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