LOGAN – The local organizers of Summerfest have announced that Idaho painter Trent Gudmundsen has been selected as the featured artist for their upcoming 2025 arts faire.
“Gudmundsen’s work has been recognized with top awards on a national level, including by the American Impressionist Society, the Oil Painters of America and the National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society,” according to Shirlene Davis, the executive director of Summerfest.
Drawing artists and crafts men/women from throughout the Intermountain West, the highlight of the summer event is slated for June 12 to 14 at the Cache County Fairgrounds and Event Center.
Although Gudmundsen’s paintings of people, animals and landscapes are largely inspired by European and Soviet impressionists and realists, art critics have noted that his works nevertheless display a very contemporary approach.
The featured artist is noted for simplifying parts of his paintings down to graphic blocks of color that subdue and de-construct the backgrounds or subjects until they become almost dreamlike in quality.
“Through my journey as an artist,” Gudmundsen explains, “I have found that a painting is more than the subject itself. It is also more than the paint itself. It is a balance between the two, like letting the dancers and the music create a ballet.
“Each painting has its own personality,” he adds. “It’s exciting to watch it unfold. Many times the painting has its own ideas and I simply have to step out of the way and let it dictate, questioning nothing.”
A native of California, Gudmundsen grew up in a small Utah farm community where he began painting at age 14. He attended college on an art scholarship, but often found himself skipping classes to paint in nearby fields and canyons.
After leaving school, Gudmundsen’s potential was soon recognized by Southwest Art Magazine and later highlighted in a six-page feature spread in the same publication.
Davis says that Gudmundsen’s painting that will be displayed at Summerfest will seek to be ever-more accurate while also tantalizing the viewer with interesting edges and brushwork.
Now in its 41st year here in Logan, the Summerfest Arts Faire is expected to draw visual artists, musical groups and food vendors, as well as more than 60,000 collectors and visitors to the weekend event at the Cache County Fairgrounds and Event Center.
The Cache County Fairgrounds and Event Center is located at 490 South, 500 West in Logan.