Partners in the Arts, 2019
ST. GEORGE, UT – The Art Around the Corner (AAC) Foundation is pleased to honor Mayor Jon and Kristy Pike as Partners in the Arts for 2019. Together, the Pikes have had a significant impact on the arts in St. George. Mayor Pike is a longtime advocate for arts in the city, having served as chair of the St. George Arts Commission from 2003 to 2008. He is especially supportive of AAC activities, and personally assists whenever he can. Kristy was a member of what was first called the Dixie Arts Foundation (later becoming the AAC Foundation) from 2006 to 20012, and served as its chair from 2010-2011. She is currently the director of the Washington Country Children’s Justice Center.
Mayor Pike is a native Utahn, who grew up in Salt Lake City. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Utah, and an MBA from Westminster College. Jon has lived in St. George since 1995, and is currently the Regional Operations Director at SelectHealth, the health insurance division of Intermountain Healthcare. He credits his appointment to the St. George Arts Commission in 2000 with having launched his political career. In November of 2013, after having been a member of the St. George City Council since 2007, Jon was elected to his first term as Mayor. He has remained steadfast in his support of the arts throughout his years in office, helping to create a vibrant artistic and cultural community that is the envy of visitors from every part of the globe.
Kristy is also from Salt Lake City and attended the University of Utah. She earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in English, with an emphasis in Poetry. She initially worked as a technical writer, then in public relations. Following the births of the Pikes’ five children, Kristy launched a very successful career in freelance writing. As her children grew up, she devoted a considerable amount to time to volunteering where she saw a need, joining numerous boards. She remains passionate about the arts, and how art enhances the natural beauty of St. George.
“Jon and I both love this community so much,” Kristy noted. “Every morning when I drive to work, I look at the breathtaking scenery and think about the people I love, and I’m so grateful and feel so blessed! As much as I love the sculptures around town—and I do love them—the big payback for me during my service on Art Around the Corner was the time spent with the artists and other volunteers.”
Kristy and Mayor Jon look forward to St. George residents and visitors enjoying the new sculpture show, especially the new “Uptown” installations in the City Hall area. Jon commented, “Art Around the Corner is part of what makes our city such an amazing, desirable place!”
About Art Around the Corner
The Art Around the Corner Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arts, enriching the community, and bringing fine arts to the heart of historic St. George. The Foundation’s flagship project is the Art Around the corner Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit, a collection of sculptures from nationally renowned artists.
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Press Contact
Dawn McClain 702-860-2341
Organization Contact
Marilyn Kanas, Art Around the Corner
P.O Box 3328, St. George, UT 84771
435-319-4504; aacstgeorge@gmail.com
artaroundthcorner.org