This year’s Evening of the Arts, a fund-raising event sponsored by the Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, will be on Thursday, April 9, from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. at the Event Center by the Fairgrounds.  Admission is free to this event that provides an opportunity to see works of art by some of Oneida County’s outstanding artists, including Lloyd Bush and Katie Tapp.

Lloyd Bush (Turquoise Jewelry) 

Known for photography, Lloyd Bush will be displaying his turquoise jewelry.

Lloyd is known more for his photography than for his turquoise jewelry, but he has been designing and making turquoise jewelry for many years.  When teaching school in Battle Mountain, Nevada, he became friends with the owner of the largest turquoise mine in the world.  He already knew a lot about lapidary (turning rocks and gems into works of art) and had been a rockhound since college days.  While refining those skills, he took a silver smithing class at the community college in Battle Mountain so he could take the stones he had polished and create rings, bracelets, tie tacks, and necklaces.

Lloyd made small turquoise bracelets for his father, George Bush, to use as rewards in his math classes in Malad Junior High School; many students still treasure those keepsakes.

Lloyd grew up in Malad, graduating from Malad High School in 1960.  He has degrees from BYU (classical Greek), Johns Hopkins University (Egyptology), and Idaho State University (chemistry).  He worked at the University of Utah in the pharmacology and toxicology department. He moved back to Malad several years ago to care for his mother and now divides his time between Malad and Salt Lake, where his son and his family live. 

Katie Tapp (Acrylic Painting)

Katie Tapp’s acrylic painting will be featured at the Evening of the Arts.

Katie Tapp has won many blue ribbons for her acrylic paintings at the Oneida County Fair.  Inspired by her mother, who is also an artist, Katie started painting about ten years ago. Her favorite subjects are animals, barns, flowers, and religious scenes.

Katie grew up in Malad after her family moved here when she was a baby. She graduated from Malad High School in 2014. She was already working at Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital while studying for her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, which she earned last year. She now works in Long-Term Care at our Hospital.

Besides painting, Katie enjoys baking, experimenting with different makeup styles, and playing games with family and friends. 

Other artists who will display their works at this year’s Evening of the Arts are Lisa Willie (photography), Nathan Maughan (metal work), and Krystal Fonnesbeck (drawing and painting). Art by the 4th and 5th graders of Malad Elementary School and by the Malad Middle and High School art students will also be displayed.  Popcorn treats will be provided by Malad High School’s Culinary Arts students. The Malad High School Chamber Chorus will perform at the event.

Besides enjoying beautiful works of art, attendees will be able to bid on baskets donated by local businesses, organizations, and individuals.  Silent auctions will continue throughout the evening with tables closing every 15 minutes, beginning at 7:00.  The live auction will be at 7:15. Everyone is invited to come to bid on art works, restaurant coupons, household decor, vehicle accessories, gardening supplies, and other practical and unique items.  All proceeds from the auction will be used in the ongoing remodeling of patient rooms and the purchasing of equipment for our local Hospital.