Schedule
Our Vision
At WOW Women Out West Professional Artists of Utah, our vision is to be the leading organization in our region for promoting and celebrating the arts. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community that values creativity and artistic expression.
Presenter: Nancy Andruk Olson
Meet Nancy
On Thursday, we will enjoy a presentation by Nancy Andruk Olson. Known for her high-chroma palette and rich compositions, Nancy takes artistry a step further by handmaking her own watercolor paints — a craft that has earned admiration and use by other acclaimed artists like Al Rounds, Annie Poon, and Audrey Christensen.
Her one-of-a-kind paints have not only captured the hearts of fellow artists but have also drawn the eye of Anthropologie, who will soon carry her paints in their exclusive online collection.
Nancy was recently awarded Best of Show at the AAUW Art Show and showcased her process in a paint-making segment on Studio 5 earlier this March.
During her presentation, Nancy will share her inspiring journey as an artist and entrepreneur, talk about how she built meaningful business relationships, and offer us the rare chance to experiment with her handmade paints firsthand. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and create with one of the most innovative artreprenuers of today.
www.nancyandrukolson.com and www.brighterdaypigments.etsy.com
Tour of Julie Rogers' Art Studio
Tour of Julie Rogers' Studio
On Friday, we’ll tour the personal studio of Julie Rogers, one of Utah’s most beloved painters, known for her luminous depictions of pioneer life, motherhood, and spiritual themes. Raised in the ranching town of Goshen, Utah, Julie’s early life taught her hard work, faith, and a love of simplicity. Her artistic journey began in childhood and later flourished through formal study at Brigham Young University.
At 21, she served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Boise, Idaho—an experience that deepened her lifelong desire to serve others, which now continues through her art. Julie’s work captures the “light of the soul,” often reflecting tenderness, endurance, and hope. As a young mother, she painted her children dressed in pioneer clothing, using natural light to create timeless, heartfelt scenes.
In Julie's words, "I love to record the simple things people do each day and capture the emotion of the moment. I love to paint light as it dances around a subject, especially the human figure. It is my desire to not only paint the physical being, but the personality and sense of soul." Now a grandmother of 12, Julie continues to create artwork that uplifts, comforts, and connects the soul.
During the retreat, we’ll also have the special opportunity to paint on Julie’s private property, Dragonfly Ranch, surrounded by the serene beauty that inspires her.
Event Highlights
Historical Location
Each year the retreat is held at the Maynard Dixon’s property that includes a gallery, home, bunkhouse, and studio that provides a rich historical context for our event, inspiring artists to connect with the the scenery that inspired Maynard Dixon's art while creating their own contemporary work. Retreat goers are responsible to find their own accommodations nearby (see HERE for some options) but there are also options for camping on the property (Visit HERE for more info).
Art Making
Bring your art supplies! We offer a relaxed atmosphere for you to create the art that you want (does not have to be plein-air!) The landscapes of Mt. Carmel and surrounding area of Kanab offer a breathtaking backdrop, perfect for capturing the West's rugged beauty. Many artists enjoy plein-air painting at the retreat with previous opportunities to paint at Dragonfly Ranch, Journey Flower Farm, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and more!
Networking
Our retreat schedule includes times to meet up with other members. Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned professional, it's the perfect place to learn from one another. You might find yourself in an impromptu conversation about technique, business tips, or personal experiences navigating the art world. These peer-to-peer connections can spark new ideas and collaborations, as well as offer valuable support and advice from women who understand the unique challenges of being an artist.
Meals
We provide 2 meals during the retreat. This usually includes an outside lunch at the Maynard Dixon Home, and a dinner on the last night held near the Gallery. Every year, the artists rave about the menu! You are responsible for your other meals that can be spent out with your new friends from WOW at some of the yummy restaurants the area has to offer.