2000 Commission Award
Grazing cattle are a common sight in Summit County, and cows are important to the livelihood
of many in the County. It is with charm and talent that Jennie Olsen Phillips’ painting “Dinner
Time” presents a curious calf looking out at the world through a weatherworn wooden gate.
Jennie has provided much to examine in this painting. Attention is first engaged with the
inquisitive calf, then the details of the gate, and finally with the background. The aging gate is in
sharp contrast with the newness of the calf, just as the leaf bare tree in the background contrasts
with the new grass in the foreground.
Jennie Olsen Phillips was raised on a small farm in Bennion, Utah. She graduated from Kearns
High School, studied further at Dixie College and completed a degree in Art Education from
Brigham Young University. Jennie married Nolan Phillips, and together they started a family
in Taylorsville, Utah. While raising her three children, she progressed in her career as an art
teacher at Cyprus High School, Murray High School, and South Summit High School. Retired
since 2010, Jennie now is spending her time enjoying her family, friends, and her art.
