Behunin began working with pottery as a freshman at Highland High. That experience began a 24-year-long dance with the clay that has taken Ben to exotic places, such as North Carolina, France, Switzerland, Germany, England, Italy, Austria and Hawaii in pursuit of his education and his passion. For the past 17 years, Ben has been making his living exclusively as a slinger of slime and a maker of mudpies. In 2009, after nearly 12 years of being a closet-writer, Ben published the first of his Niederbipp Trilogy, Remembering Isaac, the wise and joyful potter of Niederbipp. Later in 2009, came book two: Discovering Isaac. And the trilogy was completed with Becoming Isaac in 2010. Borrowing Fire was released December 2012. He is currently working on 47 other books that may be released sometime in the next 50 years if he can overcome his ADD. Ben is the father of two young budding potters, Isaac and Eve, ages 11 and 9. He and his wife Lynnette live in Salt Lake City, just inches away from his whimsically magical studio, Wild Rooster Artworks.
March 13 - Sarah Richards Samuelson
Samuelson is known as "the tulip lady" among her greatest fans. "I believe that flowers exist to beautify our world and bring us joy," says Samuelson. "The beauty of a flower is so amazing, yet so fleeting. My paintings are the way that I share the joy I feel from the beauty around me."
She continues, "After the tulips bloom, the other flowers, plants and trees begin to don their colors. They take their cue from the awakening tulips. Tulips are a sign of spring; they are a sign of rebirth. Their splendor begins the new season and encourages the rest of nature to join the celebration. Tulips are the beginning, the hope of things to come, and the reassurance there is indeed a God who loves us and provides for all our needs, leaving us uplifted and edified. Tulips are a significant reminder of rebirth, renewal, and hope of things to come. Red is the color which is a symbol of love, and even more specifically of the Savior's love. It is His blood which makes our own rebirth and renewal possible, and which gives us the greatest hope of all."
March 20 - Anne Oborn
Oborn is a traditional realist who accents her work with a sense of impressionism. A native of Pocatello, Idaho, she graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree from Idaho State University. Color harmony and quality of light are characteristics of her sensitive portraits, sunlit floras, and bravura landscapes. Honored by the authors, Oborn has illustrated three books: The Daffodil Principle, A Mother’s Love, and His Gift. She is a signature member of Oil Painter’s of America.
March 27 & 28 - Cristall Harper
A graduate of BYU with a BFA in painting, Harper became a full-time artist in 2008, and the demand for her work continues to grow. In addition to various private collectors, her most recent corporate collectors include Riverside Country Club and Zion’s Bank. Cristall was thrilled to paint the Young Women Values into tulips, and she hopes this painting, “Standing As A Witness”, brings joy to many girls and leaders in the Young Women program.