(Cedar City, UT) - On Saturday, June 30, 2012, Anne Weiler-Brown will take participants on the Timber Creek Overlook Trail in Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park. Anne, an acclaimed mixed media abstract expressionist, begins each art piece with hours of field work, painting in Plein Air (French expression for painting outdoors).

“Abstract painting must be rooted in elements of composition, color juxtaposition and values. I add an extra element of passion," she said.

Anne Weiler-Brown creates her mixed media abstract expressions in the shadows of Zion Canyon’s red cliffs of southern Utah. Substantial texture has been an integral part of Anne’s art since childhood, glue and rocks being her favorite combination.

Her artistic career began with the teachings from her Pottawatomie ancestors, resulting in handmade rawhide drums and totems with highly realistic animal paintings.

An avid traveler and tour guide, Anne photographs her subjects; her first step is to explore the spirit and appearance of the subject in a poetic way. Then with rich artistic value, the image is transformed onto canvas. Prior to her move from Laguna Beach, California, in 2004, she exhibited at the annual Sawdust Art Festival as well as nationally juried art shows. She is represented by SplitRock Fine Art, in St. George; LaFave Gallery in Zion Canyon; and LaChica Gallery in Las Vegas. Her works of art hang in many private and corporate collections, nationally and internationally. In addition, Anne teaches Plein Air painting with the Zion Canyon Field Institute and is the Western Regional Marketing Manager for Plein Air Magazine.

The final hike this summer will explore the wonders of the Summit Petroglyphs learning about now Native Americans used art to interpret their landscapes with Todd Prince on Saturday, July 14th.

SUMA Art Hikes are free and open to the entire community. All ages are welcome. Hikers will meet at Cedar City Main Street Park, east side (near main pavilion) at 9 am. Participants are welcome to bring their own art supplies. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Hikers need to provide: Own transportation, an adequate lunch, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, knapsack, a minimum one quart of water per person, rain jacket, personal first aid kit, sun screen protection, and layered, comfortable clothing (for any type of weather). Walking sticks and insect repellant are recommended but not required.

The SUMA Community Engagement Committee expresses appreciation to those individuals and organizations that have helped make the Art Hikes possible: Anne Smith, SUU Instructor, Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism (ORPT), Coordinator, Outdoor Education Series, the National Parks Service and the Cedar City and St. George offices of the Bureau of Land Management.

Detailed information can be obtained by calling (435) 586-5462.