake City hangs in the balance.