The Independent

The Sears Art Museum at Utah Tech University is inviting the community to experience a unique visual journey spanning thousands of miles. The current exhibition, titled From Red Rocks to Glaciers: Southern Utah and Alaska Through the Lens, explores the connections between two of the most monumental landscapes on the continent. Running through August 14, 2026, the show offers a rare opportunity to see how artists respond to the raw power of nature in vastly different climates.

At the heart of the exhibition is an evocative suite of Alaskan wilderness photographs by Tisa Zito. These images were born from Zito’s transformative solo journey through remote northern landscapes, documenting fleeting impressions of solitude, awe, and renewal. Her reflections on the physical endurance and silence required for such a journey inform the emotional core of the entire gallery.

Red Rocks and Glaciers Meet at the Sears Art Museum in St. George - The Independent | Southern Utah's #1 Source for Arts, Events & Entertainment The Sears Art Museum presents "From Red Rocks to Glaciers," a photography exhibition exploring the visual parallels between Southern Utah and the Alaskan wilderness.

A visit to the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City stretches far beyond the traditional evening performance. While the world-class productions on stage are exceptional, the true value for many visitors lies in the broader Festival Experience—a cultural getaway that expands a single night at the theatre into a multi-sensory journey. From play orientations and scholar-led seminars to the beloved outdoor performances, many of these engagement opportunities are included at no additional cost, making it easy to dive deep into the stories and the community.

A perfect day at the festival often begins well before the first curtain rises. Morning backstage tours offer a rare, intimate glimpse into production spaces, including the costume shop where artists work at the top of their craft to bring the season to life. For those who want to understand the intellectual side of the art, production seminars provide insider perspectives from directors, actors, and designers.

Beyond the Stage: Crafting Your Perfect Day at the Utah Shakespeare Festival - The Independent | Southern Utah's #1 Source for Arts, Events & Entertainment Discover the full "Festival Experience" in Cedar City with a day of backstage tours, scholar-led seminars, free outdoor performances, and timeless theatre.

Zion Vineyards is busy this July with bottling, creating blends, and irrigating the vines in anticipation of a high-quality 2026 harvest. The clusters of grapes currently on the vine are a promising indication of the good season to come.

For those looking to enjoy these local flavors, the vineyard has worked closely with Wood Ash Rye in St. George for the past year and a half to host monthly Wine Pairing Dinners. This month, the event takes place on Thursday, July 16, featuring a five-course meal paired with five selected wines. Interested guests can sign up online through OpenTable. Additional plans are already in the works for a Dining on Main event in September.

Artistic visitors can join the Paint and Sip event on Sunday, July 12, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Led by instructor Ash, participants can follow the day's subject or explore their own creative ideas while tasting fantastic wines. It is a perfect opportunity to bring friends or meet new ones in a relaxed setting.

Fine Wine and Creative Fun at Zion Vineyards in Leeds - The Independent | Southern Utah's #1 Source for Arts, Events & Entertainment Experience refined winemaking in Southern Utah this July with Zion Vineyards’ Paint and Sip, award-winning tastings, and a five-course pairing dinner.

Every month, "The Dish" explores the flavors and destinations that define the culinary landscape of Southern Utah. This month, the journey leads to the quiet beauty of Leeds for a visit to Zion Vineyards. Celebrating three years of growth in the region, this local winery is proving that the desert soil can produce truly refined and complex labels while honoring a regional winemaking history.

A visit to the vineyard reveals a deep dedication to the craft of viticulture and a passion for creating elevated culinary experiences. The winery operates with a perspective that views wine not just as a beverage, but as a central part of a well-lived life .

The Dish: Savoring Local Heritage and Community Spirit at Zion Vineyards - The Independent | Southern Utah's #1 Source for Arts, Events & Entertainment Experience the art of the vine at Zion Vineyards, featuring estate-grown labels, Harvest Hosts RV parking, and community harvest volunteering.