Art in the Park 2025: A Celebration of Art, Music & Community in Full Bloom

Veterans Memorial Park came alive on Saturday, April 26, with sunshine, music, and an outpouring of creativity as hundreds gathered to celebrate Art in the Park 2025. Hosted by the Cultural Arts Society of West Jordan (CASWJ), this year’s event was our most vibrant yet — a joyful day where local artistry met community connection in the heart of spring.

A Day Painted with Sunshine, Color, and Creativity

With a gusty breeze and sunshine overhead, visitors were greeted by the scent of crispy chicken and wood-fired pizza from our local food vendors. Artists arrived early to set up their booths, while chalk artists got to work bringing color to the concrete. Throughout the day, their intricate designs evolved before our eyes, creating a living gallery underfoot.

Chalk artists turned bare concrete into stunning masterpieces. From bold portraits to whimsical creatures and colorful storytelling scenes, every square was a window into the artist’s imagination. Watching these works take shape throughout the day was a highlight for visitors of all ages.

A Showcase of Local Talent

With over 20 participating local artists, guests explored a wide range of mediums including pottery, watercolor, painting, photography, wood-turned items, and jewelry. Among the many highlights was Joy Curtis, who participated in her very first art show. Her graphite and ink pieces draw inspiration from Navajo culture, honoring her intercultural family and exploring themes of identity, heritage, and community connection. You can learn more about her work at joymariecurtis.com.

Also featured was Johnny Adolphson, whose large-format landscape photography transformed his booth into a serene and immersive exhibit, and Diane Martin, whose whimsical pottery and cheerful spirit brought smiles to visitors all day long.

Artist Joy Marie Curtis sits at her table wearing sunglasses and a tan blazer, smiling under her booth canopy. Framed ink illustrations and prints are displayed on the table and behind her, with an open grassy field stretching into the distance. — Joy Marie Curtis shared her intricate ink illustrations and detailed prints at Art in the Park, captivating visitors with her elegant, expressive artwork. Her booth offered a quiet space for thoughtful art and meaningful conversations.

Ceramic artist Diane Martin smiles in front of her booth, wearing a red apron over a lavender shirt. A display table holds handmade pottery mugs and clay figurines. Trees and other vendor tents are visible in the background at the outdoor art festival. — Ceramic artist Diane Martin brought warmth and charm to Art in the Park with her handmade pottery and clay figurines. Her whimsical work and welcoming spirit created a booth full of creativity, craftsmanship, and connection.

A white canopy tent displays large, vivid landscape photographs by Johnny Adolphson. Images of mountains, canyons, and wildflowers line the booth walls, while rolled prints and promotional items sit neatly below. Other art booths line the background under a sunny sky. — Johnny Adolphson’s booth showcased breathtaking fine art photography, with dramatic landscapes of Utah’s natural beauty—from glowing canyon walls to tranquil lakes. His vibrant prints drew in visitors with a sense of awe and appreciation for the outdoors.

A Stage Full of Sound and Spirit

The pavilion stage was full of energy and variety. Attendees of all ages enjoyed karaoke, followed by a beautifully sung program from the Mountain West Chorale, whose patriotic and uplifting repertoire drew a large, supportive crowd. The West Jordan Symphony’s wind quintet added a classical touch to the day, and the band Shilaylee brought the audience to life with their energetic Celtic and Scottish-inspired melodies. Their blend of flute, accordion, drums, bass, and guitar, combined with joyful vocals, made for a performance no one wanted to miss.

A close-up of choir members singing onstage under a pavilion. Dressed in black and white, they hold black folders and sing with visible expression and joy. — Mountain West Chorale sings with emotion and unity during their Art in the Park set, creating a powerful musical moment for all in attendance.

Five musicians pose with their instruments—flute, clarinet, oboe, French horn, and bassoon—under a wooden park pavilion. They smile for the camera following their outdoor performance. — A talented group of local woodwind players from West Jordan Symphony—featuring flute, clarinet, oboe, French horn, and bassoon—gather after their performance at Art in the Park, celebrating their shared love for chamber music.

Four musicians perform onstage under a wooden pavilion, playing upright bass, accordion, bodhrán, and guitar. Green trees and open lawn fill the background during a sunny outdoor concert. The band Shilaylee. — A folk ensemble, Shilaylee, fills the Veterans Memorial Park pavilion with lively acoustic sounds, featuring upright bass, accordion, Irish bodhrán, and guitar under the sunny May sky.

Family Fun, Flavor, and Musical Exploration

Visitors enjoyed lunch from The Cluck Truck, known for its crunchy chicken and flavorful sauces, and Umani Cocina, whose wood-fired pizzas were both aromatic and delicious. Despite the popularity of both vendors, lines moved quickly and the food was well worth the wait.

Two workers inside the Cluck Truck food truck hand a basket of food to a customer. The truck window is decorated with stickers, and a menu board lists chicken-themed dishes as the team serves with enthusiasm. — Cluck Truck served up crispy, flavorful chicken to a long line of hungry festival-goers, delivering fast, friendly service with a smile at Art in the Park.

A man wearing sunglasses works the counter of the Umani Cocina food truck while a woman and child wait at the window. The truck features modern branding with chalkboard menu art and a rustic display of condiments and drinks. — Guests lined up at Umani Cocina’s sleek black truck for a taste of their famous wood-fired pizza—served hot, fresh, and with serious style.

Children and families were drawn to booths throughout the park, including a hands-on music experience provided by Jordan Music School, where young visitors explored instruments and learned about lessons in violin, piano, guitar, voice, and more. Learn more at jordanmusicschool.com.

Looking Ahead

As Art in the Park continues to grow year by year, so does our vision for the future of arts in West Jordan. The Cultural Arts Society of West Jordan is currently raising funds to complete the stage lighting installation for the new Community Arts & Events Center. This critical infrastructure will ensure a high-quality experience for performers, audiences, and artists alike.➡️ Learn more or donate at wjarts.org/light-the-room.

Applications for Art in the Park 2026 will open soon, and we welcome both seasoned artists and first-timers to apply. Whether you're a professional or just beginning your creative journey, we believe sharing your art is one of the most powerful ways to affirm your passion and connect with your community.

To everyone who participated, attended, performed, or supported — thank you for making Art in the Park 2025 a day to remember. We can’t wait to see you again next spring!