Name: "Wizard Behind the Solar Curtain," By Christopher Villarreal
Start: 2026-10-08
End: 2026-10-08

Visit Salt Lake

Salt Lake is the place where the Wasatch mountain peaks frame city streets. Sure, Salt Lake's famed for our winter powder ([four legendary ski resorts](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/skiing-snowboarding/) just 30 minutes from downtown), but that's just one season's story. Summer brings families [hiking through wildflower meadows](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/) before cooling off at a Jazz game or the Gateway fountains. Autumn paints our mountain canyons in gold, perfect for morning strolls that end at local coffee shops. Spring? That's when you might spot baby bison on Antelope Island before heading to the Eccles Theater for a Broadway show. Our soaring Wasatch Mountains rise dramatically from downtown Salt Lake, creating a place where every day offers both natural wonders and urban energy. And while we sit perfectly between the [national parks](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/state-national-parks/) with Yellowstone's geysers and Utah's red rock country, the real magic happens right here, where everyone can [discover the history](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/plan-your-visit/about-salt-lake/) of the city as they find their own rhythm between mountain adventure and city life.

Sports Salt Lake

Opening reception for "The Wizard Behind the Solar Curtain," inks, graphite, and brushes on Bristol paper/illustration board by Christopher Villareal. Exhibit runs from September 25–November 13.Artist's StatementI am an illustrator who, since childhood, has been fascinated with the world of creation and inspired by the Golden Age of illustration. As the years have gone by, I have learned the methods to further enhance my own abilities in creating these works of art. I am influenced by dark surrealism, fantasy, expressionism, and comics. My work explores the realms beyond this world and what may hide behind them, in a symbolic esoteric structure or in a fantastical nightmare. Mythology, astrology, alchemy, and the occult are centered at the core of my work. This is created through traditional methods, such as inks, graphite, and brushes on Bristol paper or illustration boards. My motivation is to open the minds of spectators to ponder the question: what else could really be out there? As well as inspiring other curious onlookers to pick up a pencil and start illustrating.Artist's BioChristopher Villarreal is an illustrator based in Salt Lake City, Utah, whose work explores the themes of mythology, symbolism, occultism, and astrology through a surrealist and fantastical environment. Born and raised in Ancon, Panama, Christopher started drawing his favorite comic characters, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, at a very early age. He has since been intrigued by the world of illustration and has developed the skills to further express the ideas that come to his mind. He is also invested in creating music. He currently plays in a local grindcore band called Crepusculum, which explores the idea of cryptids living among us. His dream is to create a comic where he'll be able to fully immerse the viewer into his world of dark fantasyThis calendar listing is brought to you by NowPlayingUtah.com, Utah's one-stop, online website for arts and entertainment events, powered by the Utah Cultural Alliance.

"Wizard Behind the Solar Curtain," By Christopher Villarreal

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