People in a Hard Land

Butch Cassidy didn’t spend his winters in the Bahamas and it’s probably not much of a viable option for most Uthans. The Mormon Trail didn’t stop on the east side of the Rockies. The Great Salt Lake will not quench the thirst of parched lips. Call it what you will, the High Desert Plateau, the Deseret Southwest, the Rocky Mountains, Utah is no friend to the traveler or the resident.

At the BYU Museum of Art you can see the trials the early settlers faced in a warm expansive enclosure. Admission is free, much less than the actual experience of those depicted in the artwork. Places to sit and relax are abundant and not quite as rocky as Maynard Dixon’s depictions.

There are multiple exhibits to view. Each has it’s own vibrant life. The “People in
a Hard Land” collection will only take 30 minutes to view at a leisurely pace. Make it the last on your trip through the MOA. The impression felt by the expressions in the art will offer a greater appreciation for the artists understanding and ability to represent the pioneers and expanse found in a hard and unforgiving land.

The cold bitter wind invites memories to return quickly upon leaving the museum. The Wasatch front is visible through bare trees. Time for a warm drink.