The Spiral Jetty, film, 36 minutes

The Spiral Jetty is a work of art created by American artist Robert Smithson in three parts: earthwork (1970), film (1970), and essay (1972). Hikmet Sidney Loe's new book includes a reprint of Smithson's essay "The Spiral Jetty," which becomes the basis for an exploration of the film (a transcription of which is also in the book) and earthwork. Loe will read passages from her book that provide information on Smithson's creation of each part of this monumental work, and then engage the audience in a Q&A after the film.

About the Presenter
Hikmet Sidney Loe is a writer and curator who teaches art history at Westminster College in Salt Lake City. Her work examines the changeable nature of the earth and addresses our perceptual and cultural constructs of the land. She frequently lectures and publishes on topics related to Utah’s earthworks. >> www.hikmetsidneyloe.com

The Spiral Jetty (1970)
Estate of Robert Smithson, Courtesy James Cohan Gallery, New York / Shanghai and Electronic Arts Intermix (EAI), New York.

The Coal Minority, film, 32 min

After years of digging coal to provide for their families, three single mothers struggle to maintain their financial independence as mines shut down nationwide. The Coal Minority follows Trudy Lund, a coal miner who was laid off in 2014. Trudy’s struggle to find a job in the disappearing coal industry is contextualized by the stories of two other female miners also disadvantaged by age, gender, and changes in the economic landscape.

About the Filmmaker
Helen is a documentary filmmaker based in Los Angeles. She values documentary for its power to promote equality, understanding, and human connection. In 2017, Helen graduated with honors from Brigham Young University with a B.A. in Media Arts Studies. There, she directed a capstone documentary, The Coal Minority, which examines the obstacles faced by female coal miners in Utah. The film was awarded “Best Documentary Short” at the Workers Unite! Film Festival in New York and was recently nominated for a Student Production Award by the Rocky Mountain Emmys. Since graduating, Helen has kept busy assisting various feature documentary productions and providing office support for the International Documentary Association. >> helenbutcher.com

Ghosts On The Mountain, film, 26 minutes

Ghosts On The Mountain examines the isolated lifestyle of H2A guest workers in the American West. The film's subjects leave family and native lands to work in the United States on H2A work visas, or no visas at all. Surrounded by breathtaking vistas, these workers find themselves in solitude and loneliness. This isolation is heightened by language barriers and the remoteness of the sheep’s pasture lands.

About the Filmmakers
Paper Hat Films is comprised of filmmakers Jared and Carly Jakins, and some of their closest friends. We are a group of filmmakers dedicated to intimate, genuine stories. We are passionate about everyday experiences, family, and education. We enjoy examining life at home (beautiful central Utah) and around the world. >> paperhatfilms.com

The Potter’s Meal, film, 28 minutes

The Potter’s Meal is a film about artist Joseph Bennion. The film played at The Sundance Film Festival and other national and international film festivals. The film is about Joe and his art, but it is more about his life and ideas about living that life. This film has been popular with potters and non-potters alike. This film was made in 1992. Official selection Sundance Film Festival 1993.

About the Filmmaker
Steve Olpin is a filmmaker and commercial director with a documentary, art and action sports background. His films have been screened and honored in national and international film festivals including the Sundance Film Festival. The Heartland Film Festival honored him as a visionary with the Crystal Heart Award for his documentary films The Potter’s Meal and In The Presence of Healers. His work explores passionate people. His feature length documentary “Nasty’s World” won Grand Prize at the 2003 X-Dance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. His most rewarding work to date is for the documentary series Turning Point, Steve has been director / director of photography on 12 half hour episodes. Steve has an ongoing video art project on Youtube called The Talking Fly. >> steve-olpin.squarespace.com