< PreviousSNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE | 2025 18 by Adam Larsen The visual arts have been a pillar of Snow College from its founding in 1888. Utah artist CCA Christensen is credited as the first art teacher at the College from circa 1896-1898. At that time, classes were held in the upper level of the original Snow College Academy in the Ephraim Co-op building, which now serves as the Alumni Center. Christensen’s log cabin studio still stands adjacent east of the Granary Art Center on Main Street and is utilized as a gallery space for contemporary artists. The next 80 years of art at Snow brought a rotating door of faculty, evolving art instruction, and an array of modernist movements. It wasn’t until the early 1970s that Snow College Visual Arts began to gain recognition as a destination for budding artists. In 1966, alumnus Osral Allred began teaching math and engineering classes at Snow College. As a true Renaissance man, he also had background in these areas. By the early 1970s, Allred had transitioned into teaching art full time. In the summer of 1974, he was joined by Carl Purcell, who had recently completed his MFA at BYU. Purcell had met Allred previously at an exhibition reception, and recalled admiring his drawing and watercolor work. This chance meeting led to Purcell’s hire and sparked a 25-year legacy of collaboration between the two men. During Allred and Purcell’s tenure, the department moved away from craft-type courses such as macrame, batik, and hook rug, as the department began strategizing a more effective arts curriculum with a focus on drawing and watercolor. Purcell recounted his early years of struggling to teach drawing: “Drawing is the seed for everything. Why are all of my students having the same problem? If I can draw, anybody can—I don’t have any talent.” He began to study brain research to better understand the drawing process: How does the eye receive visual stimuli? How does the brain interpret that information? How does the hand respond? Why do most students use symbols as visual shorthand? “Draw what you see, not what you think you see.” Snow College Visual Arts: Photo courtesy Carl Purcell Carl Purcell teaches a workshop during Summer Snow.2025 | SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE 19 The Enduring Thread of 50 Years These questions led Purcell to a philosophy of drawing based on shape, summarized by the principle: “Draw what you see, not what you think you see.” He attributes this research—and his collaborations with Allred—to the program’s success. Purcell later published two books sharing his breakthroughs in drawing and watercolor. During these years, art courses were taught in a repurposed one-story World War II barracks building from Topaz, Utah, relocated on campus years earlier—ironically— by Carl Purcell’s father. Located directly south of the Noyes building, the Art Barn became the creative nucleus of the visual arts on campus. Clad with local barnwood and an eclectic 1970s interior design sensibility, this space became adored by thousands of art students over the next three decades as the department grew into a destination for students interested in ceramics, drawing, jewelry making, painting, and other creative pursuits. In 1974, Allred and Purcell developed a summer program to supplement regular courses, introducing it as Summer Snow. The programing was initially designed to emphasize dynamic composition in drawing and watercolor. Summer Snow became an institution for hundreds of participants from the region, eager for a retreat to hone their craft. Purcell recalls, “I’ve had students tell me that they learned more from two weeks of Summer Snow than in all four years of art training at the university.” Allred and Purcell taught this program together, often inviting other watercolor painters to participate as visiting artists, until Allred’s retirement in December 2000. Allred taught one final Summer Snow workshop in 2013 shortly before he lost his battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and passed away in February 2014. Summer Snow expanded its studio offerings in the early 2000s. It continues today as a dynamic, focused, intensive visual arts workshop experience, bringing together hundreds of alumni, art Above, Osral Allred and Carl Purcell. Inset, C.C.A. Christensen is credited with being Snow College's first art professor. Below, Art profes- sors Carl Purcell and Osral Allred work on the mural they created for Snow's centennial celebration in 1988. Photos Courtesy of Adam Larsen Continued-Visual ArtsSNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE | 2025 20 educators, professional artists, and current students to experience new processes, enhance their skills, and network with other creative minds in a respite from their normal life each June. Carl Purcell retired from Snow College in May 2004 as Professor Emeritus and continues to teach drawing part-time for Snow College Visual Arts. He remains a sought- after and passionate watercolor instructor, teaching workshops around the world— from Zion National Park to the Scottish Highlands. He has consistently taught both weeks of Summer Snow every year since his retirement. At 81 years old, Purcell stands as the enduring thread that connects the last 50 years of Snow College Visual Arts. As he puts it, “Art keeps us alive.” The department was eventually relocated from the Art Barn to its current location in the Humanities and Arts building as Snow College Visual Arts continued to expand and evolve. Faculty additions diversified offerings into figurative studies, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and time-based media. The current faculty continue to build on the department’s rich heritage, carrying forward the vision of Allred, Purcell, and the early art teachers, while shaping its future through ongoing contributions as professional artists, curators, critics, and mentors. Today, Snow College Visual Arts has a reputation of being one of the finest programs in the region. The Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Visual Studies degree prepares students for successful transfer to senior institutions, fully prepared to articulate into competitive BFA programs, or to enter the creative industry. The rigorous AFA program fosters 25-30 students annually and the department generally supports 100+ declared art majors. A hybridized approach at learning, encouraging analog and digital tools and processes in the studio, has greatly enhanced how young artists respond to and create within the visual world. The department concurrently enriches the lives of hundreds of non- major students with robust contributions to General Education programing. Visual arts students are honed into dynamic problem solvers, project managers, and interdisciplinary thinkers. The department strives to cultivate a creative and robust student community and promotes the philosophy, and the title of the annual student art exhibition, Artists in Residence/ Works in Progress. Snow College Visual Arts continues to be a catalyst for career success. Graduates have pursued careers as animators, architects, graphic designers, freelance artists, industrial designers, photographers, and more, while many alumni are now educators in universities and schools across the country. This enduring success is rooted in 50 years of dedicated faculty contributions, adaptability to change, and a tradition of excellence that empowers students to envision their future and contribute to the creative industry. Inset, Carl Purcell teaches a workshop at Summer Snow in 2018. Above, Osral Allred at Summer Snow. Visual Arts Continued2025 | SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE 21 This Spring the Art Travel Seminar visited Paris, France, where students experienced historically significant works of art and Parisian culture first-hand. Highlights included celebrated and lesser-known masterpieces at the Louvre, Orsay, and Modern Art museums; the extravagant French Baroque interior of the Palace of Versailles; the exquisite stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle and the Basilica du Sacré- Cœur, and the breath-taking sight of the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral. "Pausing and talking with faculty during the Art Travel Seminar helped me remember why I am going to school. It helped me express what I really feel as an artist and human. It was a growing and bonding experience that I will never forget." — Cadience Manchego, Associate of Fine Arts student "My travel experience was elevated because I was with my peers, who genuinely loved and appreciated the art we had come to see. It was almost like a spiritual pilgrimage for us. I would encourage all art students to aspire to travel with fellow art students at some point in their education; the difference is unbelievably valuable." — Shelby Magnusson, Associate of Fine Arts student SNOW TRAVELS PARIS Snow College art students touring Notre Dame Cathederal in Paris. Photo by Kelly BrooksSNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE | 2025 22 This spring, ten students from Snow College had the opportunity to travel to Tunisia as part of a unique study abroad program. The course, Global Inquiry Abroad and Rural Entrepreneurship, combined classroom learning with real-world experience in a vibrant, international setting. Funded in part by an IDEAS grant, the trip gave students a chance to explore rural innovation while gaining a deeper understanding of global issues. The GRIT Center and the Center for Global Engagement collaborated on this high- impact experiential learning project. From visiting local businesses to engaging with the community, the experience offered lasting insights and unforgettable memories. Snow College students traveled to Rome, Italy, over spring break as part of a bioethics course. This opportunity coincided with the annual meeting of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Students engaged with world-renowned bioethicists on subjects ranging from discrimination in assistance-in-dying laws, the ethics of neural implant devices, and the role of religion in medical decision- making. Other activities included visits to an ancient temple dedicated to the Greek and Roman god Asclepius, a medieval hospital, and the Capuchin Crypt. After returning, students presented their projects at the Utah Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters conference and in forums across campus. SNOW TRAVELS TUNISIA ROME Photo by Gregory Wright Students toured Rome while studying bioethics.2025 | SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE The Snow College Psychology Program took 31 students to Denver to attend the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Conference this year. This is a tremendous opportunity for our students. Many of them presented their own original research – which is astounding at the freshmen and sophomore level. But even those not presenting had the opportunity to hear about new research and practice in psychology from some of the most prominent people in the field. Students were able to network with other students and faculty from their prospective schools, and even be recruited by graduate programs. During Spring Break, Snow College students left freezing Utah temperatures behind to embark on a week- long cruise to Mexico for the Business Travel Seminar, led by President McIff. These global Badgers witnessed the La Bufadora geyser, explored Mexican street markets, and experienced the beautiful views on Catalina Island. While on the cruise ship, the students enjoyed delicious 3-course meals; participated in activities like karaoke, rock climbing, silent dance parties, and volleyball; went on a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship; and spent time in the pools, hot tubs, and water slides. All this while learning about human resources, operations and supply chain management, marketing, and many more business principles. MEXICO DENVER Photos courtesy of UniGlobal Photo by Nick Marsing Photo courtesy of Alexis McIff Students visiting Tunisia learned about Rural Entrepreneurship. Psychology students present and learn at national conference. Students aboard the Business Travel Seminar cruise.SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE | 2025 by Heidi Stringham and Becky Callister On April 10, the Sevier Valley Center became a hub of celebration and inspiration as it hosted the third annual Technical Education Scholarship Award Night. This noteworthy event was designed specifically to engage high school seniors who may not see themselves pursuing post-secondary education or training after graduation. With a mission to illuminate pathways and opportunities, the evening underscored the crucial partnerships between educational institutions and industries in fostering the next generation of skilled professionals. This year, 57 deserving students were awarded $1,000 scholarships. Of those recipients, 42 were in attendance and were recognized for their hard-working spirit and commitment to their futures. The event boasted an attendance of approximately 230 guests—ranging from students and their families to educators, administrators, and various representatives from industry partners. Vice President of Technical Education and Workforce Development Jay Olsen opened the evening with heartfelt congratulations, emphasizing the achievements of the recipients and the importance of technical education. Snow College President Stacee Yardley McIff further inspired the attendees by sharing uplifting insights about the vast possibilities that lie ahead for these aspiring students. An exciting aspect of the evening was the career-pathway displays, where instructors from Snow College collaborated with their industry partners to showcase the careers and training opportunities available to students through the college and local businesses. These interactive displays provided attendees with valuable insights into various career paths, allowing students to visualize their futures and understand how they could fit into the workforce. The evening saw an impressive representation from 11 out of 12 high schools in the central Utah Region, including Tintic, Juab, Delta, Millard, North Sanpete, Manti, Gunnison, North Sevier, Richfield, South Sevier, and Piute. This diverse attendance highlighted the program's reach and the collective effort to support students from all backgrounds. A significant factor in this successful collaboration is the strong partnership between K-12 education systems, Snow College, and local industries. This year’s event was supported by well-respected industry partners, such as Bar M Towing, Fierce Firearms, Christensen Arms, Design Line Tool, and Wolverine Fuels. Their active involvement provided not only financial assistance but also valuable mentorship and networking opportunities, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment. Reflecting on the evening, Lori Miller, the Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Manti and Gunnison Valley High Schools, shared her thoughts: "The whole evening was so incredible, and I was totally impressed with the quality of everything—from the industry partners to the great food. Making the students feel truly special was the highlight." The Technical Education Scholarship Award Night is more than just an award ceremony; it represents a vision where students recognize their potential and are empowered to carve their futures through education, training, and valuable community support. As this collaboration continues to grow, it promises to inspire countless students to pursue their dreams with confidence and opportunity at their fingertips. Empowering Futures: Celebrating Technical Education2025 | SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE 25 Technical education students get hands-on experience. Photos by Tyler SmithSNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE | 2025 26 Friday, October 10, 2025 Richfield Fall Festival Time: 4:00-9:00 PM Location: Richfield Main Street (200 North – 100 South) Join us for the Richfield Fall Festival, a beloved annual tradition celebrating community spirit and alumni connections! This festive gathering, held in partnership with Snow College, Richfield City, Sevier County, and the Chamber of Commerce, invites all alumni to revel in a day filled with fun, food, and family-friendly activities. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with local vendors, live music, games, and delicious seasonal treats. Reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and embrace the warmth of our Snow College family in Richfield! Snow College Legacy Banquet Time: 7:00 PM Location: Founders Hall, Noyes Building (Ephraim Campus) Gather with fellow Badgers and community members for an elegant evening honoring distinguished alumni through prestigious awards, inspiring stories, and a formal dinner open to all who cherish Snow College's legacy. RSVP required via the QR code or snow.edu/homecoming. Women's Volleyball vs. North Idaho College Time: 6:00 PM Location: Horne Activity Center (Ephraim Campus) Cheer on the Snow College women’s volleyball team as they face North Idaho College in an exciting SWAC match. Watch live, follow stats, and show your Badger pride! Snow College Homecoming 2025: Homecoming 2024 Photos courtesy of Creative Bend2025 | SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE 27 Saturday, October 11, 2025 Golden Badger Reunion 50+ Years Graduated Time: 12:00 PM Location: Founders Hall, Noyes Building (Ephraim Campus) Join Golden Badgers, their families, and the broader community in a heartfelt reunion to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate enduring contributions to Snow College. RSVP required via the QR code or snow.edu/ homecoming. Women's Volleyball vs. College of Southern Idaho Time: 1:00 PM Location: Horne Activity Center (Ephraim Campus) Support the Snow College women’s volleyball team in a thrilling SWAC matchup against the College of Southern Idaho. Join the community to rally behind our Badgers! Homecoming Parade Time: 4:00 PM Location: Around the Ephraim Campus Block Experience the energy of Snow College spirit as floats, bands, and participants from across the community parade through campus, inviting everyone to cheer and join the festivities. Tailgate Party: “Bring Back the Badgers” Time: 5:00 PM Location: Practice Field (West of Football Stadium) Kick off the evening with food, music, and fun for all ages— alumni, students, families, and community members uniting in camaraderie before the big game. Football Game vs. Iowa Western Community College Time: 7:00 PM Location: Terry Foote Stadium (Ephraim, Utah) Rally together under the lights to support the Snow College Badgers as they face Iowa Western Community College in an exciting matchup. Live stats available; join the community to create unforgettable memories! A Celebration of Badger Pride October 10-11, 2025 Tailgate party, Homecoming 2024 RECONNECT AND CELEBRATE WITH BADGER PRIDE! We can’t wait to welcome you to Snow College for Homecoming 2025. Let’s make this a weekend to remember! Join us for an exciting weekend filled with connection, celebration, and Snow College spirit! Alumni, students, families, and community members are all invited to come together in a vibrant celebration of our shared Badger pride. Check out the schedule below and start planning your visit! RSVP for the Legacy Banquet and Golden Badger Reunion is required. Secure your spot by scanning the QR code or visiting snow.edu/homecoming2025.Next >