Biography
Anne Morgan-Jespersen began her professional career as an architect and designer. She has worked on both residential and corporate architectural projects and was part of the team responsible for the restoration of Utah’s Governor’s Mansion. Later she followed a natural inclination toward painting and visual art. She has exhibited extensively in Utah and has received many awards in both art and architecture including the prestigious Henry Adams Award for Excellence in Architecture. Her paintings belong to collections throughout the world.
Ms. Morgan-Jespersen has been a part-time resident of Helper, Utah for the past ten years. She is an integral part of the “Helper Artist’s Movement”, considered to be one of two of the most significant art movements to come out of the state of Utah in the last 50 years. This unique group of like-minded people has dedicated their lives to art. In the “hard scrabble” landscape of Carbon County they are carving their own place in Utah’s art history. “
Along with her daily studio time, Anne is working on a series of paintings entitled, “ Contemporary Women of Utah”. This series is a cross-section and a historical documentation of women’s lives in Utah from 2012-2024. The commitment to this long-term project provides an opportunity to view the changes in her work over time as well as an opportunity to share perspectives with other women and the community.
Artist’s Statement
In a tunnel under a freeway, there is a wall given to Helper Junior High students to tag and spray as they deem fit. Painted there is a statement, “Art expresses that cannot be explained”.
This statement was poignant to me because in my process, creating art is an intensely private and personal experience. It is difficult to describe, because it is neither confined solely to materials or techniques nor is it explained through language.
When I am completely absorbed in my work there is a sense of mystery, chance, hope and a feeling of transformation. These elements become part of the painting. They are the part that connects us with each other.
Professional Resume
Born: 1953, Salt Lake City, Utah
Education
1989 Masters of Architecture, The University of Utah
1974 Bachelors of Science, The University of Utah
Professional Experience
1985-1990 Architect Salt Lake City, Utah
1990-1994 Gensler & Associates San Francisco, California
1994-1996 Partner Max J. Smith and Associates Salt Lake City, Utah
1997-2003 Archetypes Plus Architect/Designer
2004-2017 amjworks. Artist/Designer
Selected Galleries and Exhibitions
1998-2017 Phillip’s Gallery Salt Lake City, Utah
2007 “Contours” Art Access Gallery, Salt Lake City, Utah
2008 The Springville Art Museum Spring Salon Springville, Utah
2009 The Salt Lake Art Center Salt Lake City, Utah
2010-2013 300 Plates Art Access Salt Lake City, Utah
2010-2013 The Springville Art Museum Spring Salon Springville, Utah
2010 Julie Nester Gallery Park City, Utah
2011 Art Access VSA of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah
2013-2014 UMOCA Salt Lake City, Utah
2014 CODA Gallery Palm Desert, California
2014 The Town Club Exhibition Salt Lake City, Utah
2015 Utah Images Salt Lake City, Utah
2014 The People’s Pet Project Wasatch advisors Salt Lake City, Utah
2016 Utah Women Artists Exhibition (AAUW) West Valley City
Awards, Publications and Commissions
1989 The Henry Adams Award for Excellence in Architecture
Awarded by the American Institute of Architects Salt Lake City, Utah
1994-1996 Governor’s Mansion Restoration Salt Lake City, Utah
2009 “Not Just Another Pretty Face” Salon Commission Salt Lake City, Utah
2010 The Park City Record “Face to Face” Park City, Utah
2010 The Salt Lake Tribune “Portraits of the Artists” Salt Lake City, Utah
2010 Portrait Commission Mr. James Cotton ”Superharp” Austin, Texas
2011 The Elegance of Decline Art Access Salt Lake City, Utah
2011 Portrait Commissions Jeff and Helen Cardon
2011 A Festival of Women’s Voices Salt Lake City, Utah
2011 Award of Merit: The Springville Museum of Art Springville Utah
2012 Award of Merit: The Springville Museum of Art Springville Utah
2014 The Governor’s Mansion Artists Series Award Salt Lake City, Utah
2014 The People’s Pet Project Wasatch advisors Salt Lake City, Utah
2014 Juror’s Award Springville Museum of Art Springville, Utah
2015 Zion’s First National Bank Commission St. George, Utah
2015 Honorable Mention: Utah Images Salt Lake City, Utah
2016 Honorable Mention: Utah Women Artists Exhibition West Valley City
2016 Portrait Commission Liz O. Interiors Salt Lake City, Utah
2016 Commission Nick Brown “Maynard’s Perspective” Banning, California
2017 Nest Exhibition Helper, Utah