The Springville Museum of Art is currently hosting a "delicious" new exhibit: "Wayne Thiebaud: 70 Years of Painting."

Thiebaud's 84 oil paintings in this exhibit feature some delicious desserts that look good enough to eat. In addition to his paintings of cake and sweets, which made him famous in the 1960s, visitors will get to view his newest works and lesser-known subjects. A selection of beach paintings will be on display for the first time. The paintings at this exhibit show the artist's progression and broad development over his 70-year career.

"Thiebaud's work is fun," said Nicole Romney, one of the co-curators of the exhibition. "His beachscapes depicting California beach culture are filled with fun in the sun cheerfulness. His art is uplifting, upbeat and has an overwhelmingly positive tone. Viewing his works makes you feel like you're having fun on a sunny beach."

Romney said this exhibition highlights Thiebaud's newest work. Some of his paintings were completed only last year. By exhibiting works that span from 1936 to 2007, viewers can get a feel for the comprehensive development of the artist. Thiebaud's art is unique in that it combines abstraction and reality in an age where many artists have completed deserted, representational art. His work has reopened the realm of representation for other artists to follow.

According to the museum's Web site, Thiebaud was raised in Long Beach, Calif., and is currently based in Sacramento. He lived in St. George for part of his childhood, and the happy influence of his early years is evident in his bright color palette and in the light and calming tone of his art.

"I think that this show has mass appeal because the subject matter is something that people find very accessible," said Jessica Wright, co-curator of the exhibit.

Wright said she thinks people will be drawn to the exhibit because the paintings contain familiar subject matter. Kids will be drawn to the paintings as well because they are equally familiar with candy and beaches, which are the focus of much of his work.

Wright went to Laguna Beach, Calif., to see "Two Kneeling Figures," a painting of two women kneeling with their hands on their hips in one-piece bathing suits. This piece struck her in particular, and she talked to another curator about it for 30 minutes. She said it is about shapes, colors and lines.

This exhibit will be up until July 27. For museum hours go to www.sma.nebo.edu. Admission is free.

Copyright Brigham Young University 1 Apr 2008