Mona Woolsey and Herb White have been experimenting and creating in Southern Utah for years.
“Oh, we don’t want to do that kind of math,” White said, recalling how long they have been creating.
Woolsey concluded that she’s been an artist the past 80 years, and White began around the time he was 18.
“When you go to college and study art, you don’t have to go to work as much,” said White.
Woolsey added, “It seems to have always been a part of what I like to do.”
White is into experimentation, claiming he doesn’t have a set art style but rather that he dabbles in various mediums and techniques. Woolsey on the other hand calls herself a slap-dash impressionist inspired by colors.
Woolsey has been in the Cedar City arts scene for most of her life. She and library director Steve Decker started the Cedar City library’s character sketch nights nine years ago.
Woolsey and White found each other when he began attending the library’s character sketch activities two years ago. When she saw White working, she knew she wanted to be able to draw like him. They officially introduced themselves and have been friends ever since.
“We discuss things, and he is so good at being able to show me something that I need like, ‘I need to put a warm color in there,’ although we couldn’t figure out what warm color it was,” Woolsey laughed. “It’s just good to have somebody who’s willing to help you and do it in a way that doesn’t make you feel stupid. Having somebody help you, and it feeling good — that’s amazing.”
While working with White, Woolsey has learned, “You can do any damn thing you want!”
White agreed, “You can. Mona’s good at breaking the rules, she doesn’t like rules.”
Woolsey emphasized how important the community she’s found in the arts scene is. Her favorite thing about local art is the people.
“It’s harder to go out in my studio when it’s just me and it’s just fun to have a buddy when you go do stuff,” shared Woolsey.
“She’s always game, if you call her up at any time and say, ‘You want to go paint or draw?’ She’ll be like, ‘Okay,’” added White.
The pair emphasized that creating together beats doing the dishes or “watching stupid TV.”
White stated that Woolsey’s name is synonymous with the arts scene and that people see her as the community artist.
“(The local arts scene) has changed immensely. Cedar has always had an arts interest, but I think there are so many more opportunities for people, people are making opportunities,” said Woolsey. “You can make it happen, and I feel really good about Cedar and what they do.”
To see more of their art work, visit the Kolob Gallery at 111 S Main St and attend Wednesday night character sketches at the Cedar City public library.
