EDITOR’S NOTE: For preview coverage of the 49th Utah Arts Festival, which runs June 19-22, The Utah Review is presenting individual or group profiles of artists, performers, entertainers and some newcomers to the event. Visitors will also see the first significant change of the last 15 years in the festival map. There are several new features this year: Voodoo Productions’ street theater will include roaming graffiti stilt walkers, contortionists and living master works of art. Salt Lake Acting Company will appear for the first time at the festival, offering a sample from its upcoming summer show, The Secret Lives of the Real Wives in the Salt Lake Hive. Urban Arts is offering its largest live graffiti mural installation, while a row of several other artists will be demonstrating their creative process in real time. For kids, as admission for those 12 and under will be free, there will be plenty of make-and-take art options in Frozen Spaces in the Art Yard. The City Library auditorium will be the home to the 22nd edition of the international Fear No Film program, with the strongest slate of narrative short films in the event’s history. Of course, dance, who wears the empress jewels in performing arts, will be represented by Repertory Dance Theatre, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Echoing Spirit Dancers and, of course, the ever-popular 1520 Arts, at The Round. For tickets and more information, see the Utah Arts Festival website.
GEARN STORYTELLING (June 21, 2-3 p.m., The Round)
Based in Salt Lake City, Gearn Storytelling organizes various events that are for private or intimate as well as corporate gatherings and public events such as the Utah Arts Festival.
TUR: How did you start?
GS: Gearn Storytelling was born out of a simple but urgent need: connection. In an increasingly disconnected world, we saw how stories could bridge the gaps between strangers, generations, and communities. What started as an intimate circle of voices sharing personal experiences quickly grew into a collective movement — rooted in the belief that storytelling isn’t just entertainment; it’s how we survive, heal, and find each other.
TUR: Who do you consider as role models, inspirations and influences in your events?
GS: We’re inspired first and foremost by the community — by the people who show up, speak up, and listen. Our greatest influences are the everyday storytellers: those who share openly, who connect over joy, grief, change, and growth.
TUR: If you were to encapsulate your program base into a simple phrase or tag, what would it be?
GS: Where stories become bridges.
TUR: What do you consider the most essential elements of your events with the audiences who have been coming to them?
GS: For us, the most essential element is authenticity. Whether spoken or sung, a story has to come from a real place — something lived, felt, or deeply understood. Audiences connect when they sense truth, vulnerability, and intention. We don’t aim for polish; we aim for presence. If a story makes someone feel seen, or opens a door to empathy, then it’s done its job. It’s about shared humanity — letting people hear something that reminds them they’re not alone.