J. Kirk Richards at the Covey Center

The Covey Center in downtown Provo is hosting a gallery of works by artist J. Kirk Richards. A Utah native, Richards studied art at BYU and was influenced by “the great Italian masters” Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rafael during his two-year LDS mission in Rome.

Richard’s work has been featured in collections across the nation, and some locations hold private collections of his work.  He also teaches art in the community and, according to his website, supports the idea that “great art is not made with a formula.”

The exhibit opened on Jan. 7 to a crowd of 400 to 500 people, which, according to Covey Center marketing director Danae Friel, was an unusually high number of attendees.

“This is the way a gallery opening ought to be,” said Deann Morin, assistant general manager of the Center, in a press release.

The exhibit features 15 of Richards’s oil paintings, as well as a series of plaster sculptures.  Most of the pieces focus on angelic figures, though there is a set of roadscape paintings titled “The Road Ahead.” In addition, there are four studies of Jesus Christ.

Though focused on spiritual themes, Richards’ work evokes strong feelings even in those not inclined toward the religious life.

If you would like to view some of his work to see what he is all about you can view it on his website at www.JKirkRichards.com

The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Richards’s works will be on display in the Eccles Gallery until Feb. 24.