Erica Thurston Art

My Story

I grew up the child of a Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist.  It was such a gift to be raised with an appreciation for artistic principles and have a dad who encouraged me, critiqued my work, and made sure I was exposed to art wherever we went.

I started creating while living in the Dominican Republic.  The vibrant landscapes, animals, and beloved tropical people caught my imagination, and I began learning how to capture the beauty of the island and its people in acrylic and oil paintings.

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When I returned to the US, I expanded into other mediums.  I began by learning watercolor painting with Harold Peterson and moved to full-time study with Jeff Hein and William Whitaker, focusing on graphite and charcoal drawing.  I also pursued my artistic education under Jo Ann Musser, Steve Parsons, Beaux-Arts Academy and the Salt Lake Community College focusing on oil painting. Currently, I am learning how to combine watercolors and pastels.

My art has been displayed at the Zion’s Art show, Window Box Gallery, Lorem Ipson Gallery, Timpanogos Art Foundation show, and Inspirational Art Association exhibition, in Utah. The painting titled Empowered received The President's Award at Salt Lake Community College.

In addition to being a creator, I believe deeply in using art to inspire and connect people of different backgrounds, ages, and languages.  I volunteer as much as possible in the local art community.

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This includes:

• Creating and managing the Magic on Canvas interactive art exhibition through the Riverton Arts Council.

• Working as the Events Manager for the Alliance of Covenant Artists.

• Managing an exhibition at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

• Assisting in the organization of a workshop and paint-off for local artists at Thanksgiving Point.

• Assisting with sales at the IIlume, Authentic, and Mission galleries in St. George, Utah for an art festival.

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I deeply believe that community art programs and exhibitions strengthen us socially, educationally, and economically.

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I am also dedicated to working with youth, both in their artistic growth and mental/social development. 

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I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified in art therapy and owner of Creative Counseling Services.  At CCS, we use art to establish rapport and connection with our clients, promote emotional well-being, and learn coping skills.  We employ clay, watercolors, jewelry making, and sand play.  Art therapy helps to express emotions, find solutions, and assist with healing from trauma in a tactile and creative way.

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In addition to my therapy work, I volunteer teaching art to foreign exchange students through Utah Global Diplomacy, at local public schools, and at a shelter for abused woman and children.  I run a yearly art camp for children in my home studio and have an open-door policy towards neighborhood children who want help on school projects or just a place to create.

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Art is one of the purest elements of human expression and joy. It has been, and will continue to be, part of my life journey.   I deeply value the enrichment, service, and self-expression found in the creative life.

Inspirational Works: 

Boyd K. Packer, The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord Ensign, August 1976.

Herman Du Toit, Masters of Light, Cedar Fork, Inc., 2016.

Spencer W. Kimball, The Gospel Vision of the Arts, Ensign, 1978.

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