The Holladay Arts Council has selected Daniel Christenson to receive the honor of Holladay Artist of the Month for July, an acknowledgment of his artistic and creative ability in visual art.

An Olympus High School Titan, Christenson studied graphic design and completed three advanced placement classes in his junior year. This fall, he will continue with a full academic schedule of AP classes, working toward the Opportunity Scholarship. This statewide, achievement-based program supports his focus on making either Brigham Young University or Utah State University more accessible. His goal is to use his artistic talent and creative ability to complete a degree in mechanical engineering.

Christenson began studying art at the age of 8 from Holladay resident and master artist Sydney Bowman. Like Bowman, he finds artistic success in visualizing and painting from his unique perspective. He knows he has met with success when the viewer makes a sensory connection with his art through color, technique and composition. 

“I find peace in the artistic process,” Christenson said. “After school, one of my favorite things to do is to paint in my sister’s art studio. It’s a great way to relax and unwind from the day.” 

The subtle tints and shades of watercolor and the vibrant hues of acrylic are Christenson’s favorite artistic mediums when painting landscapes, portraits or animals. But often, he can be found at his dad’s side, a chemical engineer, restoring an old jeep, building desks and chairs, or learning how to care for and maintain a car.

“One of my favorite things I’ve worked on with my dad is restoring a jeep that had caught on fire,” Christenson said. “My dad and my family are a huge inspiration to me. All my siblings are artists who always support and encourage me.” 

Although he can be found competing at the state level on the Olympus High School mountain bike team and track team, wake surfing at Bear Lake with family and friends is Christenson’s favorite pastime. 

“I’ve hiked Mount Olympus, Coyote Gulch, the West Rim at Zions, and I’ve completed hikes in several other areas,” Christenson said. “The thing I enjoy most is spending time with my family boating and wake surfing—but also, I like just hanging out with my friends.” 

For the last three years, during the summer months, Christenson can be found mowing several lawns in the area. Deciding he was in need of some extra cash, he created fliers, went door to door to hand them out, and began to build what is now a successful lawn care business known locally for providing an immaculate cut and trim with every mow. 

After high school graduation, Christenson plans to serve a two-year church mission. When he returns home, he looks forward to continuing to pursue his creative goals in engineering. 

Christenson’s debut fine arts exhibit will be on display at Holladay City Hall through July.

To nominate a Holladay resident for Artist of the Month, visit
www.holladayarts.org/suggest-an-artist. λ