AMERICAN LANDSCAPES

Southam Gallery in Salt Lake City stands as a beacon of artistic excellence; a gallery that has not only showcased stunning American landscapes but also nurtured the dreams of countless artists for more than four decades. This gallery is the result of the passion, determination, and resilience of Linda Southam and her daughter Kimberly, who, against all odds, have created a lasting impact on Utah’s art scene.

A Heritage of Artistry and Hard Work

For Linda, the love of art ran deep in her family. Growing up in Vernal, Utah, Linda was inspired by her father, a master saddle maker, and her grandmother, who infused beauty into everyday life. “My father made custom saddles, every part handcrafted,” Linda recalls. Her father’s commitment to perfection and her grandmother’s creative flair ignited Linda’s artistic passion early.

Linda’s journey wasn’t easy. She worked multiple jobs to support herself while pursuing her love for art. “I grew up in a family where if one person was working, everyone was working,” Linda says. This work ethic would later become the foundation for her success as an art gallery owner. 

At Weber State University, the University of Utah, and BYU, Linda’s passion for painting flourished, nurtured by the encouragement of influential art instructors such as Farrell Collet, Doug Snow, George Dibble, Earl Jones, Ken and A.D. Shaw, Bruce Smith, and Avard Fairbanks. This diverse mentorship helped Linda refine her artistic vision. "I took an art class every chance I got," Linda recalls. "In fact, Kimberly remembers attending classes with me at the University of Utah," perhaps laying the groundwork for Kimberly’s own future studies and degree in art history from the same institution.

A Leap of Faith: Opening Southam Gallery

In the early 1980s, after working for the federal government and spending seven years at an art gallery, Linda was prompted to consider starting her own gallery due to financial difficulties that put her job at risk. "It was a scary time," she recalls, but her belief in the value of art and the relationships she had built with artists gave her the courage to take the leap.

Many notable Western artists launched their careers at Southam Gallery — a veritable Who’s Who of exceptional Utah talent, including several Governor's Award winners whose work beautifully captures the essence of the region. Linda and Kimberly played a significant role in nurturing and supporting the careers of countless artists.

The Struggles Behind the Success

Running an art gallery, especially as a woman in the 1980s, was no easy feat. Linda and Kimberly emphasized the business side of art — a reality many overlook. "You can love art, but that doesn’t mean you can sell it," Kimberly explains. The pressure to sell was constant. “If the painting doesn’t sell, the artist doesn’t eat,” she says, highlighting the balance between passion and business that defines the art world.

Linda’s ability to connect with customers and understand their emotional connection to art became a gallery strength. “You have to convey your love of the art to them,” she says. Over the years, Southam Gallery became a hub for local artists, many of whom got their start there. Artists like Richard Boyer and Ken Baxter, whose works capture Utah’s beauty, owe much of their early success to Linda and Kimberly.

Supporting Artists Through Thick and Thin

The gallery’s commitment to supporting artists extends beyond just selling their work. Linda and Kimberly have built lasting relationships with the artists they represent, often acting as mentors and providing emotional support during tough times. "We’re not just gallery owners, we’re counselors," Kimberly says. She recounts countless instances where artists would bring in paintings, unsure of their value or talent, and Linda would spend hours encouraging and guiding them.

“One of our artists, A.D. Shaw, who’s now 91, once told me, ‘The paintings I listened to Linda about, they sold. The ones I didn’t are still in my studio,’” Kimberly shares with a smile. 

The American Landscape: A Timeless Love

Southam Gallery focuses on American landscapes, a subject that resonates with both Linda and Kimberly. "People in Utah and all over the country love the landscape. The Wasatch Mountains, Mount Olympus, the Red Rock — these are iconic places, inspiring both the artists and collectors," Kimberly explains. The gallery has sold hundreds of paintings of Utah’s natural beauty, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.

Linda’s passion for landscape painting stems from her deep appreciation for nature. “The light is the most important part of a painting,” she says, describing how skilled artists capture a scene through light and color. This ability to connect viewers to beloved landscapes has made Southam Gallery a favorite among collectors.

A Lasting Legacy in the Art Community

Southam Gallery’s impact on the local art scene cannot be overstated. For more than 40 years, Linda and Kimberly have provided a platform for emerging artists, helped establish Utah as a hub for landscape painting, and nurtured a community of collectors who appreciate the beauty of the American West.

But the journey hasn’t always been easy. The gallery has faced its share of hardships — economic downturns, personal health challenges, and the changing landscape of the art world. Despite these struggles, the Southam’s have never given up, driven by their love of art and their belief in its importance.

Today, as Southam Gallery continues its mission in Cottonwood Heights, Linda and Kimberly remain committed to the artists they represent and the collectors they serve. "We’re in this together," Kimberly says. "The artist can’t give up, and neither can we."