By McKinsleigh Smith
Kevin Hoertig is a Provo-based professional artist, entrepreneur, and community advocate with a BA in Studio Oil Painting and a minor in Art History from BYU-I. Originally from California, he’s a self-described modern romanticist with a love of the natural unknown. He runs the Collective Underground in downtown Provo and regularly hosts art shows in the area.
To date, his work has been featured in over a dozen exhibitions in Utah, Idaho, and southern California. As part of Carval Art Group, he creates with fellow working artists Tyler Vance, Ena Ivanovic, and Joel Hedstrom. Their work explores themes of mysticism, folklore, and the human condition.
His next art show, entitled “Maker of Monsters,” is happening tonight in Provo. It will feature new pieces, a beautiful outdoor setting via The Hollow at Stutz Park, and music from Homestyle Dinner Rolls.
When asked why he decided to include live music, Hoertig said, “I believe you can’t fully embrace culture while only accepting one form or medium. I’m a painter, but I’ve always been an avid supporter and consumer of local music. While the fine arts can be very polarizing, misunderstood, or at times dull, the universal language of music can both help loosen an atmosphere and encourage interaction.”
And boy do Homestyle Dinner Rolls know how to loosen an atmosphere and encourage interaction. They wowed Provo Music Magazine writer Andy McFerren last winter with their “sometimes punk, sometimes post grunge, and other times emo sound.” McFerren was particularly fond of their lead singer’s voice and the spectacle they were able to put on as a trio.
“My main focus of any show is for attendees to enjoy themselves,” says Hoertig. “I want everyone from both in and outside of the art community to visit my show and leave with a staying memory. Whether they loved the artwork or hated it, I hope they had some interesting conversations, met some new people, and explored some unique perspective.”
“Maker of Monsters” is tonight, September 2, from 5-8 PM at The Hollow at Stutz Park in Provo, Utah. Make sure to follow Kevin on Instagram and check out “Standing By” from Homestyle Dinner Rolls below.