By Leah Cowdell, Taylorsville City

For sculptor Brad Taggart, the journey from clay to bronze is both technical and deeply personal. As he shapes figures by hand, he draws on years of teaching, mentorship and relationships with military families whose stories have influenced some of his most meaningful work.

Taggart shared that journey with Taylorsville residents as the featured presenter at Plaza +ART’s most recent Evening of Art, a community gathering designed to bring residents together through a shared appreciation of creativity and conversation.

“It was, as usual, a remarkable evening,” Mayor Kristie Overson said at a recent City Council meeting, reflecting on the opportunity for residents to interact with Taggart and other local artists at the Feb. 11 event.

Best known locally as the creator of the Veterans Memorial sculptures outside City Hall, Taggart spoke about the inspiration behind honoring service members and their families. When the memorial was installed in 2011, he described the project as a “dream come true,” explaining that it pays tribute to “people I know, students who have gone away to battle, friends of mine who have gone away to war.”

An arts professor at Snow College in Ephraim, Taggart has spent much of his career guiding students while continuing his own artistic practice. He told attendees at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center that he considers himself “first a student, next a professor and lastly a sculptor,” noting his belief in lifelong learning and his encouragement for students to remain curious and open to growth.

Mayor Overson said it was “delightful to listen to him talk about how the Veterans Memorial came about and where he’s been since, in his career.” She expressed appreciation for his dedication to teaching and his passion for helping students grow as artists and lifelong learners.

Community gatherings such as the Evening of Art, she said, create space not only to celebrate artists but also to reflect on the influence of art within the community.

In addition to Taggart’s presentation, guests enjoyed refreshments provided by Jodee Bitner of Baking Happiness. (Learn more about her work and order your own sweet treats online). Sculptor Dan Toone also generously donated three of his own art pieces for a raffle, with proceeds supporting the continued work of the Plaza +ART program.

The Evening of Art series is free to attend and held periodically throughout the year, offering residents opportunities to meet artists, learn about their work and experience the ways art fosters reflection and connection.

Additional Evening of Art events are scheduled for May 12 and Oct. 8. Be sure to follow Plaza +ART on Facebook for updates and details on future events.

“We are so appreciative of the Plaza +ART organizers and volunteers who continue to bring these meaningful experiences to our community,” Mayor Overson said. “Without a doubt, events like this strengthen Taylorsville by giving us wonderful moments to learn from one another and celebrate the talents that surround us.”