WEST BOUNTIFUL -- Faith and imagination are closer companions than some people think, especially in the moment when an artist's brush meets the canvas. At Repartee, the gallery that recently opened at The Commons at West Bountiful, both better and less well-known examples of such art are on display in a small but well-stocked space.

Though the gallery's most famous artists - James Christensen and Liz Lemon Swindle - are the biggest reasons to stop by, the rest of the collection provides a thoughtful, thematically complementary accompaniment. Local artists are welcome to see if their work can be included in the gallery, so long as the subjects continue to harmonize with those already displayed.

At first glance Swindle seems to be the most represented artist in the gallery, which also includes her cards as well as several prints and original work. The size of the gallery forces some work to be displayed higher or lower than at comfortable eye level, though the small paragraphs that offer insight or conversation about many of the paintings are fascinating.

Swindle's work is as expressive and emotional as always, and fans will enjoy the opportunity Repartee offers to compare subtle variations in her portrayals of people such as Jesus, Mary and Joseph Smith. None of her work displayed will disappoint, and thoughtful, quiet work like Swindle's portrayal of an unclean woman in "Trust In the Lord" might even become a new favorite.

Repartee advertises itself as Christensen's main gallery in the area, a fact that rewards those who venture inside with a wider variety of his work than can normally be found. Fanciful pieces such as "The Pelican King and the Prince" hang side-by-side with more religious work such as "The Widow's Mite," all exhibiting the artist's distinct color and high detail.

The rest of the work portrayed in the gallery touches on similar themes, including Sandra Rast's "My Presence Shall Be There" and Stephen Lyman's cliffside evening in "Warmed by the View." A more ominous note comes from Minerva Teichert's "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," a large, grey painting with the horsemen portrayed as misty figures heading straight towards the viewer.

The gallery even has a small collection of Christmas art currently on display, from the classic street scene in Dean Morrissey's "A Christmas Carol," to the almost impish Santa taking off in Scott Gustafson's "Up, Up and Away."

After all, Christmas is the perfect time of year for anyone looking for a little faith and imagination.



jwardell@davisclipper.com